• Shan Masood hails early success of ‘Bazball’ tactics
• McCullum insists approach remains despite ‘refinement’

Asked whether the way England played, and won, when they last visited Pakistan in 2022 had a lasting impact, Shan Masood did not hesitate: “It had an effect on the world.”

That series stands as this England side’s greatest achievement to date, finding a way to win 3-0 on flat pitches and in unfamiliar conditions, and in the process becoming the first, second and third team ever to score 250 or more runs at over 5.30 an over against Pakistan. They topped out at 7.36 in the second innings of the first Test, a figure unmatched in the history of cricket until India rattled off 285 at 8.22 against Bangladesh last month.