Pakistan last won a Test series in England 1996 under Wasim Akram's captaincy.
Rajasthan Royals finished fourth in IPL 2018, losing out in eliminator 1 against KKR.
The signs were there for KXIP to see— first IPL title— but were not to be.
With less than three weeks to the one-off Test, let us have a read into what are the talking points from the clash between historically intertwined nations.
One may not give Pakistan a definite chance against a formidable yet bruised-and-battered England side after the 2017-18 Ashes, but be sure to see the cornered tigers roar when the action starts at Lord's.
Spectators have been treated with 814 sixes, 597 wickets, celebrations, last-over/ball thrillers, heartaches and most importantly hard-fought cricket. However, many have been left unimpressed with the ongoing 2018 tournament, which is nearing its conclusion.
Smith might not have been the most-welcomed man in the side after his ball-tampering scandal, but his merits as a player and captain is definitely being missed.
One can only hope that India, as a nation, support her less privileged sports stars to the same extent as they laud cricketers, forever the crème de la crème of Indian sporting scene.
It will be interesting to see whether political parties continue to keep their vigil thought-out the year to make any impact, or just be another brick in the wall of many protests during IPL for publicity motive.
Shane Warne's flamboyance will join hands with Ajinkya Rahane’s calmness to devise a road map for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2018 without Steven Smith.
