Pakistan v England | First Test | Dubai | Pre-match Thread - PakPassion

farhan1

First test for England's No. 1 status

Series opener an appealing prospect

Pakistan v England, 1st Test, Dubai
January 16, 2012

Match facts

Tuesday, January 17-21, Dubai
Start time 1000 (0600 GMT)

Big Picture

History will hang heavily over this series. Three Pakistan players are serving custodial sentences after being found guilty on match-rigging charges during the 2010 series in England. However much England suggest that the affair is now largely a media obsession and Pakistan provide indications of more stable and contented times, such matters cannot be easily waved aside.

That Pakistan recover their strength and reputation is vital for the health of world cricket and England have been reminded of their responsibilities to contest the series in a natural manner and to rise above any resentment, which does exist, over what has gone before without losing the competitive and aggressive edge that has contributed to their rise to the No. 1 Test side in the world.

Pakistan are careful not to speak of "home advantage" because Dubai, however much the conditions might be similar to those in Lahore or Karachi, is simply not home. But sub-consciously England feel themselves in an away series, not a neutral one. Their policy of six specialist batsmen, three pace bowlers and a solitary spinner automatically comes under strain on placid surfaces and the loss of Tim Bresnan, the most capable batsmen in their lower order, does not make a change of tack easy.

Test series between Pakistan and England have often been wonderfully combative affairs. As long as the pitches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi encourage attractive cricket, it is an appealing prospect.

Form guide

Pakistan: WWDWD
England: WWWWW

Players to watch

Saeed Ajmal has enlivened the build-up to the Test by announcing, Shane Warne-style, that he is about to unleash a formidable new delivery. The doosra - "the other one" - is about to be supported by the teesra - "the third one".

Whatever the impact of that proves to be, Ajmal will test England's improvement against spin bowling to the utmost. For England, Stuart Broad will be desperate to escape the run of injuries that have disrupted his progress over the past year. A bruised foot suffered when batting in the nets is unlikely to hinder him, but it gives a further impression of vulnerability that he could do without.

Team news

Pakistan will look the options they had in bowling department as Wahab Riaz and Junaid Khan Backs with Cheema and Umar Gul and will decide according to the conditions whether going for two quicks and two spinners or three quicks or one spinner. Umar Akmal back as well as back up for No. 6 spot with Asad Shafiq holding that spot, Umar might have to wait for his return to the Test team.

Pakistan (probable) 1 Mohammad Hafeez, 2 Taufeeq Umar, 3 Azhar Ali, 4 Younis Khan, 5 Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), 6 Asad Shafiq/Umar Akmal, 7 Adnam Akmal (wk), 8 Abdur Rehman/Cheema, 9 Umar Gul, 10 Saeed Ajmal, 11 Wahab Riaz/Junaid Khan

Any temptation that England felt to abandon their policy of six batsmen disappeared the moment that Tim Bresnan, the sturdiest batsman among the bowling attack, left the tour through injury. To include Monty Panesar as a second spinner would therefore entail perming three fast bowlers from six. In the first Test at least, they are likely to exclude Panesar and stick to a proven formula.

England (probable) 1 Andrew Strauss (capt), 2 Alastair Cook, 3 Jonathan Trott, 4 Kevin Pietersen, 5 Ian Bell, 6 Eoin Morgan, 7 Matt Prior (wk), 8 Stuart Broad, 9 Graeme Swann, 10 James Anderson, 11 Chris Tremlett

Pitch and conditions

England are bracing themselves for a demanding bowling experience on a benign surface in ferociously hot conditions. The two Tests played at the DICS so far don't entirely support that view with only one total so far in excess of 400.

Stats and trivia

England are sure to remain top of the ICC Test Championship if they do not lose to Pakistan by more than a one-Test margin in the three-Test series.
England have three bowlers - Graeme Swann, James Anderson and Stuart Broad - in the top four of the Test rankings.

In their last home series against Pakistan, England dismissed the opposition for less than 100 on three occasions.

Pakistan have won nine, lost 11 and drawn seven of their 27 Tests since their loss of home Tests because of security concerns. Only seven of those Tests have been at a neutral venue.

Quotes

"It's all a bit smoke and mirrors isn't it. Just remember, you don't play the bowler and what he says, you play the ball that comes out of his hand."
Graham Gooch, England's batting coach, admits to a spot of cynicism about the threat of Saeed Ajmal's teesra.

