The two sides will enter the series after an exciting five-match T20 International series that ended in a 2-2 draw on Monday.

Babar and Shakeel had combined for a fourth-wicket stand worth 110, batting with control and patience for an hour either side of the lunch interval. Ben Stokes, who had not bowled a ball since the final session of the first Test in Rawalpindi, found a hint of reverse-swing as he grimaced through an eight-over spell but toiled without success.

Six umpires, three of whom are from the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, will officiate the Tests across Rawalpindi (1-5), Multan (9-13) and Karachi (17-21).

Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza have also been included in the panel of umpires for the mega event.

The International Cricket Council has confirmed umpire and match referee appointments for the ICC World Test Championship fixtures between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, to be played from 11-23 December, said a press release by the PCB

The International Cricket Council has confirmed umpire and match referee appointments for the ICC World Test Championship fixtures between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, to be played from 11-23 December

Elite panelists Aleem Dar, Michael Gough and Joel Wilson named as umpires