Finn wants to Stop Carrying Drinks

Pakistan v England 2011-12

George Dobell in Abu Dhabi

February 8, 2012

You might expect a man on the fringes of a team - and a losing team at that - to point out the failings of his colleagues in an attempt to advance his own ambitions.

Steven Finn, however, is not that sort. While he admits to frustration at having been 12th man throughout England's Test series against Pakistan, he remains fiercely protective of his under fire colleagues, insisting this is not the time for knee-jerk reactions.

Finn came within an ace of playing in both the first two Tests of the series against Pakistan in the UAE. On the first occasion he missed out to Chris Tremlett and on the second he missed out to Monty Panesar. Panesar's subsequent success ended Finn's hopes of selection for the third Test and he was a powerless onlooker as England, their batsmen bamboozled by Pakistan's spin attack, succumbed to a 3-0 whitewash.

"In terms of having to change personnel, I don't think we need that kind of knee-jerk reactions at the moment," Finn said. "The side has been very, very successful over the last two years with the personnel who played in this series. There's no doubt we have the best people available in the country playing in the team, we just didn't adapt to the conditions as quickly as we'd have hoped.

"The bowlers did a fantastic job during this Test series. Obviously I wanted to play every game and I was disappointed that I didn't, but that's the way it goes.

"I'm getting very good at mixing drinks for the boys. I've sort of got used to it over the last 12 months. But it's not the sort of thing you enjoy getting used to."

The worry for England is that they have lost nine of their last ten international games. It is a run that extends back to the final Twenty20 international game against West Indies in September and includes the tour of India, the current tour of the UAE and all three formats of the game.

While their Test form has been, until recently, good, their ODI form away from home has been wretched. They lost all five ODIs against India in October and have lost 14 of their last 20 ODIs outside England. There are few realistic grounds for optimism going into the ODI series against Pakistan.

But Finn was one of the few successes of England's limited-overs tour of India. Not only did he take the most wickets of any English bowler - eight - but he also proved the most economical, conceding 5.27 runs an overs. He bowled at a sharp pace and showed a newly acquired ability to reverse swing the ball. Aged just 22, he is one of England's brightest prospects.

Now he hopes that he can be part of a fresh injection of young talent into an England camp that is looking to the future and the World Cup in Australasia in particular. In Finn, along with new additions Jos Buttler (aged 21), Danny Briggs (aged 20), and the likes of recently capped Jonny Bairstow (aged 22), England hope they have the nucleus of a bright, young side that can lead the team to brighter times.

"This one-day team is a very youthful, very exciting place to be," Finn said. "The guys coming in, the fresh faces, are going to be very enthusiastic to show what they can do.

"They're very skilled players as well, so they're going to be breathing down the necks of the guys in the team. I think this one-day series is going to be a great opportunity for us to put what's gone under the carpet."

Finn also feels that Friday's game against England Lions will present an excellent opportunity for young players to catch the eye of the England management. While Andy Flower, the England coach, has confirmed that Lions players will not be promoted to the senior squad irrespective of performances in the game, Finn knows from experience that such games can provide a useful 'shop window.'

It was in the same stadium in Abu Dhabi in February 2010 that Finn, along with Craig Kieswetter and Michael Lumb, were part of a Lions side that beat England. On the strength of that performance, Kieswetter and Lumb were selected as the opening partnership for the World Twenty20 while Finn wasn't far behind in a call up.

"Friday's game is going to be important for everyone, on either of the two sides," Finn said. "There's great opportunity for people on both sides to push for places in every format of the game. If you look at Kieswetter and Lumb, they played against the England team over here two years ago, the next month they were opening the batting in the World Twenty20. I played in that game, too, and less than a month later, I was playing Test cricket.

"Andy Flower and the management team are looking for people's attitudes; they're looking for things other than just performances - and games like this are a great opportunity for people on both sides to show everything they can give."

The Lions team will contain all the members of the senior England squad who do not make it into the main England side for Friday's match.

Meanwhile Andy Hurry, the first team coach at Somerset, has joined the England party to deputise for Richard Halsall, the fielding coach and Flower's unofficial deputy, who has returned to England to be with his heavily pregnant wife.

England are also looking into the possibility of some of their players - notably Ian Bell, who has been left out of the limited-overs squads - travelling to Sri Lanka ahead of the rest of the party to acclimatise to the pitches and conditions. It is possible that Bell will be able to represent a local side in Sri Lankan domestic competition, as have the likes of Varun Chopra and Moeen Ali in recent weeks.

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The Facts About Saeed Ajmal's Bowling Action

Pakistan v England 2011-12

George Dobell

February 8, 2012

ESPNcricinfo can today provide the facts that prove the legality of Saeed Ajmal's bowling action.

Ajmal was Man of the Series against England after taking 24 wickets in the three-Test series and playing a prominent role in Pakistan's first Test whitewash against England.

Ajmal caused confusion when he gave a TV interview following the series and appeared to indicate he had been given dispensation by the ICC to bowl above the 15-degree tolerance limit.

Countless fans have contacted ESPNcricinfo through social networking sites and by email asking us to clarify the situation regarding Ajmal. After a thorough investigation, including extensive discussion with the ICC, these are the facts.

1. The bottom line is this: Saeed Ajmal's action is well within the ICC range of tolerance. While he does bowl with a bend in his arm, it does not straighten more, on average, than about eight degrees.

2. His arm does come through at a bent angle but that is allowed so long as it doesn't straighten beyond the tolerance level.

3. The figure of 23.5 degrees mentioned by Ajmal is the average angle of his arm at the beginning of delivery.

4. The ICC put Ajmal, along with other bowlers, under constant scrutiny and evidence suggests that there has been no significant deterioration in Ajmal's action since he was tested in 2009.

5. Contrary to widespread belief, Ajmal's off-break and quicker ball actually cause his arm to straighten more - though only a fraction more - than his much-debated doosra.

