So can they build on the experience gained, and what can Pakistan take from the drawn Lahore Test?

England's batsmen, as Graham Thorpe and Craig White in particular proved, do have the ability to play spin.

Their considerable total, based on a solid opening stand between Mike Atherton and Marcus Trescothick, provides hope that the Pakistan attack can be countered.

However, Saqlain Mushtaq again demonstrated his undoubted class and is now arguably the world's most potent spinner.

In he and young batsman Yousuf Youhana, they possess two definite matchwinners who delivered the goods, if not the result, in this match.

So what have you learned from the First Test?

England can take several plus points from the first Test. White, Thorpe, Giles and the openers all performed well. There certainly seems to be a bit more stability in the batting line up than in recent years which is pleasing to see. But the key thing for England nowadays is consistency. They have to keep giving positive performances on a regular basis and not just once a series as it has tended to be in recent years. They had a great summer, but the winter was always going to be a stern test for them. They've started it well, but have to keep it up. The platform is looking good for next summer, and even though the Aussies must start as favourites for the Ashes, we could give them their toughest test in an Ashes series for some years.
Richard Riley, England

I thought it was difficult to see much from the test, except for how good Saqlain is. The pitch didn't do much and it was really just batting practice out there, on a lifeless pitch.
Ian, UK

England should learn that if you want to win, you have to be aggressive. To bat for two and a half days and not make at least 550 defies belief. I realise the pitch conditions weren't favourable, but you should be looking to score 100 runs a session if you want a result these days. England looked happy to play for a draw. On a positive note, England finally appear to have a cricket team that is capable of winning. Bring on the Ashes
David , Australia

The next match is the decider. I think it will end in three days.
Omer, Pakistan

I thought that England's performance was impressive, particularly with the bat. I was a bit disappointed with Salisbury, though, as I thought he bowled too short and didn't use the pitch to his advantage. However, with quicker tracks on the tour, England should be weary of not being over confident.
John Ngo, UK

England's performance was excellent in face of some world class spin bowling. They will obviously need to continue and add some "killer" instict to the game. I am referring to the time it took to get the big score that ultimately led to a draw. As for Pakistan, it was wake up call to sharpen up their act and no doubt will bounce back. A terrific mix of talents from both sides to make this a very exciting Test series. This can only be good for cricket in light of recent negative events. Enjoy!
Mujnoo, UK

From Pakistan's point of view, the result of this match was a disappointment. They depended on the spinners to carry the day for them but apart from Saqlan, others failed to deliver. Pakistan has a more formidable pace attack, they should rely on that to win the series. Maybe they are afraid that their batsmen will not be able to cope against the England pace attack.
Nasir Hameed Khan, Pakistan

England are a good team and they performed excellent in the first test match. So you can say that they will perform well in the upcoming matches. However, with regards to the Pakistan side - they are the best in the world. I think the England team will be in trouble in the upcoming matches and Pakistan will win the series.
Hassan, Pakistan

This see-saw test shows us that England are not an easy team to beat. They played the Pakistani spinners with confidence. Lack of concentration caused Pakistan's batting to slip at some points. Pakistan need to be more alert and agile in the tests ahead. England need to continue the good work. But, I still believe Pakistan will end up winners.
Mehdi Raza Mamdani, Pakistan

England have reason to smile after their overall performance. But, before they become too confident it should be stressed just how important it is winning the toss and batting first on these pitches.
Peter Handle, Manchester