ENG vs PAK: 1st Test, Preview- Nervy Pakistan run into power-packed hosts at the Home of Cricket

Pakistan didn’t have the most amazing Test match against Ireland in Dublin where the hosts nearly pulled off the miracle of defeating Sarfraz Ahmed’s men. Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq was criticised for selecting Imam-ul-Haq, his nephew. However, his gutsy fifty in the second innings pulled the visitors out of the precarious position and helped them to victory.

The team will now move to the Lord’s Cricket Ground where they will cross swords with England in the first of the two-match Test series. With a relatively young squad, they will be in for a stern Test under seaming conditions. Prior to the Ireland-match, the Test side played their last full-fledged series against Sri Lanka way back in October 2017 which they lost by 2-0.

England were disappointing in their last Test series against New Zealand where they slumped in the opening Test at the Eden Park in Auckland followed by a nail-biter at Christchurch. They will be looking to start their home campaign on an auspicious note. Pakistan and England are currently ranked number seven and fifth in the ICC Test Rankings.

Team Combination  

England

England selected a twelve-man squad for the first Test. Dominic Bess, the all-rounder who plays for Somerset, will be making his debut. Either of Mark Wood or Chris Woakes will be a part of the eleven. Alistair Cook, who wasn’t quite at his best in England’s series against Australia and New Zealand, has to come to the party. The series is also crucial for Jos Buttler, as he will make a comeback in Whites.

Joe Root is the skipper of the team and needs to lead from the front. James Anderson and Stuart Broad will again pair up as the fast-bowling partners. Ben Stokes didn’t have an impressive stint with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL and he will look to find his form in the Test matches. Mark Stoneman is likely to be Cook’s opening partner.

Predicted XI

Alistair Cook, Mark Stoneman, Joe Root (capt), Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Johnny Bairstow (wk), Dominic Bess, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood/Chris Woakes, James Anderson

Pakistan

Pakistan is likely to retain their eleven from the previous contest. Azhar Ali and Imam-ul-Haq will be the openers followed by the left-handed batsman in Haris Sohail. Babar Azam notched a match-saving half-century in the second-innings versus the Irish. Sarfraz Ahmed will want to be on top of his game and shepherd his troops expertly.

The bowling lineup has four fast bowlers and rightly so, bearing in mind the seam-conducive conditions. Mohammed Amir’s role will be important and the team will look up to their premier pacer. Mohammad Abbas, Rahat Ali and the Faheem Ashraf are the other pacers in the eleven. Ashraf’s batting abilities will also be required. Yasir Shah isn’t there in the squad and Shadab Khan is the lone spinner.

Predicted XI

Azhar Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed (capt & wk), Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Abbas, Rahat Ali

Players to watch out for

Alastair Cook- England

Apart from the double centuries against Australia and the Windies at Melbourne and Birmingham respectively, Cook wasn’t able to get substantial scores under his belt. In England’s last series, he could score only 23 runs at an abysmal average of 5.75. There’s no doubt surrounding his abilities and he will dearly want to score big at the iconic venue.

Mohammad Amir- Pakistan

Mohammad Amir performed well the last time he played against England at the very ground. He hasn’t lived up to expectations ever since. Nevertheless, he will have the conditions in his favour and will be keen to spearhead the attack. The team management will hope for their premier pacer to fire on all cylinders and rattle the Englishmen.

Head to Head

Played- 81, England- 24, Pakistan- 20, Draw- 37

In England

Played- 51, England- 22, Pakistan- 11, Draw- 18

Stat Attack

The Lord’s Test will be his 153rd consecutive Test match of England with Alastair Cook in the playing XI. Cook will equal Allan Border’s record of 153 consecutive Test match appearances (for Australia) for a single team.

Broadcast details

TV– Sony Six, Sony Six HD

Online– Sony LIV

Match Timings: 15:30 IST, 10:00 GMT

For more cricket previews and other stories, visit Crictracker.com.