6. The ICC is reluctant to discuss bowling actions in detail because officials fear the subject is too complicated to explain.

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Bell's One-Day Career is Not Over - Flower

Pakistan v England 2011-12

George Dobell

February 7, 2012

Andy Flower has insisted Ian Bell's limited-overs international career is not over, despite the batsman having been omitted from the England squad to face Pakistan in four ODIs and three T20Is in the UAE.

Bell, a 29-year-old veteran of 108 ODIs, has been left out as England offer opportunities to younger men such as Jos Buttler, the Somerset batsman, and Yorkshire's Jonny Bairstow as England seek to improve their modest limited-overs form away from home of 12 wins in 38 matches since December 2005. Bell has passed 50 only once in his last 14 ODI innings and had looked uncomfortable against Saeed Ajmal's spin in the recently concluded Test series.

"Ian Bell is a very fine player, who has had a hard time in this Test series and hasn't had that many chances recently in one-day cricket for us," Flower said. "I spoke to him yesterday about the one-day situation and he was very mature in his acceptance of it.

"What I did say to him was that this doesn't mean that his one-day career is necessarily over. He's not too old to fight his way back into the side. He's a very fine international cricketer. It depends how this group of players play and whether any gaps open up in the future. If he can fight his way back in, then good on him."

It is not the first time that Bell has been dropped. After the debacle of Jamaica in February 2009, when England were bowled out for just 51, Bell was omitted from the Test side until July of that year and did not reappear in the ODI side until July 2010.

He may also have suffered for England's surfeit of players of a similar tempo. With Jonathan Trott having scored prolifically at No. 3 and Alastair Cook having been appointed captain, Bell had been out of position at No. 6. While Bell is as sweet a timer of the ball as anyone in the team, his style is not best suited to the somewhat more agricultural requirements of the last overs of an ODI innings, as a strike-rate of 73.31 suggests.

Flower also confirmed Kevin Pietersen will open the batting for England. Pietersen, who batted at No. 4 in recent times, has not made a score of 80 or more since November 2008 and has only passed 50 three times in 34 innings. One of those half-centuries came during a four-match spell during the World Cup when he opened the batting. In those four games he averaged 32.75 at a strike-rate of 96.32.

"He is going to be opening the batting for us in this series and that should be really exciting to watch," Flower said. "We started with him in that position in the World Cup and unfortunately he got injured and had to go home early. But he showed glimpses of what he could do.

"He's a very, very fine cricketer - a very dangerous cricketer - and someone we'd like to give the option of facing as many balls as possible in the limited-overs game. If he stays in long enough, he will win games for us in that position.

"It hasn't worked out well for him at No. 4 recently, but I'm really excited to see him embrace the challenge of opening."

In order to help England's batsmen prepare for the further trial by spin they anticipate in the limited-overs games, Monty Panesar will remain with the squad for another week. It is anticipated Pakistan will field four spinners in their ODI side, meaning England's batsmen may face as many as 40 overs of spin per innings.

Flower also reflected on the 3-0 whitewash Pakistan inflicted upon England in the Test series. It was the first series England had played since they assumed the No. 1 Test ranking. Flower admitted he was disappointed with the performance of the batsmen but expressed his confidence in their ability to resolve their problems against spin bowling.

"The batsmen are lower in confidence after the Test series against this type of bowling, so it will be a serious challenge for us. I expect better things from the batsmen, and I really expect to see us improve with our knowledge and method of how to combat their spin.

"Of course, there is a cut-off line where it would be stupid to continue along the same path if it's not being successful. In the main, I don't think we're there with this group of players.

"This is not a closed shop - everyone's aware of that - but this group of batsmen have done an outstanding job for England and have very good international records over the past few years."

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Saeed Ajmal Comment Sparks Action Confusion

Pakistan v England 2011-12

George Dobell in Dubai

February 7, 2012

Saeed Ajmal, Man of the Series as Pakistan whitewashed England 3-0 in the UAE, sparked confusion over his bowling action by giving an interview in which he appeared to claim that he has special dispensation to exceed the limit currently permitted by the ICC. However, it later emerged that Ajmal has an abnormally natural bent arm similar to Muttiah Muralitharan although the exact degrees involved remained unclear.

In the interview with the BBC, Ajmal volunteered the belief that the ICC had allowed him 23.5 degrees to compensate for an accident in which he injured his arm. The ICC, however, were quick to reject the suggestion.

Ajmal said: "Someone is telling me my action is bad because the ICC allowed me as a bowler 23.5 degrees, because my arm is not good. A few years ago I had an accident. Otherwise, no problem, the action was cleared by ICC."

An ICC spokeman denied that was the case. "There is no dispensation for anyone," he said. "It is worth remembering that his first language is not English and this may have been a slip of the tongue."

David Richardson, the ICC's general manager of cricket, confirmed that Ajmal's arm is not naturally straight and that Ajmal's action does not fall outside the 15-degree tolerance limit.

"There is a big difference between the 'elbow carry angle' (elbow abduction) and the degree of elbow extension," he said. "There is nothing preventing a bowler bowling with a bent arm, provided he does not straighten it beyond the permitted degrees of tolerance."

In an interview on the ICC website, Richardson added: "In Saeed Ajmal's case he has a 15-degree angle of elbow abduction."

The PCB issued a statement attempting to clarify the situation although their claim that Ajmal's elbow has a natural angle of 23 degrees didn't match Richardson's explanation that it was 15 degrees, which also happens to be the ICC's tolerance limit.

"The ICC's level of tolerance of 15 degrees relates to the degree of elbow extension that is permitted in the bowling action, ie. the amount by which the arm is straightening," Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema said. "Previous tests conducted on the action of Saeed Ajmal show that the degree of elbow extension is well within ICC's tolerance levels."

