Top Test spot up for grabs for Pakistan

England host Misbahul Haq and co for four-match Test series starting from Thursday

The much-awaited series of the English summer will kick-off on Thursday when Pakistan take on Alastair Cook and his men in the first of the four-match Test series.

While the stakes are high and both teams have prepared well to face off against each other, there is more on offer than just the series - an upward movement in International Cricket Council's (ICC) Test rankings.

At the moment, Pakistan (111) are third in the rankings with England (108) just one position behind on fourth. India (112) are second on the list, while Australia (118) tops the rankings.

If somehow, Pakistan can negate England's home advantage and win the series 2-1 or 3-1, then they will jump to the second, leapfrogging India - a ranking that they have only achieved once when they beat England in the UAE last year.

Misbahul Haq's Test side can also top the ranking but for that they will have to defeat the England team in their own backyard 3-0 or better - a feat which is very difficult to achieve.

Meanwhile, for England, a 2-0 or 3-1 win against Pakistan will see them tied at second position with India. Moreover, to go above India, England will have to produce a 3-0 or better result.

Here are the possible results and the points gained by both teams at the end of the series.

If Pakistan wins 2-1: Pakistan 115 and England 106

If Pakistan wins 3-1: Pakistan 117 and England 104

If Pakistan wins 3-0: Pakistan 119 and England 103

If Pakistan wins 4-0: Pakistan 121 and England 102

If England wins 2-1: England 110 and Pakistan 107

If England wins 3-1: England 112 and Pakistan 105

If England wins 3-0: England 113 and Pakistan 103

If England wins 4-0: England 114 and Pakistan 101