 It is a contest that is being billed as one of the most anticipated series in
recent times, for varying reasons. Pakistan and England are coming head-to-head
for the first time since the ill-fated tour of England in 2010 when spot-fixing
drama shook the entire cricket world. Since then, Pakistan have smoothly transitioned
into a stable unit while England have gone atop the ICC test rankings.
Pakistan have experienced a prolonged phase of consistency - a word not commonly
associated with this team. Misbah ul Haq's safety-first approach has molded the
team into a respectable unit, as they remained unbeaten in tests throughout 2011.
While their wins came against all sides below them in the rankings, this series
will be a chance for them to prove their worth in the absence of key players following
the spot-fixing scandal.
Click for Live Score Card of Pakistan Vs England
The squad has been boosted by the return of young prodigy Umar Akmal who will
look to stem his place this time after several careless displays at this level
led to his axing. In addition, Wahab Riaz is back to lend some more firepower
in the bowling department. The eyes will also be on Saeed Ajmal and his
much talked-about new mystery delivery.
For England it will be their first outing in the field since famously dethroning
India from the No. 1 spot at home. However, questions remain about the ability
of this side to succeed in the subcontinent. For the same reason, they arrived
in UAE a fortnight ahead of the first test match. Andrew Strauss has
rightly put that thought in front, brushing aside any bitter memory recalls
from the last series between these two teams.
In terms of build up, England won both their warm up matches with ease, after
being tested in phases. Tim Bresnan has been ruled out of the series,
while Stuart Broad raised an injury scare though he should be fine.
Dubai hosts the first test match and it will be interesting to see how the sides
aim to achieve their balance - going in with two spinners or not will be big question
mark for England.
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