"Saeed Ajmal was referring to the angle of elbow abduction, ie. the angle of the upper arm to the forearm and not the degree of elbow extension. This angle is approximately 23 degrees in Saeed's case.

Ajmal tormented the England batsmen in all three Tests, claiming 24 wickets in the series at an average of just 14.7. Their inability to distinguish between his off-break and doosra caused particular confusion and vastly reduced the effectiveness of England's much-vaunted middle order. Ian Bell, Eoin Morgan and Kevin Pietersen all failed to average more than 13.

While Bob Willis, the former England captain turned pundit, had raised concerns about Ajmal's action at the start of the series, the England team have been reluctant to be dragged into any controversy. Consequently, they have stuck to the line that it is job of the umpires and the ICC to scrutinise bowlers' actions.

However, Andy Flower, the England coach, expressed his surprise after being told of Ajmal's remarks. "If that's the degree, then there's a problem," Flower said. "That's ridiculous.

"That is an ICC issue, though. They are there to police the game, and make sure that it is played within the rules, so they've got to scrutinise his action. We've all got our own views, but our job is to combat whoever is put against us, and part of it is also to play the game in the right spirit."

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Pakistan Announced ODI and T20 Squad against England, Shoaib Malik Back

Pakistan v England 2011-12

Umar Farooq

February 7, 2012

Awais Zia is the only new face in Pakistan's limited-overs squads for the ongoing series against England. The Rawalpindi batsman has been named only in the Twenty20 squad, while the one-day unit retains the bulk of the Test team, except for Taufeeq Umar and Mohammad Talha, who will return home. Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik and batsman Hammad Azam will join the squad in the UAE. Malik was not in the original squads but was added shortly after at the captain Misbah-ul-Haq's request.

The notable absentee was allrounder Abdul Razzaq, who was part of the team's one-day plans in recent times. He played in the five-ODI series against Sri Lanka in November but missed the series in Bangladesh because of a shoulder injury. He underwent a brief rehabilitation, and went on to play in Australia's Big Bash League Twenty20 tournament, but told ESPNcricinfo that his shoulder wasn't yet 100% fit for international assignments.

"We actually wanted to carry on with the winning sequence," Azhar Khan, selection committee member told ESPNcricinfo. "It is a different ball game and I don't think we should take England side lightly. The limited-overs series is wide open for both teams. The team that quickly adapts itself in the format can take the upper hand."

Azam toured Pakistan in the West Indies last year and his last one-dayer for Pakistan was against Ireland in Belfast in May. Zia was the leading run-getter for Rawalpindi Rams and the fourth-highest run-getter in the domestic Twenty20 with 177 runs from five games. He made his first-class debut in 2007.

"We always look for room to blood a youngster in the side, to test the prospect of the talent," Azhar said. "The inclusion of Zia and Hammad is a part of the proposition. Unfortunately we have been deprived from hosting the series on our home grounds, and we can't try out our talented players more openly.

"Zia is a shining star and we have picked him in a format that is well suited for him. Now it is his own responsibility to justify the opportunity. Hammad was definitely in line from many years but wasn't given a proper chance due to combination in the squad."

Pakistan will play Afghanistan in a one-off one-dayer in Sharjah on February 10, before the four-match ODI series against England begins in Abu Dhabi on February 13. Pakistan go into the series buoyed by their historic 3-0 whitewash of the world's No. 1 Test side, England.

"Obviously, the expectations have increased after the Test series win, and we have specialist cricketers for the [limited-overs] formats as well," Azhar said. "I am optimistic that Pakistan will continue the winning streak to end the tour on high."

Pakistan ODI Squad: Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Umar Akmal, Asad Shafiq, Adnan Akmal (wk), Junaid Khan, Umar Gul, Aizaz Cheema, Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Wahab Riaz, Hammad Azam, Azhar Ali, Shoaib Malik

Pakistan Twenty20 Squad: Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Umar Akmal, Asad Shafiq, Adnan Akmal (wk), Junaid Khan, Umar Gul, Aizaz Cheema, Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Wahab Riaz, Hammad Azam, Awais Zia, Shoab Malik

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England Announcrd ODI and T20 Squad against Pakistan, Ian Bell Dropped

Pakistan v England 2011-12

George Doorbell

February 7, 2012

Jos Buttler and Danny Briggs have been named in England's limited-overs squads to face Pakistan in the UAE. The pair, both of whom are uncapped in ODI cricket, have been included in the squad that will play four ODIs and three Twenty20 internationals.

Ian Bell, however, was omitted from the squad. Bell had passed 50 only once in his last 14 ODI innings and had looked uncomfortable against Saeed Ajmal's spin in the recently concluded Test series. It is entirely possible that Bell, aged 29 and a veteran of 108 ODIs, has played his last limited-overs match for England.

Buttler, a 21-year-old from Somerset, has been in good form recently for England Lions. He struck two centuries and a half-century in his last five innings against Sri Lanka A, including one century from just 56 deliveries. He broke into England's Twenty20 side towards the end of the English season after impressing in several important games - notably the CB40 final and the FPt20 quarter-final. He is seen as having the big-match temperament and the big-hitting game to prove a destructive ODI player. He can also keep wicket.

Briggs, a 20-year-old left-arm spinner from Hampshire, is one of three spinners in the 16-man squad. A bowler who relies more on control than any extravagant turn, England hope Briggs proves well-suited to the slow, low pitches anticipated in the UAE.

Tim Bresnan, who has just rejoined the England squad, having earlier returned to England for further treatment on an elbow injury that required surgery at the start of December, is also included subject to further fitness tests.

Nottinghamshire batsman Alex Hales will join the squad for the Twenty20 leg of the tour, with Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott returning to England. Stuart Broad is the captain of England's Twenty20 side that will be looking to retain their World Twenty20 title in Sri Lanka in September.

