India will need to be ruthless and tactful in equal measure while dealing with an unpredictable England when the third chapter of a riveting Test series begins in Rajkot on Thursday.
Bairstow is the only English batter yet to play a significant knock in the Test series against India.
Former Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik has sent a notice to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) seeking clarifications on its decision impose a year's ban and a penalty of Rs two million on him.
Even though Shoaib Malik continues to deny marrying Hyderabad girl Ayesha Siddiqui, and even meeting her in person, new evidence reveals that the Pakistan cricketer had indeed met Ayesha in person several times and had stayed at a hotel with her twice.
The Pakistan fast bowler has been diagnosed with a hairline fracture to his ankle and could miss the early part of the four-Test tour.
Shoaib Akhtar will play in the second ODI against India after being rested for the first under the rotation policy
Inzamam-ul-Haq said Shoaib Akhtar's fitness was a cause of worry and his comeback would not be rushed
Malik said that he just wanted to avail every opportunity available to him now to do well for his country.
Pakistan coach Waqar Younis described the whole drama surrounding Shoaib Malik's alleged marriage to Ayesha Siddiqui as "sad" and "depressing" amid an outpouring of support for the former captain.
With Stokes and Brendon McCullum at the helm, Ahmed cuts a relaxed figure.
Haroon Rasheed said there is tremendous exaggeration of facts whenever Shoaib Akhtar has been involved.
The Pakistan team manager cleared Shoaib Akhtar of misconduct ahead of the disciplinary committee hearing on Thursday.
The injured fast bowler is being rested to ensure he is fit for the Indian tour.
"He has let us down with his performance and attitude," Inzamam said.\n\n
The ace Pakistan fast bowler vowed to return to the side for the home series against England.
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has wished Shoaib Malik and Sania Mirza a happy married life but he feels the all-rounder's controversial past involving an alleged first wife Ayesha Siddiqui will do him no good.
The Pakistan fast bowler chances of joining the team on the Indian tour were smoked out after he missed a domestic match with illness.
The Pakistan fast bowler refused to sign the central contract with the PCB because of concerns over individual sponsorship and commercial contracts.
Stokes, who is still recovering from a knee surgery, hasn't bowled since the second Ashes Test in June last year.
The PCB cannot guarantee a central contract for the fast bowler because his fitness is still a doubt.
The Pakistan fast bowler pulled out of the upcoming Test series against India citing fitness problems, but said he would consider playing the one-day series.
Pakistan's fast bowling ace is looking to prove his fitness in the Twenty20 Cup tournament, beginning in Lahore on Monday.
West Indies recorded their first win in the Super Six stage of the ongoing ICC World Cup Qualifier, defeating Oman by seven wickets
Chairman of PCB's medical commission Dr M A Wajid said he would submit the panel's report by next Friday.
The Pakistan fast bowler asked for another date, saying he's honouring committments made before the PCB decided to hold the inquiry.
Controversial speedster Shoaib Akhtar has provided an insight into infighting that has always dogged Pakistan cricket team, recalling how greats like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis were at loggerheads.
Scotland stunned Ireland as Oman beat UAE in the ICC ODI World Cup Qualifiers.
Hurt India eye sweeping changes in approach against England's 'Bazball' in second Test
Former Pakistan Test pacer Shoaib Akhtar has once again found himself in a new controversy after actor Meera claimed that she had a year long affair with the speedster, who never appreciated her commitment.
West Indies, put in to bat, struggled throughout their innings as 18-year-old Pakistan leg-spinner Shadab Khan took three wickets for seven runs off his four overs to land the man of the match award on his international debut.
"I am now focusing on the West Indies tour. I want to play for my country and perform," the Pakistan fast bowler said.
With the current situation not conducive for Pakistan players, Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday said the team is not too keen on retaining Shoaib Akhtar and the Pakistani pacer is "up for trade".
The Pakistan fast bowler said it would take a while for him to play for the country after the way the PCB had handled him following the series defeat against India.
PCB CEO Rameez Raja says an environment needs to be developed so that the ace fast bowler can perform to his potential.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif says the speedster is not one to run away from challenges and let the team down.
This is Ravichandran Ashwin's sixth stint at the top of the rankings. He first became number one in December 2015.