The first Test match between Pakistan and England in Abu Dhabi ended up a draw. The teams did all they could, fought hard all the five days and the result was fair. A drawn first Test means that Pakistan have lost the chance of another series white-wash, but they and England will still be fighting in the next two matches to win it.
Pakistan vs England – 2nd Test Preview
As the second Test starts today in Dubai, there are a lot of things to ponder over for the captains and coaches of both the teams. For Pakistan, Yasir Shah will probably be back in the team. He missed the first Test due to a back spasm. As for England, Ben Stokes’ availability is not yet confirmed. He suffered from a stomach virus and missed training with the team on Tuesday. Although he rejoined training on Wednesday, his fitness is still a doubt for the second Test.
The pitch in Dubai might be helpful for the seamers. In 2012, there was grass on the pitch which made the then captain of England, Andrew Strauss, select three seamers and one spinner. This decision turned out to cause nothing but regret for Strauss as they lost the match to Pakistan mainly because of the spinners.
But this time, we might see a different story. We do expect to see a much more fast bowler-friendly pitch. Even if it is, England will miss Steven Finn who has now returned back home with an injury to his leg. The Middlesex quick could have been a key strike bowler for the English side. England’s new boy, Adil Rashid, along with Moeen Ali will have to have impact on the team. They might turn out to be the key that England requires to win the second Test.
As for the Pakistani side, their batting, as always, was vulnerable in the last Test match. In spite of the performance of a few players, overall Pakistan’s batting was weak. Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan are the seniors but were unable to help the team. As for Shoaib Malik, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Ahmed Shahzad, expectations are there. They are expected to play long and steady innings.
As the bowling was fine in the first Test, not many changes are needed in the bowling part of the team. Bowling has always been their strong point. Still Yasir Shah’s return is being considered a threat to England as he was the one to do the damage exactly a year ago against the same opponent. Pakistan has also called Bilal Asif back although he has a suspected bowling action. He will still be able to play unless the test results arrive in a week or two.
The first Test might have ended up in a draw, but the next two matches are likely to produce results. This second Test in Dubai is a chance for both the teams to mark their impact in the series. If there is a winner, the series will not be over, but they will not be able to lose it. But the focus, at the moment, is all on the second Test. A very competitive second Test match at International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, awaits.