England's National Selector, Geoff Miller, said: "We have selected two squads that include both experienced international players and younger players who have performed strongly for England Lions in recent months and deserve an opportunity to further test themselves against quality opposition. Playing against Pakistan in the UAE will be challenging but it is important that these players continue to develop their skills so that we are able to make strides in limited-overs cricket particularly on the subcontinent."

England have a mixed ODI record. While their home form remains impressive - they won series against both World Cup finalists, India and Sri Lanka, at home in 2011 - their away form is grim. They lost all five matches against India in October and 14 of their last 20 outside England. They have won just five and tied the other.

Their record in Asia is even more gruesome. Since December 12, 2005, England have won just 12 of 38 ODIs in Asia and four of those victories came against Bangladesh and the Netherlands. Pakistan, by contrast, have won 12 of their last 13 ODIs and 23 of their last 30. England, however, have won five of the last seven ODI meetings between the sides.

In a bid to improve the tempo of England's batting, Kevin Pietersen will be given another opportunity to open the innings, with Craig Kieswetter dropping down to bat at No. 5. While England hope Pietersen can exploit the powerplay overs, after a brief experiment at the World Cup before his injury, Kieswetter is also seen as an accomplished hitter of the older, softer ball. Both may require productive series to silence their critics.

Kieswetter has only passed 50 once in his last 24 ODIs, while Pietersen has not made a score of 80 or more since November 2008.

Indeed, in that period, he has only passed 50 three times in 34 innings. But England have invested a lot of time in both of them and would be loathe to change tactics now.

England will warm-up for the series by taking on England Lions on Friday, before the ODI series begins in Abu Dhabi on February 13.

England ODI Squad: Alastair Cook (capt), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Danny Briggs, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Jade Dernbach, Steven Finn, Craig Kieswetter (wk), Eoin Morgan, Samit Patel, Kevin Pietersen, Graeme Swann, Jonathan Trott

England Twenty20 Squad: Stuart Broad (capt), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Danny Briggs, Jos Buttler, Jade Dernbach, Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Craig Kieswetter (wk), Eoin Morgan, Samit Patel, Kevin Pietersen, Graeme Swann

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England Must Learn How to Play in Asia - Strauss

Pakistan v England, 3rd test, Dubai, 4th day

George Dobell in Dubai

February 6, 2012

Andrew Strauss has warned that England must learn the lessons of their 3-0 series whitewash at the hands of Pakistan or face more misery in Asian conditions.

England's 71-run loss in the third Test in Dubai condemned them to a 3-0 defeat in their first series since officially becoming ranked the No. 1 Test team. It was also the first series whitewash England had suffered since the 5-0 Ashes loss of 2006-07 and only the seventh in their history. With a two-Test tour to Sri Lanka coming up next month and a tour of India before Christmas, Strauss knows England have to improve in these conditions if they are to retain any hope of remaining the top-ranked side.

Strauss, England's Test captain, admitted that his team would do some "soul searching" over the coming days but insisted they would conduct a full debrief before making any decisions over the future of certain players. The positions of Ian Bell (who averaged 8.5 in the series), Kevin Pietersen (11.16) and Eoin Morgan (13.66) are all likely to come under scrutiny after England succumbed to their first series defeat since they lost to the West Indies in early 2009 and the first since Andy Flower was appointed to the position of permanent coach.

"We can't ignore this result and just say it's an aberration," Strauss said. "That would not help us. This was an eye-opener and a wake-up call and with two more tours on the subcontinent coming up, things won't get easier. We have to be up for this challenge.

"We have to look at the reasons we lost. We have to look at our preparation, our training, our techniques and our temperament. It would be wrong for us to ignore these things, but we also need to remain true to what has worked well in the past.

"No-one has a right to play for England forever. It would be patently wrong for us to think like that. But we also need to take time to let the dust settle. We need to look at what went wrong individually. Hopefully over the next week or two, things will become clearer.

"I have great faith in our batsmen," Strauss continued. "I think they are some of best be in world, but I am disappointed we haven't coped better. I haven't been involved in a series where so many batsmen have had a hard time. We all have some questions to answer and soul searching into how we can do things better. There was a consistent failure on our part. If you keep getting bowled out for 140 or 150 you're not going to win many Test matches. We could and should have been better."

Andy Flower, the England coach, suggested the long lay-off his players had enjoyed before the series might have been a contributory factor to the result. Before this tour England had not played Test cricket since the series against India finished in August last year and no cricket at all since the limited-overs series in October.

"Looking back now, I don't think we were ready," Flower said. "I shoulder that side of the blame because it was my decision to give them that time off. We won't let that happen again.

"We spent a couple of months out of the game and not doing a lot while Pakistan were beating Sri Lanka and working hard to beat Bangladesh and that hardened them up for this contest. Certainly during that rest time, our team and support staff were all being lauded and, while that was happening, Pakistan were working hard at their game and beating international opposition. Consequently one side was sharp and ready and one side wasn't and we've got to do something about that."

Flower also expressed his faith in the batting line-up, but confessed he was surprised at how they had struggled in the series. "We do have a lot of faith in our players and that faith has been justified over a long period of time," he said. "But we've obviously underperformed here badly. I've been surprised by how poorly we've batted.

"We have to take the lessons that have been learned here and improve our skills and improve out method for the Sri Lanka tour. A number of our big players have underperformed in this series. It was the first time that so many of our established Test crickets were out of runs and not feeling as confident as they usually do and not as clear in their method as they usually are."

Misbah-ul-Haq, meanwhile, said the whitewashing of England has sent "a strong message that the Pakistan team are back in cricket."

Pakistan's captain hailed his side's "wonderful achievement" after leading them to victory in the third Test. It was the fifth time that Pakistan had achieved a whitewash in a series of three matches or more.

