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South Africa Under-19 captain Keaton Jennings contributed his second half-century of the series as the hosts took a 2-0 lead over Zimbabwe Under-19 with a seven-wicket win at Stellenbosch

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Jan-2011
ScorecardSouth Africa Under-19 captain Keaton Jennings contributed his second half-century of the series as the hosts took a 2-0 lead over Zimbabwe Under-19 with a seven-wicket win at Stellenbosch. Kevin Kasuza’s 54 was the only innings of note as Zimbabwe were skittled for 140 in the 44th over, the wickets shared among the South African bowlers with Malcolm Nofal and Prenelan Subrayen’s spin proving particularly effective. Jennings then eased his side past 100 before Shaylin Pillay and Regardt Verster finished the job.For the second time in two games Zimbabwe’s top order – Kasuza aside – struggled but, unlike the first game at Cape Town, this time there was no lower-order fightback. After the early loss of Brian Chari, Kasuza and captain Godwill Mamhiyo briefly stemmed the tide but once Mamhiyo was removed by Pillay wickets fell at regular intervals. Malcolm Lake and Liberty Nherera struck a couple of lusty blows but couldn’t extend their stays at the crease and Rabian Engelbrecht returned to wrap up the innings by dismissing Calum Price.When the Zimbabweans bowled, Price and Kyle Bowie’s medium pace was soon swapped for a string of offspinning options and when Nherera removed Quinton de Kock early in his spell it appeared the move was the right one. Zimbabwe simply didn’t have the runs to build pressure on South Africa’s batsmen, or the firepower to force a breakthrough, and despite Jennings and Grant Edmeades both falling to run-outs within five overs of each other victory was achieved with more than 17 overs to spare.The teams now head to Franschhoek for the third match of the series on Sunday, needing a win to keep their series hopes alive. Their tour is centred on the Western Cape, and after five youth ODIs in the region the teams will play two Twenty20s, in Paarl and Bellville, on January 22 and 23.

Brett Lee and Nathan Bracken remain in Australia’s plans after they were named in the preliminary 30-man squad for the World Twenty20

Cricinfo staff26-Feb-2010Brett Lee and Nathan Bracken remain in Australia’s plans despite long-term injuries after they were named in the preliminary 30-man squad for the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean. Lee retired from Tests this week because his body can’t cope with the workload, but he wants to return to national action in the limited-overs formats.An elbow problem is Lee’s current concern while Bracken is on the way back from surgery, but both have a tough task to win spots in the final 15-man squad for the tournament starting in April. Andrew Hilditch and his fellow selectors have also given hope to Brad Hodge, the 35-year-old batsman, who has not played for Australia since 2008.There are four new players in the squad with George Bailey, the Tasmania captain, included as well as his state team-mate Xavier Doherty, the left-arm spinner. The Victoria allrounder John Hastings and Ben Cutting, the Queensland fast bowler, have also been given some encouragement after strong domestic campaigns.”We consider the squad to contain a good blend of youth and experience with several players who have excelled in Twenty20 cricket both internationally and domestically this year,” Hilditch said. “From this 30 we hope to pick a final World Twenty20 squad that if it plays to its ability will be a very exciting, entertaining and extremely competitive.” Australia have been grouped with Pakistan and Bangladesh and must finish on top to avoid being knocked out in the first round for the second World Twenty20 in a row.Australia men’s squad Michael Clarke (capt), George Bailey, Travis Birt, Doug Bollinger, Nathan Bracken, Daniel Christian, Ben Cutting, Xavier Doherty, Brad Haddin (wk), Ryan Harris, John Hastings, Nathan Hauritz, Moises Henriques, Brad Hodge, James Hopes, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Andrew McDonald, Shaun Marsh, Clint McKay, Dirk Nannes, Tim Paine (wk), Steven Smith, Shaun Tait, Adam Voges, David Warner, Shane Watson, Cameron White.Australia women’s squad Jodie Fields (capt, wk), Sarah Andrews, Kristen Beams, Alex Blackwell, Kris Britt, Melissa Bulow, Jessica Cameron, Sarah Coyte, Lauren Ebsary, Sarah Elliott, Rene Farrell, Katelyn Fryett, Rachael Haynes, Alyssa Healy (wk), Julie Hunter, Jessica Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Meg Lanning, Renee Melton, Shelley Nitschke, Erin Osborne, Ellyse Perry, Kirsten Pike, Leah Poulton, Angela Reakes, Lisa Sthalekar, Selena Tainton, Elyse Villani, Julie Woerner, Laura Wright.

