First course promises a Test series to savour even without Ben Stokes

Pakistan contributed to a brilliant first Test and the next two promise more of the same even if England have selection problems to ponder, although no longer behind the stumpsWe had no right to expect such enthralling drama in what we assumed would be the most sterile of settings this summer. The West Indies series made for good viewing (and listening) but this was better. The England and Pakistan players at Old Trafford were utterly committed in a deserted stadium, the quality of some of the c