England vs Pakistan 2020: 1st Test, Preview - Confident England Await Stiff Challenge From Pakistan

A Test cricket rivalry that began 66 years ago has extended to one of the most exciting feuds today. Pakistan and England share a rich vein of history in Test cricket having produced some outstanding bowlers and batsmen over time. But controversies have equally been a part of their rivalry, especially when playing in England whether it be the forfeited Test in 2006 or the spot-fixing row four years later.

Also Read: Pakistan Aim To Translate Their Progress Across The Decade Into A Conquest In England

But Pakistan’s outfit has managed to restore their reputation since then if not conquering the English territory. As Pakistan players made their way to England from the shackles of COVID-19 pandemic, they will stay in the bio-secure bubble of Manchester and Southampton till the 1st of September. It would be slightly more crucial for them to abide by the protocols, given their handful of players have already been exposed to the virus.

From the last time both the sides met in Tests that culminated in a draw, they have undergone profound changes. Not only Pakistan has a new captain but Sarfaraz Ahmed, who led the side in 2018 is no longer a first-choice fixture in the playing eleven.

Instead of Fakhar Zaman, who was two years ago, it is Babar Azam, who Pakistan have pinned their hopes on. They have revamped their support staff, all of who have been integral to Pakistan’s success in England in the past.

Mohammad Abbas remains the only bowler from their 2018 visit while the likes of Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi might replace Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali. While their bowlers shone in the intra-squad warm-up, their batsmen have not hit the right notes and something that would be integral if they are to succeed withstanding the threat posed by Stuart Broad and James Anderson in particular.

England hold the upper hand not only in terms of record but also match practice. They are coming off mauling the West Indies in a three-match series in which they went from strength to strength across departments. They will likely retain the eleven that pummelled Jason Holder’s men a few days ago to go up to number three in the ICC World Test Championship. A case for Joe Root’s return to his imperious best remains on the cards as he takes the field against the opponents against whom he made his personal best four years ago.

Playing combinations:

England:

The home side is likely to field the same eleven that secured the series victory against the West Indies in Manchester a week ago. It had all the ingredients and every base covered to beat any visiting team.

Probable XI: Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Joe Root (c), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler, Chris Woakes, Dom Bess, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.

Pakistan:

Shan Masood notched up substantial scores in the two intra-squad games while Abid Ali and Imam-Ul-Haq will fight for the second opener’s spot. Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, and keeper Mohammad Rizwan would be inevitable while there are cases for Fawad Alam and a debut for Haider Ali too.

The three pacers who would take the field are likely to be Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi while the visitors might also opt for two spinners in Shadab Khan and Yasir Shah.

Probable XI: Shan Masood, Abid Ali/Imam-Ul-Haq, Fawad Alam, Azhar Ali (c), Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Pitch report:

The Old Trafford pitch offered plenty of swing early on for the bowlers; however, it dried up as the match progressed. It was the case against the West Indies for the second and third Test and might remain the same against Pakistan.

Weather report:

The rains would occur intermittently for the first four days; however, it is not anticipated to affect the condition or the result of the match. The temperature throughout the day would stay between 20-24 degree Celcius.

Head to Head:

Played – 82
Won by England – 24
Won by Pakistan – 21
Drawn – 37

Stats that matter:

81 – Azhar Ali needs 81 runs to reach 6000 Test runs.

254 – Joe Root made his best score of 254 against Pakistan at the Old Trafford in 2016.

5 – Stuart Broad needs five more wickets to get to 800 first-class wickets.

Match prediction:

England seemingly holds the favourites tag due to their all-round abilities across all facets. Nevertheless, Pakistan cannot be counted out of the contest due to their unpredictability. In a nutshell, it would arguably give England the greatest challenge in red-ball cricket this summer.