Victory was especially sweet for Misbah given the context in which the series was played. The previous time these teams met, in 2010, the series was soured by allegations of corruption that subsequently led to three of the Pakistan team receiving jail sentences. The episode tarnished the reputation of Pakistan cricket and forced the side to rebuild with a new captain and several new players. Now, however, Misbah feels Pakistan cricket is in the news for the right reasons.

"We showed that we are a power in the cricketing world again," Misbah said. "Now is the time to give importance to the Pakistan team again. It is a wonderful thing for us. I can't describe in words how important this series was for our team.

"We just came out of such problems. But the way we have come out and the way we are progressing is wonderful. Everyone was ignoring us, but now they have to look at Pakistan cricket."

Pakistan, who were dismissed for just 99 on the first day of this game, also became the first team since 1907 to win a Test after being bowled out for under 100 in the first innings. Pakistan responded by limited England's first innings lead to 42, before centuries from Azhar Ali and Younis Khan seized the initiative for the hosts.

"Our bowlers did a wonderful job," Misbah said. "They cut down the lead and we knew that, if we were only behind by 100 on the first innings, we were still in the game. Then Azhar Ali and Younis Khan batted wonderfully. Their batting was the main thing that brought us back into the game."

Having proved their potency in these conditions, Misbah agreed that his team would be defined by their success overseas. "That's another challenge," Misbah said, "but this team loves challenges. We have it in our mind. We are focused on proving ourselves outside Pakistan.

"If you saw us in New Zealand, though, you would know we can do it. Conditions there were not easy for our team, but we performed well there and in the West Indies. We are looking forward to playing in South Africa and Australia and we will start our preparation now."

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Today a Dream Come True - Mohsin Khan

Pakistan v England, 3rd Test, Dubai, 4th day

ESPNcricinfo staff

February 6, 2012

Mohsin Khan, the Pakistan coach, compared his team's whitewash against England to the 1992 World Cup triumph after the 3-0 margin was sealed with a 71-run victory in Dubai. It was the first time since 1907 that a team had won after being dismissed in double figures in the first innings of a Test and completed Pakistan's first cleansweep over England.

"Today is like a dream come true," Mohsin told Sky Sports. "It's not a very experienced team but it's very talented. Today, the captain and all the players have proved they are one of the best in the world. It's a great achievement for the Pakistan team."

Pakistan's captain Misbah-ul-Haq always believed his team could fight back from their poor first innings which had seen them 44 for 7 before lunch on the opening day. The fightback started with the bowlers and was built on by Younis Khan and Azhar Ali who struck the only hundreds made in the series.

"After being bowled out for 99 nobody thought we could come back," Misbah said. "But that is what this Pakistan team has been doing for the last year and a half, coming back in pressure situations. Everybody performed well, especially the bowlers. Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman brought us back into the game then there was a wonderful batting performance from Younis Khan and Azhar Ali. I think that was the difference in this game."

As they have throughout the series, England struggled to combat Pakistan's spinners. Ajmal took four wickets in the final innings to take his series tally to 24 at 14.70 which earned him the Man-of-the-Series award. But it wasn't all spin that ended England's hopes of a consolation victory as Umar Gul took out key middle-order scalps in another penetrative spell.

First he struck with the old ball to extract Ian Bell and then Eoin Morgan with the new ball to ensure no lower-order heroics from Stuart Broad or Graeme Swann. Having also taken a four-wicket haul in the previous Test in Dubai at the start of the series Misbah was full of praise for his senior fast bowler.

"He's a wonderful bowler, whenever we need him he performs well," he said. "Today he gave us four precious wickets. He's a matchwinning bowler and he showed that again today."

For Andrew Strauss the defeat completed a chastening three weeks where England's credentials as the leading Test team have been left in tatters. The bowlers couldn't have done more to try and keep their side in the series but time and again the batting failed to respond and Strauss admitted the constant failures were unexpected.

"I'm a little surprised we didn't get bigger scores over the three matches," he said. "That was a consistent failure on our part but you have to give credit to Pakistan. When they got their noses in front they didn't let us back in. We have to learn lessons from this. I'm a great believer you don't become a great team overnight or a bad team overnight."

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Pakistan Secure 3-0 Series Whitewash against England with a Stunning Victory in 3rd Test

Pakistan v England, 3rd Test, Dubai, 4th day

The Report by David Hopps

February 6, 2012

Pakistan 99 (Broad 4-36) and 365 (Azhar 157, Panesar 5-124) beat England 141 (Strauss 56, Rehman 5-40) and 252 (Prior 49*, Gul 4-61, Ajmal 4-67) by 71 runs

Pakistan duly completed their first clean sweep against England in a Test series, an extraordinary achievement for a side with no home to call its own, a side that lives out of a suitcase and does it rather well. Along with the socks and the toothpaste they certainly unpacked quite a shock for the No. 1 ranked side.

Twice in a few months, the leading Test side in the world has been found wanting. India were whitewashed in England last summer and now England have suffered a similar humiliation. Test cricket in Asia, described by England's captain, Andrew Strauss, as "the final frontier," has proved as unconquerable as ever.

The sunny disposition of Saeed Ajmal, the Man of the Series, and the stiff-limbed tenacity of Abdur Rehman tormented England to the end. They shared 43 wickets between them in a three-Test series and England barely played a shot in anger. Even after dismissing Pakistan for 99 in their first innings, they could not summon either the method or confidence to prevail. Only when the game was as good as lost did Matt Prior, who has looked likelier than most throughout the series, play with gusto in making an unbeaten 49.

There was plentiful spin for Pakistan's spinners, not quick turn but leaping turn at times when the ball struck the rough. Fittingly, the match finished on an lbw referral as Monty Panesar swept at Rehman, only to find that his retro scoop bat had no magical qualities. DRS upheld the umpire's decision and the all-time record of 43 lbw decisions in a series was equalled.

