Bullish Pakistan eager to don green again

After drawing Test series 2-2, tourists to face England in first of five ODIs today

KARACHI: Pakistan go into their five-match ODI series against England with their morale sky-high after drawing the Test series 2-2 and becoming the top-ranked Test side, but, according to skipper Azhar Ali, the team is aware that their opponents will pose a different challenge in the shorter format.

The Men in Green acquired some competitive one-day practice as they won their first ODI against Ireland by 255 runs, their biggest victory in 50-over cricket. The second scheduled match was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain.



“England’s one-day side is stronger than their Test side, but if we play our ‘A’ game and believe in our ability, then we won’t only pose problems for the hosts but will also win matches,” said Azhar on the eve of the first one-dayer in Southampton.



Pakistan have a contrasting standing in the one-day rankings, currently languishing at number nine, about which Azhar said, “The motivation is to play and win against the top teams to improve our ranking. Our performances in Test series have given us motivation to repeat the good work in ODIs.”

As many as seven players have been inducted for the ODI series, including Imad Wasim — who picked up a five-for against Ireland — and Mohammad Nawaz – who stood out with a half-century and took a wicket on his ODI debut. Meanwhile, senior all-rounder Shoaib Malik, Hasan Ali, Umar Gul and Babar Azam were also recalled.

Azhar, who plays as an opener in one-dayers, said that while the challenge ahead is tough, it would provide an opportunity to the players to build their reputations. “It’s going to be a difficult test, but at the same time it’s a chance for us to excel and improve our standing. Our Test ranking is a massive boost ahead of the ODI series, and we’ll take inspiration from there to play good cricket.”



England ponder triple spin attack

England limited overs captain Eoin Morgan has said his team could take the unusual option of playing three spinners in their opening ODI against Pakistan at Southampton today.

For much of the time, in both Test and ODI cricket, recent England teams have been content to field just the lone specialist slow bowler.

But recent dry conditions, as well as the need to prepare for the spin-friendly pitches that England will encounter on their upcoming tours of Bangladesh and India, could prompt a change of approach in the first of a five-match series.

As a result, Hampshire left-arm spinner Liam Dawson could make his ODI debut on his home ground along with off-spinner Moeen Ali and leg-break bowler Adil Rashid.

“It will be a very tough series against Pakistan, especially as the recent weather means conditions may suit them more than they suit us initially,” said Morgan. “It is a good test leading into the winter.”

All-rounder Ben Stokes is back in the squad after a calf injury but, despite bowling in the nets, Morgan said the paceman would play as a batsman only in at least the first two ODIs.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 24^th, 2016.

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