http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 – 2nd Test – Match Preview
After a humiliating capitulation at Dubai, The England contingent will look to bounce back against Pakistan in the 2nd Test, played at the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Imtiaz-Sheikh-c64290 Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, January 25, 2012.
The defeat put a considerable dealt to the no.1 throne of the tourists after they were found wanted in conditions, which were intended to favour the batters. For all the runs their top six has scored in the past two years, their horror show again amplified the debate of the team’s ability to cope under diverse circumstances of the sub-continent.
The Poms have been ruthless on their home ground, while also have shown tenacity Down Under but still remain unproven under testing settings and especially against a top spinner.
It took http://www.senore.com/Cricket/IR-Bell-c1597, who arguably is the visitor’s best player of spin.
While their bowlers still managed to hold their heads high, it was probably a rude awakening for everyone in the Poms camp after they buckled under pressure. However, the series is just one game old and there still remains plenty of twist and turns on offer.
History certainly offers plenty of insight regarding the mental strength of the no.1 ranked team under Head Coach, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Andrew-Flower-c44362 where they have managed to quickly turn around such disappointments. The last Ashes series, which the Poms went onto win by a 3-1 margin, remains a perfect model for them to look upon.
While all the top six faltered easily in the 1st Test, it will be the skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AJ-Strauss-c964, who will be the most eager to perform considering that he has scored a solitary ton in his last 26 outings. The left-hander will be keen to rebuild his, and the team’s reputation by ensuring dominion in both his roles.
Changes are expected but the tourists might also tend to name an unchanged lineup – giving one more chance to the same playing XI to put things right on track.
The Men In Green always throw plenty of surprises and they surely shook their opponents with an towering performance, instigated by Saeed Ajmal’s impressive 10-wicket haul. While the talk of the town remained his new delivery “teesra”, it was the doosra, which proved too hot to handle. His battle with the opponent’s batsmen will again be the focal point of the clash.
It was tough to read into the batting efforts of the hosts despite important contributions from the likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Adnan-Akmal-c42042. They played well without being flashy but their work will be cut out in the second game.
However, they can take relief from their showings at Abu Dhabi in the past where they have scored plenty of runs. A win here will certainly be a humongous achievement, keeping in mind the controversy which arose when the last time the two sides played in 2010.
It is fair to say that under Misbah’s leadership, the team has come a long way in performing on a relatively consistent basis. The hosts are sure to have two spinners, while http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Aizaz-Cheema-c961.
The flat pitch will again be on offer, supporting the batters to amass plenty of runs while having bite for the bowlers, ready to bend their back.
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