After contesting a thrilling Investec Test Series, which was drawn 2-2, England and Pakistan clash once again in the Royal London One-Day International Series, beginning at The Ageas Bowl next Wednesday and concluding at The SSE SWALEC in Cardiff on Sunday September 4. Here, we run through three key battles which could determine the outcome of the series.
Joe Root v Shoaib Malik
England’s 50-over batting lineup – despite all of its fireworks – remains dependent on Joe Root. Whenever Root goes big, England tend to amass a mammoth total, with all the other dashers and smashers batting around Root’s anchor. With an average touching 45 in 73 One Day Internationals, the Yorkshireman has proved himself as comfortable with the white ball as he is with the red ball. His battle with Pakistan veteran Shoaib Malik could be crucial to the outcome of the five-match series, with Malik batting in Root’s position of Number Three and also bowling part-time off-spin. Malik has played more than 200 ODIs and his experience and skill manoeuvring the ball in the middle overs could prove vital.
Jos Buttler v Sarfraz Ahmed
The battle of the wicket-keepers. While Jos Buttler has risen to the very top of the white-ball game before his 26th birthday, it could be argued Sarfraz Ahmed is still improving, despite being four years older. Buttler’s strike rate of almost 120 is hugely impressive, as is his tally of 57 sixes in 75 matches. The Lancashire keeper is integral to England’s final flourish in their batting innings with an unerring ability to clear the ropes at will. Buttler holds the record for the three fastest centuries in ODI cricket by an Englishman. Sarfraz has proven he can be the spark in the Pakistan lineup and could be dangerous down the order.
Mark Wood v Umar Gul
Youth meets experience in this fast bowling battle. Although Mark Wood is not the youngest at 26, he has had a very limited taste of international cricket, but has caught the eye with his searing pace and never-say-die attitude. Wood is capable of bowling 90mph plus – an asset which England have often lacked in limited overs cricket. For Pakistan, Umar Gul has earned a recall after last featuring in April 2015 and his canny knack of hitting a yorker length in the latter stages can blow away the lower order. Can Wood render Gul's experience meaningless in the five-match series?
You can secure your seats for England v Pakistan at The SSE SWALEC on Sunday September 4 by clicking here. Adult tickets are available from £35.