England’s two warm-up outings have shown just how tough it will be to inflict a first Test series defeat on Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, according to vice-captain Joe Root.
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As underdogs, England regained the Ashes at home two months ago but now face a daunting threat from Pakistan who wrapped up a 3-0 series win on the last occasion the two teams met in the Middle East.
He is adamant they will be and said: “We’ve proved over the last six months we can do things people don’t think we can”.
Root, who had ascended to numero uno position in Tests following a stellar run in the prestigious tournament, insisted that he was determined to make big contribution in the series, adding that he would be pleased to be part of a team to beat Pakistan for the first time in the UAE.
“We definitely learned a lot from these two encounters with a strong Pakistan A side”, he continued.
“I think the guys bowled really well the other day, and it wouldn’t surprise me if the team that was picked then is the team for the first Test”. The remaining Tests will be played in Dubai (October 22-26) and Sharjah (November 1-5) followed by four one-day and three Twenty20 internationals.
“We’re definitely confident within the dressing room. We’ve done all the work in preparation for this series”. “And it is very important we start well”. “So there’s plenty of other players we’ve got to watch out for”.
“He is someone who can be a target for big runs but he has the capability of taking wickets and he will be the key person for Pakistan”.
“We’re very realistic. We know it’s going to be really tough… and we’re going to have to play extremely well to beat them”.
Moeen Ali will be confirmed as Cook’s latest opening partner on Tuesday, a meteoric rise for the Worcestershire all-rounder who batted at No8 during the Ashes.
For Pakistan “A”, comprising of the country’s best performers in domestic matches, Test discard Adnan Akmal (74 not out), Sami Aslam (43) and Umar Amin (39) managed to put up a few fight in an unimpressive 192-9 at close.
Root, however, gave the incumbent wicketkeeper a ringing endorsement – identifiying him as one of the driving forces of England’s future.
Asked if Buttler’s lack of recent runs might be preying on his mind, Root said: “I’d like to think not”.
Ajmal, whose controversial bowling action was questioned back in 2012, was suspended past year but after being cleared with a new style seems to have lost his wicket-taking ability, leaving his career in the balance.
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“We hope that can continue for a long time”.