The trio of Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara and Kasun Rajitha snared all 20 wickets against Bangladesh

Mohammad Isam25-Mar-2024Thirty-eight years had passed since a Sri Lanka pace trio snared all 20 wickets in a Test. Then, it was achieved by Ashantha de Mel, Ravi Ratnayeke and Kosala Kuruppuarachchi, against Pakistan in Colombo in 1986.And against Bangladesh on Monday, the modern-day trio of Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara and Kasun Rajitha repeated the feat for Sri Lanka. They took full toll of the Sylhet pitch, which had a pronounced green tinge. However, this was an away side taking advantage of a rare instance in which a Bangladesh venue offered pace and bounce.Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva was pleased with how their plan to pick three pace bowlers worked out. The visitors completed the 328-run victory with a day-and-a-half to spare. It would give extra time off for the pace trio, which could be crucial ahead of the second Test in Chattogram, traditionally Bangladesh’s batting featherbed. Dhananjaya said that the fast bowlers used the new ball very well, and was proud of the way they kept their shape despite the Sylhet pitch slowing down as the Test progressed.Related

• Shakib boost for Bangladesh in spin-friendly Chattogram against buoyant Sri Lanka

• Shakib returns for second Test against Sri Lanka

• Sri Lanka's new chief Dhananjaya showcases his leadership chops

• Rajitha five-for leads Sri Lanka to 328-run demolition of Bangladesh

“When we saw, it looked like a fast-bowling wicket, [so] we went with three seamers,” he said after the win. “It paid off at the end of the day. The game is going on day by day, so the wicket was dying. The pace was getting less for the fast bowlers. I am very happy with the way they bowled in this game.”We play with three seamers back at home [too]. I think if you can get the new ball moving on any wicket, that’s [going to provide] the wicket-taking options for the captain. Rather than going with the spinners, I am happy with to go with the fast bowlers.”It was also a Test worth remembering for Dhananjaya himself, who, along with newcomer Kamindu Mendis, struck twin hundreds. They also added 150-plus partnerships in both innings, which are also rare achievements in Tests. Dhananjaya was pleased with the patience Mendis has shown to get into the Test team, and then made the most of the role provided to him.”What I’m really happy with regard to Kamindu is how he’s come back,” he said. “He was knocking on the door of the national side for quite some time, and I think he’s made the most of the opportunity he’s been given. Also, the No. 7 slot is somewhere I’ve batted in before as well, so I think that role suits him. His technique is solid; he has power, [and] he is very smart. So I don’t think we made a mistake in picking him.”Both Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva hit twin tons in the Test•AFP/Getty Images

The captain scoring twin hundreds in a Test is also a first for Sri Lanka. Dhananjaya told he is enjoying the extra responsibility, with experienced leaders in the side helping him out. Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal have all captained Sri Lanka in Tests before, while Kusal Mendis is the current ODI captain. But Dhananjaya isn’t not planning too far ahead at the moment, and hence not really eying the World Test Championship points table yet, where Sri Lanka are placed sixth.”I have been captaining the A side and clubs in Sri Lanka. It is not new to me,” he said. “Three ex-captains and the ODI captain are in the team, so they also support me. The management [supports] as well. It is not a burden for me; it is an opportunity. I am having a good time.”More than looking at the rankings, I mainly look at things from a match-by-match perspective. Now that this match is over, I’m looking at what we can do in the coming game. I’m only planning on how to win that game. Beyond that, any movement in the rankings will happen as a result of that. But we’re simply planning for one match at a time.”Sri Lanka were reduced to 57 for 5 in the first innings and 126 for 6 in the second before Dhananjaya and Mendis dug them out of trouble. The captain thus pointed to their top-order batting as a facet they need to work on ahead of the Chattogram Test.”As a captain, I’m very happy, but at the same time there are areas for improvement as well,” he said. “[There are] things that we need to discuss with the coaching staff and fix quickly. There is definitely room for improvement when it comes to the batting, so it’s important that we look into those weak areas before the next tour.”

