PERHAPS the biggest compliment that one can pay Ben Stokes and his England team is that although the final Test match that starts in Karachi on Saturday is effectively a dead rubber, one can barely wait for the game to start.

How could it be otherwise after England sealed a 2-0 series win in Multan, doubling the number of Test victories that they have achieved in Pakistan in the space of a fortnight?

To the triumphs under Ted Dexter in Lahore in 1961 and Nasser Hussain in Karachi in 2000 can be added those in Rawalpindi and Multan, meaning that England have answered the critical question going into the series - can “Bazball” prosper away from home?

You bet, and who would now bet against England completing a clean sweep at the National Stadium as they seek a ninth - yes, ninth - win in 10 Tests under Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum.

Ben Stokes salutes the crowd after leading England to a 2-0 series victory in Pakistan, their eighth win in nine Tests under his inspirational captaincy. Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images.

Let’s flashback to April for a second.

When Stokes was appointed after Joe Root’s resignation, England had won just one of their previous 17 Tests, losing 11.

Chris Silverwood, the head coach, and Ashley Giles, the managing director of cricket, were casualties of the sorry Ashes campaign and it was all change at the top, with Rob Key replacing Giles and then McCullum taking over from Silverwood.

This correspondent, it should be admitted, was among those critical of Key’s appointment - I seem to remember writing that England might just as well have appointed the American singer/songwriter Alicia Keys for all the good it might do.

Ollie Robinson, the former Yorkshire pace bowler, peels away in celebration after taking the wicket that sealed England's 26-run win against Pakistan in Multan. Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images.

But credit where credit is due; Key got the big calls right (Stokes and McCullum) and England have not looked back.

Sterner tests lie in wait, and it’s important to bear that in mind as we savour the news from the subcontinent.

Let’s face it, this is not a great Pakistan side when measured against some of their stars of the past.

There is no Imran Khan, no Javed Miandad, no Abdul Qadir, no Wasim Akram, no Waqar Younis (other Pakistan legends are available).

Brilliant England prove that "Bazball" can prosper away from home as they take down Pakistan