Welcome to the 2nd three day test match preview between Pakistan & England … Wait, did I say ‘three’?? My apologies, I actually meant five days … Honest!
Now enough of the banter, jokes and cocky-ness … Yes Dubai was a good result but this is real business here and England are going to come-back strong so let’s get down to serious business.
So in relation to a pre-match preview, let’s focus on both teams first:
Pakistan
Recent Form (D D W D W L W D W D W W W)
Pakistan’s recent form going back over the last 13 test matches has been positive against worthy opposition in the form of South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and now England. Out of the last 13 tests Pakistan has only lost one test match against the West Indies going back to May 2011 whilst on a away tour. West Indies away has always been a tough series so we are all aware of this. The results gives Pakistan a healthy win ratio of 54% whilst they have only lost 1 of the last 13 test matches played. Of course some of the test series were easier (for example Bangladesh) but after the Summer of 2010 and the spot fixing scandal, even though the morale was low, the fans were dejected and the opposition tough, the results have been very positive. Let us not forget that in reality Pakistan have not played at home since 2009 hence every series is really an away series albeit the UAE condition suit Pakistani cricket more than perhaps the grassy tracks offered in England.
Based on the past results and Misbah’s prudent approach towards test match preparation my own expectation would be a draw in the 2nd test. I expect Pakistan to come out with a rather defensive approach and given the number of draws in the last 13 tests (38%) this is the likely outcome. On a personal note, I would like to see Pakistan take more of an aggressive stance with a ‘Kick em whilst they are down’ attitude. However given the rocky ride we have been through over the last 2 years, I am happy to accept a prudent approach.
In relation to the team selection, news in the press is that Umer Akmal will be replacing Asad Shafiq whilst Junaid Khan is likely to come in for Aizaz Cheema. I am pleased to see the inclusion of Umer Akmal. I personally think he is a class act and if he can stay away from the company of his elder brother, spend more time with the junior Akmal and contain his aggressive nature, I expect a positive contribution in the years to come. I think the past year has been a tough learning experience for him and being dropped was required but he should comeback stronger. I haven’t really seen much of Aizaz Cheema but am fond of the pace he generates. However having played 5 test matches and at the age of 32 already, perhaps we should groom younger talent and opt for Junaid Khan or Wahab Riaz.
England
Recent Form (D D W L W W W D D W W W W)
England have been on fire over the past year or so and this has seen their ranking rise to the number one test team in the world. Of the last 13 test matches played, they have won a staggering 62% and have only lost 1 test match. Indeed some of the more influential wins were at home but in general they have been on top form. They are very well balanced in all three departments of batting, bowling and fielding. This is evident when we see that 3 of the English bowlers are in the top 5 rankings in the world followed by 2 of their batsmen are in the top 5 in the world.
However, they are currently wounded and are a proud team so I expect them to come back very strong. They bat all the way down to number 8 and on an individual basis are well deserved to be placed as the number 1 test team in the world. Andrew Strauss and Cook have formed a formidable opening pair and this will be the 100th time they will bat together so perhaps for the big occasion they have a special treat in stock for the Barmy Army.
On team selection I expect them to select Monty Panesar. Given the hysteria and commotion the Pakistani spinners have created followed by criticism back home in England, surely they will go with 2 spinners. I am not the biggest fan of Monty’s ability but let’s see how he performs on the big occasion.
The Wicket
The Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Stadium has historically worked well for batsmen. Later in the day the fast bowlers have witnessed late swing and I expect this to be the case again. However the battle will be as expected between the spinners and batsmen. We can expect the curator to have designed a pitch to suit the much respected and rated Pakistani spinners … Looking forward to days 4 and 5 where I plan to go and watch the game live!
May the best team win ……… On second thoughts, May Pakistan Win! ;)
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19 Responses to Preview: Pak v Eng – 2nd Test (Abu Dhabi)
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Yaar Amer, you beat me to it … I was writing a preview too. Would have been better had we coordinated earlier so I’d have saved my time and wrote something mid-way through the Test :)
Anyway, since mine is a little different and focuses on the mindset than the game itself it would compliment this one nicely; will post that later today.
Next time though, let’s give each other a heads-up through a quick message so we know what each of us are writing and avoid any duplication :)
you both have very different writing styles and we love it so keep it all coming :)
Man, I have done no work today! Literally! So pleased that the blog is up and running. Agreed, we will coordinate…. You can write the daily reports for days 1,2,3,4,5 the post match report, the preview for the 3rd test, the ODIs and T20s!? How’s that? or in cricketing terms Howzat?? ;)
I hope Pakistan wins in 3 days. Actually I will be hapy even if they win in the last over on 5th day just as long as they win.
I don’t think anybody expects us to produce daily reports for five days as well as previews and post-mortems. We’ll do what we can, write when we can … or find time when something special happens in Pak cricket.
In the recent form of teams which is latest? on left or right? also i think its wrong, didnt england lost their last test against pakistan so how come on left it says D and on right is W?
Andrew. It shows current form before the current series so that last 13 tests before the series started.
As with English language font and text, the extreme right would be most recent result and extreme left would be going back to the 13th test match away from the current series. One again, note, that the last Dubai test isnt included here. This analysis is based before the current series.
Just for clarity and relevance, England’s last 4 wins showing takes them back to their last series against India who lost 4-0.
I don’t think Andrew needed reminding of that
Pleased to see Ahmad and Aamer back in their strides, hope Pakistan will win again.
Tomorrow 2nd Rabiul Awal in UAE I am told, Ahmad U were born on that day, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Lucky guy :)
hellooooooooooooooo
welcome back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i think england will kick pakistan as australia is kicking india …….
we should make up and be friends now … till 18th march when pakistan plays india!
Pakistan v India on 18th March???? What did I miss?
Isn’t that time for IPL in India?
It’s in Asia Cup … Bangladesh is hosting in March.
Pakistan plays all three: Bangladesh (on 12th), India (on 18th) and Sri Lanka (on 15th) once and then there is the Final (on 22nd) between two top seed teams.
Asia Cup is our next tour after England series!
Thank you :)
Welcome back Arvind … what do you mean make up and be friends now? We were always friends :)
why don’t you create an empty post for matchday and then as the game goes on update a few lines of what you think say for each session. this way the visitors can have a thread to comment on and discuss as the game progresses and will save you writing full day reports. no body will (at least i won’t) be interested in reading what happens after the end of day or what you have to say then but would be very interested in peeking in every now and then while the game is going on.
Yes but you should have cleared it better. I agree with Andrew and also last game should have been added to recent form as that’s the most significant result, don’t you agree?
Good idea Hanni. As you probably figured out, Ahmad is the brains behind the design so I am sure he will pick this up!
Noted – I take a series at a time, not a test but valid suggestion guys….