"It's good to see every player backing the other. The days of infighting and rifts seem to be over."
Wasim Akram, the former Pakistan captain, anticipates happier times.

"We play our cricket very, very hard. There's no way Jimmy Anderson, who is a grumpy bowler, is not going to be grumpy. The guys will still be aggressive, that's what has got us to No 1."
Kevin Pietersen, reflecting on how past history might affect the mood of the Pakistan v England Test series

switch_hit

is any one else feeling they cant wait for the series to begin?
are you getting the world cup feeling all over again?
get ready for wierd sleeping patterns the concentration on other things yet you thinking of the match on match day the verbal blows THE TEESRA the exciting commentry the match in HD? Fasten your seat belts its gonna be one HELL of a RIDE

Harper

Cant wait for England beating the minnows inside 3 days...you are absolutely right my friend its gonna be ONE HELL of a ride

Free Hit

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harper

Cant wait for England beating the minnows inside 3 days...you are absolutely right my friend its gonna be ONE HELL of a ride

we pakistani, you know we do amazing things....

Harper

Quote:

Originally Posted by free hit

we pakistani, you know we do amazing things....

match fixing

Free Hit

^thats just a starter

Proud To Be A Pakistani

well we will see ;)

hazen_batti

looking f4ward for a stern competition. Bring it On.

Shahzebayub

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harper

Cant wait for England beating the minnows inside 3 days...you are absolutely right my friend its gonna be ONE HELL of a ride

what a joke

shokz1408

I am also getting the feeling, Pakistan zindabaad

Amjid Javed

Looking forward to seeing Pakistan beating england in this test series over next couple of weeks

adnan yasin

i would go with aizaz cheema.... his aggression is needed to early on

Wahab riaz and junaid khan are making a come back

Win the toss bowl first

trogger

As a neutral i just hope the pitch isn't the deciding factor in this game.

w8in_4_0402

Misbah will bowl first. We have dobe that in the past aswell. I think it diesnt really matter what happens with the toss but bowling first will most likely be favoured by both teams.

ash 68

Good Luck to both teams

I have a feeling England will win toss and bat first

Unleash the Teesra!!!!!!!

w8in_4_0402

My team for first test Pak

1. Hafeez
2. Taufeeq
3. Umer Akmal (hope warner had inspired them)
4. Azhar Ali
5. Younis khan
6. Misbah ul haq (c)
7. Adnan (wk)
8. Rehman
9. Riaz
10. Ajmal
11. Gul

Batting choses itself.
Bowling go with gul as opening bowler and most likely another spinner will open fron other end either rehman or ajmal can do it.

Riaz can come in first change or as soon trotty arrives.

ash 68

I have radio 4 app for my phone so I can listen to commentary whilst watching on cricinfustan

im soo excited

Batting first how will we handle Anderson/Broad

Bowling first Riaz vs Trott

Hopefully lots of attitude/sledging/aggression

talha3

CAN...NOT...WAIT!

The Pakistan team selection will be interesting. Even cricinfo have no idea in their probable lineup.

Less than 14 hours to go...

liaqat

well im definitely not getting over excited abt this series,

if pak bat first we will be 3 down by lunch, if we bowl first eng will be 90 odd with out loss at lunch,

im being realistic more then excited, dont waste ur sleep over it either,

Free Hit

Quote:

Originally Posted by liaqat

well im definitely not getting over excited abt this series,

if pak bat first we will be 3 down by lunch, if we bowl first eng will be 90 odd with out loss at lunch,

im being realistic more then excited, dont waste ur sleep over it either,

go to sleep.

liaqat

Quote:

Originally Posted by Free Hit

go to sleep.

i definitely will be ,, wil wake up at 9 and see the situation,
inshaallah ill be plesently surprised,

shahrukh619

all i care about is my fantasy team. Would be supporting the players i selected only.............

Jks :p. Caan't wait for tomarrow. Hoping that we would bowl first.

amirfanforlife

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harper

Cant wait for England beating the minnows inside 3 days...you are absolutely right my friend its gonna be ONE HELL of a ride

You mad?

Actually can't wait. Not the world cup feeling, but you know...

talma

I'll be at the stadium an hour before the game to catch some snaps of the players. Will post later. Got a feeling that England bowling attack too strong for Pakistan.

Bullet Drive

Cant wait.

waqar_ahmad

I hope they play Gul Riaz and Junaid.

