England and Pakistan to use T20 series to gauge World Cup readiness

England kick off their first tour of Pakistan in 17 years in Karachi on Tuesday with the first of a seven-match Twenty20 series in which both teams hope to fine-tune their preparations for the World Cup in Australia next month.

England last played in Pakistan in 2005 and were due to visit last year, but cancelled at short notice after New Zealand pulled out of a tour citing safety concerns. Jos Buttler's men were only given the green light to tour this year after a security team evaluated the situation on the ground.

Security issues have meant Pakistan struggled to attract visiting sides since an attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009, but tours have slowly resumed in the past few years.

Karachi will play host to four matches with the other three to be staged in Lahore. England are set to return in December to play three Tests in the second leg of the tour.

With Buttler set to miss the Karachi leg as he recovers from a knee injury, the side will be led by Moeen Ali, whose grandfather came to England from Pakistan after the Second World War.

"It is going to be memorable playing in front of the Pakistani crowds and also an immense honour to deputize for Jos Buttler, while he recovers from injury, and captain England," Moeen wrote in his column for the Daily Mail.

"Of course, this tour is important for cricket and it is also crucial for us as a side.

"Seven T20s will be a stern test in these conditions and a good pointer for where we are, ahead of the World Cup in Australia next month," added the all-rounder.

At least 10 members of the current England squad have some experience of local conditions courtesy of their Pakistan Super League (PSL) stints.

England limited-overs captain Jos Buttler arrives with the rest of the