By Matthew Harris
For a series that had threatened to plumb new depths of tedium, Pakistan and England have produced two tense finishes thus far but it’s the hosts who lead the way going into the decider in Sharjah. Alastair Cook’s men could have been all-square and possibly even ahead at this stage but defeat in Dubai leaves the tourists looking vulnerable going into Monday’s final test.
Pakistan remain favourites to win the series but do England have the resources to turn this around?
Starter for one
The quest for Alastair Cook’s opening partner goes on and even if Moeen Ali gets the nod for Sharjah, few expect the Worcester man to survive into the South Africa series later this year. A shot which can kindly be described as questionable, came in the second innings of the second test, with his side facing a long haul to save the match and at any other stage, Ali’s brief stay at the top of the order may have come to a close.
England do have Alex Hales although it’s not certain that the Nottinghamshire man will be exposed just yet. He has had very little cricket on the tour but it is feasible that Hales will come in for the third test with Moeen dropping down the order.
Obvious casualty
One man likely to face the selectors’ axe is Jos Buttler whose unfortunate batting average of 8.50 in the UAE has been backed up some very ordinary wicket keeping. One further issue is the form of back up keeper Jonny Bairstow but the Yorkshireman’s marginally better stats – 91 runs at 22.75 should see him given the gloves.
England seem determined to give Bairstow as many chances as possible to cement an international place and a spell as first choice keeper will take the pressure away from his batting, which is yet to be convincing at this level.
That leaves one reserve batter – Nottinghamshire’s James Taylor who could potentially take Bairstow’s place at 5. Geoffrey Boycott has called for England to drop Ian Bell but Taylor’s inclusion is more dependent on what happens to Moeen Ali.
Taking 20 wickets
England’s seamers have performed well in testing conditions but the spin pair of Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid have been disappointing. They may have combined to take 7-92 in Pakistan’s second innings in Abu Dhabi but there may even be a temptation to play one slow man in Sharjah and squeeze in an extra batsman or possibly even one more seamer.
The problem with the second theory is a lack of alternatives. Steven Finn’s injury was an undoubted blow after an impressive spell in the warm up against Pakistan A and his extra height and bounce gave the tourists something different. It’s equally disappointing that Chris Jordan, rather than Mark Footitt, was called up to replace the Middlesex paceman.
No disrespect to Jordan but another right arm, up and down bowler is unlikely to help in the third tests whereas Footitt’s extra pace and left arm line of attack would have offered Captain Cook a potentially useful variation.
It’s early days of the Trevor Bayliss reign but the new coach seems unlikely to make any wholesale changes for the third test. Bairstow for Buttler is an obvious switch but from there it gets a little murky. Does Moeen continue to open or does Hales come in? Is James Taylor ready for a recall?
From the showing in Dubai, it’s obvious that change is needed if England are to somehow level this series but the permutations are numerous heading into Sharjah.
