They became the world number one ranked team in the format last month, marking the first time they had held the position since the ICC established their current ranking system back in 2003.

Their ascent came after Pakistan played out a 2-2 draw against England in August, while their rivals for the position faltered.

Australia were beaten 3-0 by Sri Lanka, while rain prevented India from defending their status as the top ranked team as they were only able win their four-Test series against the West Indies by 2-0.

ICC chief executive David Richardson is due to make the official presentation of the mace to Pakistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The mace, a silver and gold-plated trophy based on a cricket stump and has an orb at its head, was designed to represent the cricket world both through geography and by including the emblems of all 10 ICC members that have played test cricket.

After a change in the leadership of the test rankings, the mace automatically passes from one country to the new top ranked team.

Pakistan currently having a total of 111 points to top the rankings, with India lying just one point adrift in second place.

Australia and England are both on 108 points, with the top seven test teams currently being separated by 16 points.

The Pakistani side have not played a home match in six years due to security concerns, instead hosting games in all formats of the sport in Abu Dhabi.

They are only the fifth team to top the ICC Test rankings, following Australia, England, India and South Africa.