England look to make gains

England will have plenty to gain and nothing to lose for at least a year when the World Test Championship is launched in May.

They are likely to start nearer the bottom than the top of the ten-country table, based on the results of their most recent home and away series against each of the other Test nations.

But England's first three series after 1 May are with countries that beat them when the fixtures were last played - namely Pakistan at home (0-2), Australia (home, 2-3) and India (away, 0-3).

New results will automatically replace old ones, on the basis of two points for winning a series and one for drawing.

Consequently, England cannot lose points against Pakistan, Australia and India but could gain a few.