Sydney Sixers will be favourites in Saturday’s final after a huge bounce-back season

AAP23-Nov-2022Despite a career spanning three decades, Alyssa Healy still struggles with handling defeat.”I can confirm I don’t like losing,” she said. “I’m a bit of a sore loser.”Fresh off her announcement as Australia’s T20 captain to tour India in December, Healy said Sydney Sixers are refreshed and ready for a return to WBBL glory after last season’s bottom-of-the-table finish.”After a disappointing couple of years, we’re back where we feel like we should be and playing some really good cricket,” she said.Sixers will enter this week’s finals as firm favourites to win their third crown, earning hosting rights to Saturday’s decider after topping the table.”Sunday was amazing to see all the people on the hill [at North Sydney Oval],” Healy said. “So that’s really buoyed us and the fact that we can play at home I think is a huge advantage as well.”Long-regarded as the competition’s marquee club, Sixers missed the past three finals series and struggled under last season’s Covid-19 restrictions.”It was challenging at times,” Healy reflected. “Especially when players were struggling off the field as well. Covid probably took its toll and being away in hubs and bubbles and not being able to come home was definitely a big factor.”But their bounce back under new coach and England superstar Charlotte Edwards has been immense.Their 11 wins this summer is the most of any club in a home-and-away season and they were barely challenged outside of a last-ball loss to Adelaide and a Beth Mooney masterclass in Perth.”You look at things from last year and I don’t think anyone would have disputed that we would potentially be in contention for finals,” allrounder Erin Burns said.  “But things didn’t click. I don’t think there is any one thing you can put it down to.”Burns feels the big point of difference has been Edwards. She took over from long-time mentor Ben Sawyer earlier this year after the New Zealand head coach led the Sixers to their first two titles in 2016-17 and 2017-18.”Everyone is just playing with more freedom [this year],” Burns said. “Charlotte definitely tries to instil that in the team. She really backs our skills.”

Club permitted 19,000 spectators for match in July in extension of government pilot

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jun-2021The third ODI between England and Pakistan at Edgbaston next month will be permitted an 80 percent capacity crowd, in the latest steps of a government pilot scheme geared towards the return of full stadiums in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak.The match, a day-night contest on July 13, is set to be held in front of a 19,000 crowd, which would make it the best attended cricket match in the UK since the start of the pandemic.The news comes after 70 percent capacity crowds were permitted at Edgbaston for the recent second Test between England and New Zealand – which amounted to 60,000 fans over the four days of the contest. On this occasion, however, the scheme will be extended to Under-16s, who were excluded from the last round of trials.”It’s fantastic for sport in the West Midlands that so many cricket fans will be able to enjoy another blockbuster fixture in England versus Pakistan at Edgbaston,” Stuart Cain, Warwickshire’s chief executive said.”The recent Test match gave us a fantastic opportunity to build a new model for large scale sporting events and I’m pleased to see elements of this first trial being carried forward for the Pakistan match.Related

• Lord's to host full-capacity ODI against Pakistan

• Edgbaston pitch invasion mars Derbyshire win and raises post-Covid crowd concerns

• Boost for venues as government extends crowds pilot scheme for Sri Lanka, Pakistan series

• Misbah-ul-Haq: 'Couple of positions we need to focus on over the next two series'

