Can Pakistan bounce back?

The highs of Lord’s turned into the lows of Old Trafford in a blink of an eye. Now as the dust settles after two incredibly contrasting results, Pakistan and England assemble for the third act of the four-match Test series at Edgbaston, Birmingham. While Pakistan have won 10 Tests in England against the hosts, they have never won in Edgbaston — four defeats and three draws in seven Tests. The last time the two teams met at the venue, the tourists were shot down for 72 on the opening day — Pakistan’s lowest-ever score against England. The Edgbaston pitch offers considerable seam movement with the new ball and if the conditions are overcast, the Pakistan top order can find itself in trouble if it continues its lacklustre form.

Conversely, if the batsmen manage to hold their own and post decent scores, the bowlers have the potential to put some pressure on the English batting line-up that looked like a million dollars at Old Trafford, largely due to the sublime form of Alastair Cook and Joe Root. The English middle order can be as wobbly as Pakistan’s top order and despite the thrashing the tourists’ bowlers received in the second Test, they can regain their confidence if they are able to send back Cook and Root early. While history is stacked firmly against Pakistan, Misbahul Haq’s men have a habit of fighting back in adverse situations, and can put England on the back foot if they get their bearings right. The batsmen, bowlers and fielders, not to forget the leader, must have learnt some harsh lessons at Old Trafford and will need to put the harrowing memories behind them if they are to clip the wings of the high-flying hosts. England, on the other hand, won’t have the services of all-rounder Ben Stokes and will feel his absence deeply with both bat and ball. A tough but keenly contested competition is on the cards and here is to hoping that Pakistan give a good account of themselves on this occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 3^rd, 2016.

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