And Umar Akmal instead of Shafique

Cant wait

adnan yasin

There will be two doubts only

Asad shafiq/umar akmal

1 fast bowler from three options wahab riaz/junaid khan/aizaz cheema

2 spinners will play ....or should play

AnotherIndian

For all the trolling Pak friends have done about India playing like sissies, Pak better beat the sheet out of England.

Pak has had good success in the last few months and they have a well set team.

This Pak's real test against a top Test team. England honestly does not scare anyone in the subcontinent. Pak just have to score 300 runs every time they come out to bat.

let the battle begin

Boi

I'm not expecting much from Pakistan in this series tbh, gotta feeling our defensive approach will backfire big time but let's see - hopefully Misbah and the boys can pull something out of the hat!

velu

It will be unlimited fun for the neutrals when any of the team does poorly.

waqar_ahmad

It we play 2 pacers, then it has to be Gul and Junaid. Junaid has to be in there coz he can swing the new and the old ball both ways

Bullet Drive

Quote:

Originally Posted by liaqat

well im definitely not getting over excited abt this series,

if pak bat first we will be 3 down by lunch, if we bowl first eng will be 90 odd with out loss at lunch,

im being realistic more then excited, dont waste ur sleep over it either,

Your way to over confident man!

Blade

I'd play 2 Pacers in Dubai (Gul, Junaid) and 3 Pacers in Abu-Dhabi (Gul, Junaid, Wahab)

siccric

After all the hype behind this series, it is finally here. I'm glad I will be on vacation for at least the first test match. I'm hoping to see some excellent cricket v. soon. After a long time, I plan to watch each ball of a test match!

BoomBoomCricket

Lets do this!

AdeelSabih

Quote:

Originally Posted by w8in_4_0402

My team for first test Pak

1. Hafeez
2. Taufeeq
3. Umer Akmal (hope warner had inspired them)
4. Azhar Ali
5. Younis khan
6. Misbah ul haq (c)
7. Adnan (wk)
8. Rehman
9. Riaz
10. Ajmal
11. Gul

Batting choses itself.
Bowling go with gul as opening bowler and most likely another spinner will open fron other end either rehman or ajmal can do it.

Riaz can come in first change or as soon trotty arrives.

Biggest question mark in my mind. Whether to go with Rahman or not.

Impala_KaifTamasha

Can't wait !

Not as excited as world cup though..

AZ

very nervous, getting restless.

we absolutely MUST beat them, they are like India for us now.

NO 1 AFRIDI FAN

I'm really exited, what a battle it will be.

However, the pain that exams are come in the way. First exam is tomorrow, won't be able to watch it.

SohailQureshi

cant wait for it! i feel this is the true test of our players against the world number 1 side!!

Iffitheking

When Aus vs India 3rd test began, I was happy that when that test will finish same day Pakistan will be playing against England... but Stupid Indian team lost in 2 days... and we are left hanging... 3 days without any cricket...

AZ

if we get a wicket early tomorrow morning my reaction will be just like Iffi bhai's avatar.

Iffitheking

Quote:

Originally Posted by az

if we get a wicket early tomorrow morning my reaction will be just like iffi bhai's avatar.

AdeelSabih

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harper

Cant wait for England beating the minnows inside 3 days...you are absolutely right my friend its gonna be ONE HELL of a ride

This is Dubai my friend

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iffitheking

When Aus vs India 3rd test began, I was happy that when that test will finish same day Pakistan will be playing against England... but Stupid Indian team lost in 2 days... and we are left hanging... 3 days without any cricket...

Well it's look like Cricket is like charas to you.

Proud To Be A Pakistani

Quote:

Originally Posted by velu

It will be unlimited fun for the neutrals when any of the team does poorly.

really like we were being entertained by India

Iffitheking

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdeelSabih

This is Dubai my friend

Well it's look like Cricket is like charas to you.

by the way we smoke Marijuana here....

ares1000

I am excited about tomorrow's play. Got SS again for this series. Reckon it'll be a belter which is a good thing for us. Batting is our weakness, and on a flat deck, we reduce our weakness somewhat.

amirfanforlife

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZ

we absolutely MUST beat them, they are like India for us now.

This.

I HAVE to go into school the next day and tell all those England supporters to go do one!

shjaffri

Guys I am going to predict few things which may happen in the game tomorrow, there will be few things to watch out far, mark my words but will be true

0) Expect Pakistan to win the toss and bat first
1) One of the Pakistan's opener will fall cheaply
2) Pakistan will make atleast 360 runs in the first innings
3) Misbah and Umer Akmal will score good runs
4) Pakistan will feel pressure of not having keeper batsmen who can bat and play long innings, Adnan will fail again tomorrow, and so do the Pakistani tail
5) Spinners will get most Pakistani wickets
6) England will start inning by day two near lunch time

Let's see how correct I am only time will tell

Iffitheking

Quote:

Originally Posted by amirfanforlife

This.