“Technology played a big part in this and we will again focus on using this as a way of creating a safe environment whilst enhancing Edgbaston’s reputation as one of the best atmospheres in world cricket.”That reputation took a dent last week following a large-scale pitch invasion at the end of Birmingham Bear’s defeat to Derbyshire in the Vitality Blast, an incident that was blamed on a student promotion that got out of hand.Cain branded the scenes at that event as “disgraceful”, adding that the club would seek to ban those responsible for life.To secure their attendances for the Pakistan ODI, spectators aged 11 or older will be required to show a negative Covid lateral flow test result, or proof of two vaccinations (first and second dose) at least 14 days before the fixture.Any ticket purchasers who no longer wish to attend the match can request a refund via an online form at the club’s website, although all such requests must be made before the deadline at 4pm on Thursday, July 1.

Former England batsman extends time with his home county’s senior ranks to 23 years

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Jul-2020Ian Bell has signed a one-year contract extension with Warwickshire to the end of the 2021 season, extending his association with the club’s senior ranks to 23 years.Former England batsman Bell, who turned 38 in April, is one of Warwickshire’s most successful players with 17,350 runs, including 38 centuries, across all formats. He is also the most capped England men’s cricketer to represent the county, having played 118 Tests and 161 one-day internationals.ALSO READ: Warwickshire size up move for Bess as Patel successorCoventry-born Bell joined the Warwickshire set-up as a 10-year-old and progressed through the county age group system and academy. He made his First Class debut in 1999 and became a regular in the senior team in 2001, winning his county cap later that year.Bell missed Warwickshire’s entire 2019 season through injury. In 2018, he was the leading run-scorer in division two of the County Championship with 1027 runs at an average of 54.05 and he also topped Birmingham Bears’ scoring in the Vitality Blast with 580 at 48.33, putting him third in the competitoin overall.”I’ve been fortunate to be part of some fantastic Warwickshire sides that have won trophies across formats throughout my time with the club, and I firmly believe that we are building for another period of challenging for more titles,” Bell said.”In the last couple of years we’ve seen some really promising young players come into the side and make an immediate impression. Part of my role now is to provide support to them as they have the potential to achieve a huge amount both with Warwickshire and England.”ALSO READ: Bresnan joins Warwickshire on two-year dealPaul Farbrace, Warwickshire’s Sport Director, said the signing meant that the club’s youngsters would continue to benefit from Bell’s vast knowledge and experience.”It’s also important to remember that in the last season that Ian took to the field, he was one of the leading run scorers in both the Championship and the Blast,” Farbrace said. “He has still got a huge appetite for scoring runs and winning games of cricket, so we’re thrilled that he will continue to do this for Warwickshire.”Warwickshire announced on Monday that its men’s squad would return to training this week in preparation for the delayed start to the 2020 county season on August 1. Details of the formats and fixture list will be revealed by the England & Wales Cricket Board in the coming weeks.

The India opener said that his time off from international cricket was spent reflecting, and working with Rahul Dravid

Varun Shetty in Bengaluru28-Feb-2019Serving a suspension and taking time off to reflect has made KL Rahul more humble, the India opener said on Wednesday.Rahul and Hardik Pandya had been suspended from international duties following controversial remarks on a chat show, before the BCCI lifted their suspensions on January 24.”It has humbled me a little bit,” Rahul said after slamming a 26-ball 47 in India’s seven-wicket defeat in the second T20I against Australia in Bengaluru. “I obviously respect the opportunity I have got to play for the country. It is the dream of every kid and I am no different. Just [want] to value where I am and keep making the opportunities count, put my head down and keep working on my cricket.”It has been a hard time, no doubt. As a player, as a person, everyone has to go through difficult times and it was my time to go through that. It gave me the time to reflect on my game, on myself. I have always been somebody who takes things as it comes and I am just happy to be back here now.”Prior to the suspension, Rahul had endured a difficult period touring with the Test team. He had below-average returns in Australia where the ghosts of a potential weakness against incoming deliveries, which first appeared on the England tour, led to tentative, muddled performances.Tentative is far from what he’s been so far in the series, however, with free-flowing knocks in both T20Is and a confident, if not adventurous, demeanour against deliveries angled into him. Rahul attributes this to time spent with the India A team and Rahul Dravid earlier this month.”Nothing really [has changed]. Got some time off from international cricket, so I could come back here and reflect on what wasn’t going right for me,” he said.”Fortunately, I got to play some India A games and some games where the pressure was a little less, so that I can focus on my skill and my technique. I spent a lot of time with Rahul Dravid, working on my game and chatting about cricket. He helped me a lot in the games I played for India A.”The Australian tour now moves into the ODI leg, where Rahul will slot back into his long-serving role as back-up opener to Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. However, with time lost in between because of his absence on the New Zealand tour, Rahul could have more game time in ODIs before heading into the IPL for Kings XI Punjab, as Virat Kohli had hinted at this at the post-match presentation after the first game. This could be crucial for Rahul, who in his last four innings (two first-class games and two T20Is) has looked good for centuries without managing to get there.”It’s nice to be back with the boys and be back in blue. Just happy that I have tasted a bit of success in the last two games and my batting has come out pretty well,” he said.”But the other side is that I could have carried on in both innings, got a big score and won the game for my team. I’ll take the two knocks but there is a lot that I have learnt from the two knocks and I want to improve.”

