“Only four of us are going back”.
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NASSER SAYS: “I think James Taylor is a very good player of spin and will be pushing Jonny Bairstow, and perhaps even Ian Bell, for a spot in the side”. That extended journey will have given Bayliss and Cook plenty of time to discuss the pressing issue of just who will open alongside the captain.
“We’ve probably got a bit of an idea who we might play”, he said. That will be a stark contrast to the failed attempt to outmanoeuvre Pakistan here in early 2012, when England lost 3-0.
Cook said grabbing the opportunities will be the key to success.
Pakistan defeated England 3-0 in their last test series in the UAE in 2012, but Alistair Cook’s team will be confident after defeating Australia in the Ashes series at home.
He expressed the hope that national team will struggle to win all test matches against England in the next series.
“But I’ve worked really hard, and I’m definitely a better player than I was in 2012”. Asked if Rashid was ready for Test cricket, he replied: “Yes, if he goes out and bowls like he did against Australia”. There’s no reason why he can’t be successful. “So I am going to analyse every factor deeply before I take a final decision”, said the Mianwali born batsman. I was thinking that the upcoming India series would be the point when I will decide what to do. I’m only one of two or three selectors so that’s my view.
England remain intent on taking the attack to Pakistan this winter – whatever the final line-up entrusted to do so.
This time, Bayliss is sure, it will be different. A lot of them have not been overseas that much to play… they’re used to winning, in this last six months.
With Adam Lyth axed after a poor Ashes series, Alastair Cook will be given a seventh new partner since the retirement of Andrew Strauss, with Moeen and Hales vying to open with the captain. “Shah and Babar are doing extraordinarily well and that’s a big plus, so they haven’t made us feel anyone’s absence”, said Misbah.
“We had opportunities. We had to chase 140 twice, on good wickets, and we should have done that”.
“Not because Moeen couldn’t do it but because in the UAE, in sub-continental conditions, his main job for the team is to be number one spinner”.
“It might get down to do we would like an additional spinner, additional tempo bowler, additional batter?” But we’ve got a young side, an exciting side.
“Whoever does well here is going to be very hard to drop”, he said.
This time around Cook’s charges are supported by Sri Lanka legend Mahela Jayawardene whose insight into conditions will be a welcome addition. Adil Rashid must play, too; he has waited patiently for his turn and deserves his chance.
Alex Hales, who has served his apprenticeship well in global limited-overs cricket and has been prolific for Nottinghamshire in the County Championship over the past two summers, would be the first option.
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“To have his experience, knowledge, he knows Trevor and Paul (Farbrace) very well”. He’s scored over 25,000 global runs which is a hell of an achievement.