Until then, Rehman had counted Strauss as his sole success as he bowled unchanged for two sessions, 30 overs sent down with unerring accuracy. He is the sort of spin bowler who looks slightly weary from the outset, but never noticeably tires after that.

The emphasis has been upon spin, but Umar Gul reminded England that the quicker bowlers carried their own threat. His four wickets set the course of the Test unquestionably towards Pakistan. Ian Bell averaged more than 100 last summer, less than 10 in this series and when he slapped a long hop wide of point it summed up his state of mind. Reverse swing accounted for Eoin Morgan, whose dance down the pitch was nothing compared to the merry jig from the wicketkeeper Adnan Akmal, after he had caught it. If Pakistan had doubts about taking the new ball, Gul allayed them as Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann risked all-out attack and got out almost immediately.

Cook had put up statuesque resistance, 187 balls for 49. Along the way he became the second youngest person, at 27 years and 43 days, to reach 6,000 Test runs. Only Sachin Tendulkar has reached the landmark at a younger age. His most attacking shot of the morning, a loft into the leg side against Rehman, caused the bowler to taunt him with applause. He lived on scraps, combating the turning ball with thoughtful defence and numerous works to the leg side and that proved his undoing as a leading edge was brilliantly held by Younis Khan, diving to his left at first slip.

England, 36 runs banked the previous evening, needed a further 288 at start of play. Strauss fell in the sixth over of the morning, lbw on the back foot once more. He reviewed it, although he would have been better advised to head smartly for the dressing room. When it comes to captain's reviews Strauss cannot match Misbah-ul-Haq. Misbah was lbw on five occasions in this series and took a review every time. It must be a captain's prerogative.

Without lapses in the field, Pakistan might have won sooner. They had dropped Cook the previous evening, a relatively simple chance to Taufeeq Umar at third slip and Gul's drop in the shadows of the stand at deep square gave him another reprieve as Pakistan lost the efficiency that has characterised their cricket throughout this series. Rehman made his frustration clear when he caught Jonathan Trott at deep square and flung the ball into the turf with feeling at the errors that had gone before.

Kevin Pietersen was bent upon playing enterprisingly. The first ball of the afternoon provided a reminder of his vulnerability when a bat-pad against Rehman flew high past short leg, but he had the fleeting satisfaction of striking him straight for six before Ajmal, from around the wicket, spun one through the gate and beamed at further bounty.

Adnan Akmal's fumble behind the stumps to reprieve Strauss, although not costly as the England captain was out in the next over, was the worst miss of all. Adnan has had a good series behind the stumps and has the opportunity to be Pakistan's first-choice keeper for many years to come but his excitable chatter was at times counterproductive. Strauss' edge flew to him at comfortable height but he put it down. For a few minutes he was quiet and you could hear your ears ringing.

Adnan's cacophony of cries often rent the air for inexplicable reasons. As do parrots, Adnan vocalises for many reasons. He may be excitedly greeting the day or summoning his family at sunset. He may be screeching when he is excited or when he is merely trying it on. He may screech when he thinks things have got too quiet or when he thinks it is his duty to scream. He just likes screeching. At one point he burst out coughing as if in sore need of a lozenge and Trott looked at him in deadpan fashion.

Adnan is also incorrigibly optimistic about reviewing umpiring decisions. "Do it, do it, yes, yes, all good," you could sense him saying from first moment to last. Misbah learned not to take his evidence into consideration and looked askance at him. He will not be looking askance tonight - every Pakistan player will share Adnan's excitement.

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England Face Tough Task as Pakistan in Command on Day 3 of 3rd Test

Pakistan v England, 3rd Test, Dubai, 3rd day

The Report by David Hopps

February 5, 2012

Stumps England 141 and 36 for 0 (Strauss 19*, Cook 15*) need 288 runs to beat Pakistan 99 and 365 (Azhar 157, Younis 127, Panesar 5-124)

A monumental innings by Azhar Ali, a dutiful and occasionally becalmed affair spanning nearly nine hours, has left England requiring a daunting 324 for victory in the third Test. Azhar's highest first-class score, 157 from 442 balls, was an impressive feat of patience and skill and presented England with a final batting examination against Pakistan's spinners, a task they have flunked throughout the series.

England at least survived their initial reconnaissance. There were few devils in the 20 overs up to the close, although Alastair Cook was badly dropped in Umar Gul's second over by Taufeeq Umar at third slip. Pakistan also lost a review after Mohammad Hafeez's lbw appeal against Andrew Strauss was turned down.

For much of the third day, this was a drowsy Dubai Sunday. When the Test suddenly sprung into life before tea, with England's spinners taking the last seven wickets for 34 runs in 22.2 overs, England did not know whether to laugh or cry. As the ball began to turn and spit on a worn, dry surface, each wicket felt like the harbinger of the batting challenges to come.

Without Azhar's marathon effort, England might have had realistic ambitions of salvaging a consolation victory. Graeme Swann, who dropped him low down at first slip on 84 off James Anderson, will have felt more disconsolate than most. Azhar finally fell to Swann at short leg. Cook has stood there throughout the series without so much as a sniff, but he held a low catch to end an innings that had pronounced Azhar as a young batsman of high calibre.

Younis Khan added only 12 to his overnight 115 before he fell lbw to the deserving Stuart Broad, but Azhar followed up Younis' hundred with one of his own. He resumed on 75 and pressed on doggedly. His first boundary of the morning, a delicate sweep against Graeme Swann took him to 98 before he unleashed a resounding square cut against Monty Panesar to reach his second Test century.

As the lead crept ahead, so did the lbws. Five Pakistan batsmen fell to leg before decisions, four to Panesar. That took the total to 41 in the series and counting. It is a record for a three-Test series and only two below the overall record.

