From today, this new test series starts with both teams having a handful of injuries. England have been shaken up by a resurgent Sri Lankan team and will be hoping that they can forget that disastrous series. Pakistan, on the other hand are fresh from a break and are coming from a 2-0 drubbing of England in their home series. Looking at current form, injuries and recent past, Pakistan start as clear favourites.
However, they have their own problems as well. Their main fast bowlers are out with injuries. The opening pair has not performed yet on fast tracks. Their main strength is the middle order batting, which on current form is the best in the world. It will be interesting to find out how much weight Inzy, Younis and Yousuf can carry on their shoulders. I guess that England will make fast bouncy tracks now that many Pak quicks are out.
Given that, and given the home advantage, I think England won't be as easy to beat as they were against Sri Lanka. The other players to watch out for will be Asif, Kevin Pieterson, and Steve Harmison. Asif, I think is one of the best fast bowlers around today. Harmison is coming back from a long layoff and will be eager to do well without his partners. Pieterson is the man to look out for, he has been amazingly consitent and equally ruthless on all kinds of bowlers in the world.
My prediction: 1-1 or if not, then 1-0 Pakistan.
Cheers,
- Tosh
The Trial
10 years ago
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