HAMPSHIRE all-rounder Liam Dawson made a losing England ODI debut today as his country’s bid for a historic Royal London Series whitewash foundered in a four-wicket defeat against Pakistan in Cardiff. Sarfraz and Malik batted exceptionally well and were later on supported by Mohammad Rizwan and Imad Wasim.
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Jason Roy began the series in fine style with a Man-of-the-Match-winning performance at the Ageas Bowl, but it has been quieter for him since: bowled second ball by Mohammad Amir at Lord’s, gloving a pull during England’s world-record mayhem at Trent Bridge, and edging to second slip at Headingley.
The PCB confirmed that Ali would feature in the final one-day worldwide in addition to the one off T20 global between the two sides at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
The top eight teams as on 30th September 2017 will qualify directly for the ICC’s pinnacle 50-over tournament, while the remaining two sides will progress from the 10-team ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018.
Shortly before the news of Irfan’s withdrawal was confirmed Azhar Mahmood, Pakistan’s bowling coach, said it had to be acknowledged that Irfan’s size made him a unique case.
“The ECB has refused to send its team to Pakistan because of security concerns but after consulting its foreign office and sending its security experts to Bangladesh it has agreed to send its team to Bangladesh”, Khan said. But they haven’t been able to perform as a unit.
“When I saw the fixture list, the games aren’t easy”, said Arthur, whose side have at least qualified for next year’s Champions Trophy, ‘the mini World Cup, ‘ in England. “I’m pretty happy with everything and really looking forward to it”, the 29-year-old Worcestershire off-spinner and left-handed batsman added.
“There were checks and balances in place (about Irfan’s fitness)”. They passed the test with flying colours, significant contributions coming from three players – Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali – who had not had major roles to play with the bat up till then.
Meanwhile, Azhar also downplayed the suggestions that he should resign from the post of skipper by indicating that he wanted lead by example in the upcoming series.
Hales and Root’s partnership was also England’s third-highest in one-day internationals.
“He was put on standby when we selected our one-day squad, he went to the national academy and did his training”.
The series concludes in Cardiff on Sunday. “England are a phenomenal cricket team, power-hitters all the way down”, he said. “It is just when we are off it is important other guys fall in behind – and (this win) proved that”. The fact we fell short and only got 300 isn’t a bad thing.
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England, on the other hand, have no such problems with their batsmen, who have looked in wonderful form.
