The one and a 30 percent of a test so far played of the three matches test series keeps England (1-0) ahead with series defining third match starting at Southampton from Friday 21 August. Pakistan desperately needs winning for squaring the series 1-1.
England needs at least a draw or weather interference for winning the series. Cricket played so far definitely indicated superior quality of Pakistan. After dominating 80% of the first test Pakistan failed to wrap up the match for a brilliant do or die desperate partnership between Buttler and Woakes. Rain and bad light restricting the second match to only one and a half of the four completed Innings ended in tame draw with Pakistan holding upper hand. If weather does not take the upper hand the third test on the same venue is expected producing a mouth-watering contest.
The matter, which did not escape the attention of cricket analysts, is the well-drilled, well-tuned Pakistan team. The quality all round Pakistan bowling attack appeared to have distinctive edge over the home team. Shahin, Abbas, Nasim and Yasir have definitely exploited the wicket and condition better than Anderson, Broad, Woakes and Curran. We would also mention that Shan Masood (at least one innings), Abid Ali, Babar Azam have batted better than most English batsmen.
In view of above let us preview the all important third test. Pakistan needs winning. Hence they must with their match winning bowling winning unit. They have to take 20 English wickets defending whatever their batsman collect as capital. Would suggest to add all rounder Fahim Ashraf whose medium pace bowling in addition to his batting would be an added advantage. His presence would allow Azhar using Shahin, Nasim and Abbas in short burst, while Yasir can continue teasing and testing English batsmen. It will extremely difficult for Fawad Alam contributing much with his bat. Pakistan top order must bat better and try to produce enough runs for their bowlers to defend. Pakistan must be a bit more aggressive in the field in field setting. Azhar Ali and AsadShafiq are due to make major contributions. 350-400 runs in the first innings should be winning target. Pakistan is fielding well. Misbah, Yunus, Waqar and Mostaq must have teamed up well in fine tuning their charges.
England on the other hand would have definite strategy. They must not be too defensive. The major decision would be whether replacing Sam Curran with either Jofra Archer or Mark Wood. They have to also think about Burns and Sible. English openers have not yet come to terms with Pakistan attack. Even Pope has become a bunny of Yasir. England for unknown reason has fielded very poorly. Buttler behind the wicket proved very ordinary. If England does not improved ground fielding specially catching Pakistan may make them suffer and win the test.
Anyway if the match is not interrupted by rain and bad weather the test is going to be something which cricket lovers would admire.
Probable Teams
England:
Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley , Joe Root, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler, Chris Woakes, Dominic Bess/Mark Wood, James Anderson, Jofra Archer/Sam Curran and Stuart Broad
Pakistan:
Shan Masood, Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Asad Shafique , Mohammad Rizwan, Fahim Ashraf, Yasir Ali, Shahin Shah Afidi , Mohammad Abbas and Nasim Shah.
BDST: 1318 HRS, AUG 19, 2020
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