With neither team facing elimination and both featuring star-studded line-ups, the first qualifier between Dhaka Dynamites and Comilla Victorians is set to be a cracker

The Preview by Mohammad Isam07-Dec-2017

Big picture

Dhaka Dynamites are a team filled with T20 superstars. Comilla Victorians are much the same, their hefty batting line-up and proficient bowling attack helping them finish as the top team in the league stage. So, who will blink first in the first qualifier?Comilla will rely heavily on their experienced players Tamim Iqbal, Shoaib Malik and Marlon Samuels to complement the youthful brigade of Hasan Ali, Mohammad Saifuddin and Mahedi Hasan. All six have performed admirably.Mahedi, the 22-year old uncapped offspinner, has been the biggest surprise, matching accuracy with big-match temperament. Hasan, the Pakistan sensation, has gone from strength to strength to cap off a stunning 2017. Saifuddin has a bit of distance to go but the seamer has shown the ability to bounce back from a bad show.Dhaka are bookended by the big-hitting prowess of Evin Lewis in the opening slot and Kieron Pollard down the order. You cannot go wrong with these two in good form, particularly with Lewis taking his innings deep. Dhaka’s spin trio – Shakib Al Hasan, Shahid Afridi and Sunil Narine – have taken a wicket roughly every 14 balls, which means that they can take up to eight wickets in a game if it is their day.

Form Guide

(last five completed matches, most recent first)Dhaka Dynamites: WWLWLComilla Victorians: WLWWWEvin Lewis swats one away during his blitz•BCB

In the spotlight

Lewis has had a tremendous BPL campaign, having made 334 runs at an average of 37.11 and a strike rate of 160.57. He has given Dhaka fast starts on a regular basis and has even shepherded them into the slog overs before the others took control.Comilla would expect Malik to keep his excellent form going. Coming in down the order, he has helped set up big finishes batting first and second and he already has a half-century against Dhaka this year.

Team news

Dhaka would have to sacrifice Mohammad Amir if they opt to go for batting stability at the top. Also, spin-bowling firepower is important so they may opt for both Narine and Afridi, in addition to Shakib.Dhaka Dynamites (probable): 1 Evin Lewis, 2 Joe Denly, 3 Sunil Narine, 4 Shakib Al Hasan (capt), 5 Jahurul Islam (wk), 6 Mosaddek Hossain, 7 Shahid Afridi, 8 Kieron Pollard, 9 Nadif Chowdhury, 10 Mohammad Saddam, 11 Abu HiderComilla will have to choose between fast bowler Dwayne Bravo and legspinner Graeme Cremer, depending on the type of pitch and the amount of dew.Comilla Victorians (probable): 1 Tamim Iqbal (capt), 2 Liton Das (wk), 3 Imrul Kayes, 4 Jos Buttler, 5 Marlon Samuels, 6 Shoaib Malik, 7 Graeme Cremer/Dwayne Bravo, 8 Mohammad Saifuddin, 9 Mahedi Hasan, 10 Hasan Ali, 11 Al-Amin Hossain

Pitch and conditions

The pitch for this game will be first used for the eliminator between Rangpur Riders and Khulna Titans in the afternoon, so there will be far more help for the spinners in the second contest.’

