Pakistan tour of England have witnessed high voltage contests. If the 2006 series was marred due to the ball-tampering controversy, the 2010 tour saw the spot-fixing scandal. In 2016, Pakistan came close to a series win in England. The result was 2-2 and Pakistan managed to be the No.1 Test side for a while. A win or draw at Leeds will ensure a Pakistan series win in England after 22 years. Pakistan won the Lord’s Test handsomely last week by 9 wickets.

Ahead of the second Test, Mohammad Aamer said that winning a series in England will be the most memorable moment in his life. However, England will do whatever it takes to prevent a defeat. Alastair Cook warned that careers may be in line if England do not reverse the tides.

Let us have a look at the some of the top players from both sides ahead of the mega clash.

Less than two years back, Azhar Ali slammed a hundred against England at Birmingham. His record in England isn't as good as he would have liked. Being an experienced campaigner Azhar will want to lead Pakistan's batting unit in this all-important Test Getty Images
Less than two years back, Azhar Ali slammed a hundred against England at Birmingham. His record in England isn’t as good as he would have liked. Being an experienced campaigner Azhar will want to lead Pakistan’s batting unit in this all-important Test Getty Images

Pakistan have this knack of producing quality pacer. Mohammad Abbas is another prodigious talent, who has had a rollicking start to his Test career. He has 40 wickets from 7 Tests at 16.62. His match tally of 8 wickets won him the Man of the Match at Lord's. Abbars would like to continue his date with form Getty Images
Pakistan have this knack of producing quality pacer. Mohammad Abbas is another prodigious talent, who has had a rollicking start to his Test career. He has 40 wickets from 7 Tests at 16.62. His match tally of 8 wickets won him the Man of the Match at Lord’s. Abbars would like to continue his date with form Getty Images

Mohammad Aamer has seen some of his best days and darkest days in England. Locked in a prison, he spent torrid times as a young man. The leader of the bowlers' pack, Aamer will look forward to turn the circle full in England Getty Images
Mohammad Aamer has seen some of his best days and darkest days in England. Locked in a prison, he spent torrid times as a young man. The leader of the bowlers’ pack, Aamer will look forward to turn the circle full in England Getty Images

Alastair Cook is set to break Allan Border's record of most consecutive Test appearances as he is set to play his 154th Test on trot. Cook is the most experienced campaigner in the English camp. He may not have scored 100 runs from his last 6 innings but cricket knows his appetite for runs. If he gets going, there's no stopping England Getty Images
Alastair Cook is set to break Allan Border’s record of most consecutive Test appearances as he is set to play his 154th Test on trot. Cook is the most experienced campaigner in the English camp. He may not have scored 100 runs from his last 6 innings but cricket knows his appetite for runs. If he gets going, there’s no stopping England Getty Images

Joe Root scored a delightful double ton against Pakistan at Manchester, in 2016. The English captain is amongst the finest batters in the world. His going good can mark England's recovery Getty Images
Joe Root scored a delightful double ton against Pakistan at Manchester, in 2016. The English captain is amongst the finest batters in the world. His going good can mark England’s recovery Getty Images

James Anderson had a brilliant 2017. England's most successful bowler will need to stand up in their hour of crisis as they desperately seek revival at Leeds AFP
James Anderson had a brilliant 2017. England’s most successful bowler will need to stand up in their hour of crisis as they desperately seek revival at Leeds AFP