Joe Root. Pic/AFP

England would be looking to close in on fourth-placed New Zealand in the ICC Test Team Rankings in a two-match Test home series, beginning at the Lord's from May 24. Meanwhile, Pakistan could overtake England if they pull off victories in both matches. A 2-0 win for England will lift them to 101 points and within one point of New Zealand, with Pakistan losing six points with such a verdict and slipping to 81.