Panesar finished with another five wickets, aching limbs and his reputation rebuilt . Much of the afternoon had been a stalemate as Panesar persevered into the rough outside Misbah-ul-Haq's leg stump, and Misbah appeared immovable. England tossed away their second review in desperation as Misbah survived Panesar's lbw appeal by virtue of a thin inside edge. But he fell that way eventually, as he has five times in the series, his own review failing to spare him.

Panesar then prospered. Asad Shafiq was lbw on the back leg, sweeping, and Adnan Akmal was bowled for nought by one that turned. Panesar's celebrations, once so excitable, are now so strangely matter-of-fact that perhaps it is time to take a look in the doctor's medical bag.

When Swann removed Abdur Rehman and Saeed Ajmal courtesy of slip catches by James Anderson - the second one a cracking effort, a steer to his right from Ajmal that he anticipated brilliantly - it brought Swann rare satisfaction and served only to deepen England's sense of foreboding.

It has been a tough series for Swann. He has a great career record against Pakistan left-handers, but there are only two of them in this series and Taufeeq has often been dismissed before he has come on. Swann has been largely overshadowed as he has remained loyal to the methods that have served him well, flight and a line outside off stump, while other spinners have bowled straighter and quicker in a rewarding search for lbws.

Pakistan were threatening to defy cricket history. No side in 105 years has won after making fewer than 100 in the first innings of a Test, a feat last achieved by England against South Africa at Headingley in 1907.

Even that achievement required assistance from the elements. Colin Blythe, the revered Kent left-arm spinner, loved nothing better than a wet pitch and he took 15 wickets as Leeds drizzled loyally upon him. There was little point in Panesar and Swann gazing to the heavens in the hope of a sudden downpour, not in these parts.

Early in the day, umpire Steve Davis' lbw decision against Younis was upheld on review, but it was the most marginal of calls, as was Kevin Pietersen's on the opening day, and emphasised that the umpires in this series have been emboldened by DRS into giving borderline decisions that they might normally have turned down. The umpires' margin of error that is built into DRS meant that on both occasions the umpire would have been right whatever he ruled. Both Younis and Pietersen were adjudged to be out when Hawk-Eye predicted that the ball would have shaved the stumps so lightly that the bail might not even have fallen. The umpires have all become outers.

The best umpires throughout the years tended before the advent of DRS to allow a small margin of error in favour of the batsman, judging that a not-out decision was the safest if there was an element of doubt. Hawk-Eye has not only removed that doubt, and the inbuilt margin of error, intended to protect the umpire's authority, has meant in this series that batsmen have, in effect, defended bigger stumps - taller by the width of a ball, and wider by the width of a ball on both stumps. It is a concern, but it is no reason to abandon the system.

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Briggs and Buttler in Line For England ODI Squad against Pakistan

Pakistan v England 2011-12

George Dobell

February 5, 2012

England are set to shake-up their ODI squad for the four-match series against Pakistan that starts in Abu Dhabi on February 13. Someset's Jos Buttler and Danny Briggs of Hampshire could earn a call-up to the ODI squad for the first time.

Buttler, 21, has been in good form recently for England Lions. He and 20-year-old Briggs are the players most likely to win a call-up to the squad, while Ian Bell may pay the price for England's limited-overs failings. Bell has passed 50 only once in his last 14 ODI innings and has looked distinctly uncomfortable against Saeed Ajmal's spin bowling in the current Test series. James Anderson is also far from certain to be included.

England have two aims: to improve their chequered ODI form and build a side that can challenge for the World Cup in Australasia in early 2015. But those aims may not be completely compatible with England likely to include a third spinner for this series in conditions that will differ markedly from those anticipated at the World Cup.

England have a mixed ODI record. While their home form remains impressive - they won series against both World Cup finalists, India and Sri Lanka, at home in 2011 - their away form is grim. They lost all five matches against India in October and 14 of their last 20 outside England. They have won just five and tied the other.

Their record in Asia is even more gruesome. Since December 12, 2005, England have won just 12 of 38 ODIs in Aisa and four of those victories came against Bangladesh and the Netherlands.

Buttler struck two centuries in his last four innings for the Lions against Sri Lanka A, including one from 56 deliveries. He broke into England's T20 side towards the end of the English season after impressing in several important games - notably the CB40 final and the FPt20 quarter-final. He is seen as having the big-match temperament and the big-hitting game to prove a destructive ODI player. And can also keep wicket.

The squad is also likely to contain at least three spinners with Briggs the most likely to join Graeme Swann and Samit Patel. The legspinner Scott Borthwick, with his extra batting ability, is another possibility, though Briggs' superior control gives him an edge. Moeen Ali, who is currently playing domestic cricket in for Moors Sports Club in Sri Lanka, would be another option.

Monty Panesar is also an outside bet to win a recall. He played the last of his 26 ODIs in 2007 but he is bowling well with 14 wickets in two Tests and, aged just 29, should still be fit in 2015.

In a bid to improve the tempo of England's batting, Kevin Pietersen is likely to be given another opportunity to open the innings, with Craig Kieswetter dropping down to bat at No. 5. While England hope Pietersen can exploit the Powerplay overs, Kieswetter is also seen as an accomplished hitter of the older, softer ball.

Both may require productive series to silence their critics. Kieswetter has only passed 50 once in his last 24 ODIs, while Pietersen has not made a score of 80 or more since November 2008. Indeed, in that period, he has only passed 50 three times in 34 innings. But England have invested a lot of time in both of them and would be loathe to change tactics now.

The likes of Steven Davies, James Taylor and Joe Root are also vying for places but Tom Maynard and Jason Roy have experienced difficult Lions tours and may have to wait a little longer for an opportunity.

England (possible): Alastair Cook (capt), Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott, Eoin Morgan, Craig Kieswetter (wkt), Samit Patel, Jos Buttler (wkt), Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Steven Finn, Jonny Bairstow, Jade Dernbach, Danny Briggs, Ravi Bopara.

