5 iconic cricket rivalries and the names that can be used for those Test series

#4 Botham-Imran Trophy (Pakistan vs England)

Ian Botham and Imran Khan are two of the greatest all-rounders to grace the game

Filled with intense action on the field and plenty of acrimonious incidents off it, the rivalry between Pakistan and England is criminally under-rated as a result of the two countries' epic battles against their respective traditional foes. The most recent Test series between the two teams on English soil saw some of the most fierce cricket seen in the last few years. While both teams shared the spoils as a consequence of the 2-2 stalemate, Misbah-ul-Haq's troops emerged from the tour with heads held high as satisfied smiles beamed on their faces.

From the last five completed Test affairs between the two teams, Pakistan have triumphed twice at their adopted home in UAE and England have also sealed two series victories in their shores. As evidenced by their three consecutive series wins during the late 80s and early 90s, Pakistan's pacers have traditionally enjoyed bowling on English soil. On the other hand, the ingrained resilience of England's vast array of batsmen has seen them triumph on two occasions in Pakistan's homeland.

It is such a shame that the two teams do not battle it out for a properly named trophy. If one finds a common threat between them, the engaging duels between Imran Khan and Ian Botham stand out distinctly. Naming the series trophy after two of the greatest all-rounders to play the game can even go a long way in bringing the charismatic stars together. In doing so, the memories of the infamous libel suit between the two all-rounders can be buried in the hinterlands.