My review is on the Pakistan’s team’ chances in England in response to asyis’ request for the same.
Writing a review on Pakistan cricket team is like writing whether it will rain tomorrow. They are so brilliant on their day that they never cease amazing you. One aspect of their game that should be learned by the Indians is their never-say-die spirit. Even when 7 or 8 are down, Saqlain and company never stop fighting. Remember that match in Australia where Saqlain and Waqar batted Pakistan to victory. Our tail order just crumbles but theirs fights on. Well this is a general scenario. There are stray cases and exceptions to this.
As is the tone of the review, this series will not be decided by England. This series will be decided by how well or how badly Pakistan play. On their day they are better than the best.
As far as raw talent is concerned, it’s a no-brainer, Pakistan are better. But England are on a resurgence tale.
If Pakistan play well they will win it. By well, I mean their bowlers are going to do a good job. no doubt there. their batting is very brittle. On days Anwar and Inzamam look like they are never going to get out. On days they just tumble like a pack of cards.
The series will be decided by the following players.
Saqlain: As it is Englishman just crumble in front of spin. Although they played well the last time.
Akram and Waqar a formidable pair will make it tough for Hussein and co.
Mushtaq: Leg-spin mesmerizes the English. If Mushtaq is played and that is a big if, and given sufficient overs to settle in he could run through the English. The English players do not use their feet much and that will cause them much distress. However the pitches will not be conducive to spin. He will have to bowl his heart out.
Anwar and Inzamam: The success of Pakistani batting hinges on these two to a large extent and probably also on Youhana. If these three click then Pakistan are on their way.
Now for the English side.
Batting: The mantle rests on Hussein, Stewart and Thorpe. They will be the batsman to watch out for. Hussein and Thorpe played Saqlain very well in Pakistan. They will be in home conditions.
Gough: If this man is as accurate is as he is normally is he will be a thorn in the side for the Pakistanis. He will pick wickets with the new ball and has the ability to run through the tail.
Cork: If this guy is selected he can boost England’s chances a great deal. He bowls with his heart and will break partnerships. Also he is efficient with the bat and can stay at the crease and even use the long handle to good effect.
The series also hangs in the balance because of the potential and unpredictability of the players like Afridi, Flintoff, Craig White, Imran Nazir, Mohammad Sami and Ashley Giles.
Abdur Razzaq and Azhar Mehmood will be my players to watch out for in the series and I expect one of them to win the match of the series if pakistan win. Shoaib Akhtar will be a decorative piece according to me. I could be wrong but his fitness and erratic line and length means he may not contribute to the series. He will as it is have to watch out for his action from Peter Wily.
A lot depends upon the captaincy in this series. I expect Hussein to do the job very well. I feel Waqar may have problems because of his problems with Shoaib and Wasim, Wasim’s problems with Latif and Latif’s problems with the entire world. If Pakistan loses, match fixing ghosts will haunt them again.
Though I have made it to be a tough series it might end in favor of England. Players of the sub-continent who feel the sun on their backs for the entire year are not quite the same when their fingers are chilly. Home Advantage is a Big Advantage. Although at any time there may be more Pakistani than English supporters in the Ground.
Another factor is the rain. If both matches are washed out do not be surprised. Overall I predict England to have a 1-0 victory. Pakistan will have to play out of their skins to win it. And if they do they too might have a similar margin of victory. Pakistan are really looking to win though whereas the English are basically considering it as the Series before the ASHES.