I HAVE to go into school the next day and tell all those England supporters to go do one!

well for me... I am waiting for the backlash from Indian ppers... every Pakistani wicket fall... every 4 or 6 scored... they will at our throats.... I am just getting ready for that... you guyz should... if we beat them... its like beating India...

Muhammad Waleed

whoever bats first, will either lose quick wickets or score almost 200+ runs.

Bullet Drive

Pakistan will bowl first for sure. Umar Akmal won't even play.

Saj

Quite nervous actually.

Excitment has given way to pre series nerves.

AnotherIndian

Quote:

Originally Posted by shjaffri

Guys I am going to predict few things which may happen in the game tomorrow, there will be few things to watch out far, mark my words but will be true

0) Expect Pakistan to win the toss and bat first
1) One of the Pakistan's opener will fall cheaply
2) Pakistan will make atleast 360 runs in the first innings
3) Misbah and Umer Akmal will score good runs
4) Pakistan will feel pressure of not having keeper batsmen who can bat and play long innings, Adnan will fail again tomorrow, and so do the Pakistani tail
5) Spinners will get most Pakistani wickets
6) England will start inning by day two near lunch time

Let's see how correct I am only time will tell

I doubt if it happens. But if it does happen, then Pak will win the Test for sure

Impala_KaifTamasha

England bat 1st

147 all out

Pakistan

27-2

50 overs

JibranAnsari

If pakistan bat first 230/6 at stumps tomorrow
if england bat first 300/7 at stumps

hz

can't wait but will miss most of the match due to school
so will have to watch highlights

najam2007

eng will win the toss bat first 450/5d on day two after tea
pak 35/3 by the end of day two...and then you all know what will happens after day two.....

Proud To Be A Pakistani

10 hours 12 minutes before the ToSS

shikari

shjaffri

what about the powerball numbers for tonight

cricfan4ever

not playing Junior is a serious disappointment

saeed-sohail

Eng most likely bat first. They will be

286/4 at close of play with Bell and Cook doing bulk of scoring.

If we bat first Eng will have put us in.

257/7.

Choking_Protea

I will never predict a result in a game involving Pakistan. you just don't know which team will turn up

ddss

Quote:

Originally Posted by Choking_Protea

I will never predict a result in a game involving Pakistan. you just don't know which team will turn up

iZeeshan

Pakistan's bowling line-up is quite the tossup. Any 4 of Gul, Junaid, Wahab, Rehman, Ajmal can play. It's going to seriously effect my fantasy team too lol.

I'm hoping it'll be a good contest though. Putting up $17 bucks for this series so, it doesn't come cheap

talha3

Quote:

Originally Posted by iZeeshan

Putting up $17 bucks for this series so, it doesn't come cheap

Trust me, for this series it's well worth it.

w8in_4_0402

234 all out pak first innings ajmal 6fer witg teeseraa.

insaftak

2 pacers +

+ 2 spinners!

Gul + Junaid +

+ rehman + ajmal!

Win the toss and bat first!

kamz

pakistan bowling first tomorrow

reversesweep

Pakistan 220/5

if england bat first

287/4

AbdulrazzaqFan

- I doubt Pakistan will be batting first even if we won the toss. Misbah as usual will rely on his defensive approach.

- Score of 360 against England in first inning is quite laughable

considering our ultra defensive and weak batting line-up.

- I think that England will be batting first and our bowlers will be able to restrict them to 260-280 inshallah. I have confidence in our bowlers. That's the only prediction I'll make just now

Looney

shahrukh619

Taufeeq out on 5. Azhar ali out on 32

TV Umpire

Will probably wake up after mid-night to watch the start of the match!!

Biting my nails right now...

farhan1

Epic England innings coming up!

ENG | 1/660d v PAK | 285 & 8/348

Draw - Series 0-0 with two to play.

TV Umpire

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iffitheking

When Aus vs India 3rd test began, I was happy that when that test will finish same day Pakistan will be playing against England... but Stupid Indian team lost in 2 days... and we are left hanging... 3 days without any cricket...

my feelings exactly!

I was looking forward to continuous cricket.