Stats and trivia

• Dhaka’s Afridi, Narine and Shakib have combined to take 41 wickets at 14.9 in this tournament.
• During this BPL, Hasan Ali became the first bowler to take a five-wicket haul with all batsmen out bowled.

Comilla Victorians and Rajshahi Kings had been undecided about a rematch but have come on board with the new schedule

Mohammad Isam06-Nov-2016All seven franchises of BPL 2016-17 have agreed to rematches and have relinquished the shared points from the first four matches, which were washed out. This means that the points table will be wiped clean as the tournament is set for a restart from November 8.The tournament was forced to restart after rain played havoc with the opening fixtures – the first four games were washed out in Mirpur without a ball bowled.Comilla Victorians and Rajshahi Kings, who played the tournament opener on November 4, had been undecided about a rematch during Saturday’s emergency meeting called by the BPL governing council to discuss scheduling changes. They will, however, now play their match on November 30.Similarly, Rangpur Riders will take on Khulna Titans on November 10 while the matches scheduled for November 5 – Chittagong Vikings v Barisal Bulls and Comilla v Dhaka Dynamites – will now be held on November 14.The Barisal v Khulna and Rangpur v Rajshahi matches, originally scheduled for November 6, will now be held on November 20 (in Chittagong) and November 28 (in Dhaka), respectively.The tournament will now begin on November 8 with Comilla taking on Chittagong before a match between Barisal and Dhaka on the same day.

Pakistan’s formidable record in Tests at Abu Dhabi make them strong favourites in conditions that will test England’s resolve to the limit

Andrew McGlashan in Abu Dhabi11-Oct-2015A fast bowler making an impression on his first-class comeback from a five-year spot-fixing ban; an allrounder who is unable to bowl due to a suspect action; a player recalled after a five-year gap in his Test career; a 41-year-old captain who may be about to play his final Test series; an offspinner who has had his action reported after taking a five-for in his second ODI.That’s just the last few weeks of Pakistan cricket. They are rarely without some drama or controversy. Yet amid everything, their Test side has become a relative beacon of calmness and solidity. They start the series against England as strong favourites.The two teams are neck-and-neck in the Test rankings – just a point separates them in third and fourth – but Pakistan have their home-from-home advantage, the far superior spin attack and a batting line-up that knows how to gorge themselves on the surfaces in this region even though they have been weakened a little for the first Test by Azhar Ali’s foot problem.It is a mighty six months for England, still buoyed by an Ashes victory and a high-octane summer which helped move the game on from a horrid year-and-a-half. The challenge of South Africa, the No. 1 Test side, is on the horizon but it was more than just a sportsman maintaining a focus on the here-and-now when Ben Stokes said “UAE will be the most challenging one”.Stokes’ assessment wasn’t intended as a slight on South Africa. However, those will not be conditions in which England historically struggle. It is likely to be a style of cricket more akin to that which was witnessed during the Ashes; in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, however, an England cricket team is out of its comfort zone. The possibilities for self-improvement are vast, the obstacles similarly so.Factor in, too, that only once in the last decade – against Bangladesh in 2009-10 – have England won the opening Test of an away series. With Pakistan’s formidable record in Abu Dhabi, where they have not lost a Test, a draw would be a result to accept.Neither have Pakistan lost a Test series in the UAE since it became their surrogate home in 2010. There have been wins against Sri Lanka, England and Australia and they drew 1-1 with South Africa.Arguably, last year’s series against New Zealand was the one that got away. They were 1-0 up after a resounding 248-run win in Abu Dhabi but New Zealand, on the back of a free-wheeling double hundred from Brendon McCullum, levelled in Sharjah. Perhaps not for the first time this year, New Zealand will provide an template to follow even if replicating McCullum’s 202 off 188 balls is surely a step too far for either of England’s openers.Trevor Bayliss and Ben Stokes take a break during training•Getty Images

