England Cricket Captain, Andrew Strauss, will lead his side’s first defense of the No.1 Test Crown against Pakistan in January. The three match series, kicking off in Dubai on January 17th, will be the start of a crucial year for this current England side, with a tough tour in Sri Lanka to follow in March, before two home series against the West Indies and South Africa in the Summer of 2012.

Significant stumbling blocks lie in wait however, particularly given historically poor performances away from home against sub-continent teams. If they do achieve series wins against both Pakistan and Sri Lanka, England will surely then cruise past the West Indies at home, which would set-up a potential World Number 1 clash against the other form team on the Test circuit, namely South Africa.

The arrival of the Proteas will also coincide with the London 2012 Olympics, so sporting fans will be wishing for a long hot summer, not to mention a classic contest between England and South Africa on the cricket field.