The New Zealand series is the only one of Pakistan’s last four that they have not won, away victories in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka continuing the upward trend. The series in Sri Lanka had a remarkable conclusion, Pakistan bouncing back from a seven-wicket defeat to chase down 378 – the sixth-highest chase of all time – to win by seven wickets despite being 13 for 2.It means a record of 10 Tests, six wins, two draws and two losses since last October – the joint-most victories in the period, alongside Australia, and fewer defeats than anyone bar Bangladesh and South Africa. That 12-month timeframe also coincides with the disappearance of Saeed Ajmal from the side, something which could have so easily debilitated the team.Yasir Shah’s emergence as a world-class legspinner has been a key reason why that hasn’t happened, but Misbah-ul-Haq has also been an impressive leader. He has scored three hundreds – all in Abu Dhabi where he averages a stratospheric 120 – but just as importantly he has cajoled the best out of his team more often than not.Against Australia last year, the platform was set in two prolific Tests in which the top order made nine hundreds between them, and that is before you factor in the wicketkeeper, Sarfraz Ahmed, who is averaging 50 at No. 7. Alongside Yasir v England’s spinners, Sarfraz v Jos Buttler is one head-to-head which starts significantly in Pakistan’s favour based on recent form.In many ways, the greater unpredictability of late has not been with Pakistan, but England. Throughout 2015, they have immediately followed strong victories – in Grenada, at Lord’s and in Cardiff – with insipid defeats, and though they broke that trend to regain the Ashes at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge, they then resumed their erratic record with another heavy loss at The Oval.Still, in beating Australia, England have confounded expectations already this year and despite the Ashes success, England’s finest hour under Alastair Cook remains the 2012-13 series victory in India. Cook played a monumental role, as did the now-departed Kevin Pietersen, while it was England’s spin twins – Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar – who triumphed.What Cook would give for just one of those two spinners now (it adds to the sadness of Panesar’s situation as he tries, once again, to keep his career afloat) but he has to play with the hand he has been dealt. Cook’s batting, as a fine player of spin, will again be crucial – England can’t rely on Joe Root alone – and he will have to be at his most cunning as a captain.Moeen Ali bats in the nets ahead of the first Test•Getty Images

It will be fascinating to see how Pakistan play Moeen Ali. Should they work him around and test his endurance, or follow Australia’s lead in trying to attack him with an attitude bordering on the disrespectful (an approach which, ironically, often played into Moeen’s hands)? If Pakistan are able to stop Moeen bowling long spells Cook’s task could become forlorn.However, if England are to win, against the odds, it will be a miracle if their spinners play the decisive role. In 2012, James Anderson and Stuart Broad were England’s outstanding bowlers but that series took place in the UAE’s winter – January – as opposed to the oppressive late summer this time. They were also three years younger.The relative whipper-snappers, Mark Wood and Stokes, with their skiddy pace and ability to find reverse swing, will have to help make up for the lack of a proven matchwinning spinner while Steven Finn’s four wickets in the second warm-up match have provided a late conundrum, or a nice headache, for Cook and Trevor Bayliss.But the bowling won’t matter much without runs on the board. Since England last visited the UAE and contrived to lose after bowling Pakistan out for 99 in Dubai, the lowest first-innings total to win a Test in the region is Pakistan’s 341 against Sri Lanka in 2014, a game in which they chased down 302. In the last 12 months, in the same number of Tests, England’s top seven have scored nine hundreds against Pakistan’s 24.The recall of Shoaib Malik, with a Test average of 33, suggests the future may not be quite so rosy once Misbah and Younis Khan, who is on the verge of becoming Pakistan’s leading Test run-scorer, depart the scene. However, in the immediate future, it represents quite a gap for England to bridge.