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Bresnan to Rejoin England Squad in UAE

Pakistan v England 2011-12

ESPNcricinfo staff

February 5, 2012

England allrounder Tim Bresnan will fly back to the UAE after on Sunday after passing a fitness tests in the UK. Bresnan will play the one-day warm-up match against England Lions in Abu Dhabi on February 10 as match practice ahead of the one-day series that begins three days later.

Bresnan, 26, underwent surgery for an elbow injury in early December, but suffered discomfort when bowling in the nets at the start of England's tour of the UAE. It was decided to send him home before the Test series against Pakistan began. He underwent a fitness test at Headingley on Thursday.

The squad is scheduled to be named towards the end of the third Test between England and Pakistan currently taking place in Dubai. England are scheduled to play four ODIs and three T20Is in the UAE.

Bresnan last played in England's T20 win over India in Calcutta. He has been on the winning side in all 10 Tests he has played.

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Younis and Azhar Puts Pakistan in Command against England on Day 2

Pakistan v England, 3rd Test, Dubai, 2nd day

The Report by David Hopps

February 4, 2012

Close Pakistan 99 and 222 for 2 (Younis 115*, Azhar 75*) lead England 141 (Strauss 56, Rehman 5-40) by 180 runs

The first hundred of this Test series was a long time in coming but it was well worth the wait. It went to Younis Khan, his enduring talent again lifting Pakistan's expectations that they can achieve their first whitewash in a Test series against England.

When Younis came to the crease shortly before lunch on the second day, he was out of form, 22 wickets had fallen for 268 runs and batsmen on both sides were in mental turmoil over a record number of lbw decisions in a three-Test series. Not another wicket fell all day.

By the close, Younis had 115, his third-wicket stand with Azhar Ali was worth 194 in 72 overs and Pakistan's lead was 180. Some Pakistan fans held aloft a banner stating that Pakistan's target was to be the No. 1 Test side in the world. England can confirm it is an uncomfortable place to be.

Whenever mutterings are heard that his Test career is nearing an end, Younis comes up with something special. England tried to bowl straight, seeking to add to the 37 lbws in the series (the record in any length of series is 43) but the pitch was slow and the sound of ball against pad was conspicuous by its absence as Younis worked the ball serenely through the leg side.

It is only two months since Younis took an unbeaten double hundred off Bangladesh in Chittagong and his serenity flooded back. Both he and Azhar, whose restrained unbeaten 75 again identified him as a talent in the making, read the line confidently, their footwork was crisp and on the rare occasions Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann matched the turn found by Pakistan's left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman, they had the skill to adjust to the ball off the pitch.

England imagined they might have dismissed Azhar lbw, on 70, just before the close when Swann found turn around leg stump. Umpire Simon Taufel said no, England reviewed, more in hope than expectation, but to the consternation of the fielding side Hawk-Eye showed the ball going too high. Pakistan's lead was 168 and England had not got the break they desperately needed. Andrew Strauss, an England captain with no time to waste, even took the new ball two overs before the close.

Younis' second 50 took 60 balls and changed the complexion of the match. His gathering confidence was illustrated when he twice reverse-swept Swann as England's spinners resorted to bowling into the rough outside leg stump. Two short balls from Panesar helped him through the 90s. When he swept Panesar to reach his 20th Test hundred, two greats of India's past, Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, were moved to rise from their seats in the VIP area and applaud.

But the incident that will most trouble England was one of the rare balls Younis missed: a delivery from Panesar that pitched on middle, dislodged a piece of turf as it spun past the outside edge, and cracked Anderson on the left shoulder at first slip. This is a dry pitch and it can be expected to turn extravagantly as the match progresses.

It all possessed a different feel to the pre-lunch session. Six more wickets tumbled on the second morning, with England scraping a first-innings lead of 42 and then removing Pakistan's openers. Taufeeq Umar's technical frailties were again evident as James Anderson bowled one from wide on the crease to have him caught by Strauss at first slip. Mohammad Hafeez, after striking Panesar cleanly for a straight six, fell lbw to an over-ambitious sweep.

England's batting frailties are now so extreme that their average of 17.84 runs per wicket is currently lower than in any completed series since the 19th century, an era when the roller was probably pulled by a horse, if they could find a horse, and the art of groundsmanship extended to little more than pushing the stumps in.

England began the series fretting about the mysterious spin bowling of Saeed Ajmal but they are ending it baffled by the conventional approach of Rehman, who took five wickets for the second successive innings as Pakistan restricted England's first-innings lead. This canny left-arm spinner, enjoying unforeseen riches in his late-blooming career, had performed the sajda on the outfield in Abu Dhabi when he took five Test wickets in an innings for the first time. Once again he fell to his knees.

England, resuming on 104 for 6, lasted 12 overs. Anderson, the night-watchman, propped forward to the last ball of the first over and was bowled through the gate. It was the sort of respectable, turning delivery Rehman has produced on countless occasions and suddenly it looked unplayable.

Stuart Broad hinted at positive intent but he was lbw to Ajmal after Pakistan turned to DRS to overturn Steve Davis' not-out decision. Broad was straight back to the laptop, analysing his dismissal, seeking answers. Another centimetre and he would have been outside the line. Umpires would never give anybody out on such small margins; technology does.

Andrew Strauss' prolonged resistance ended at eight-down, to his most adventurous shot. He had extended his overnight 41 to 56 when he came down the pitch to hit Rehman over the legside and was stumped by Adnan Akmal.

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Wickets Tumble on Day 1 of Pakistan-England 3rd Test at Dubai

Pakistan v England, 3rd Test, Dubai, 1st day

The Report by David Hopps

February 3, 2012

England 104 for 6 (Strauss 41*, Rehman 3-23) lead Pakistan 99 (Shafiq 45, Broad 4-36) by 5 runs

England's batting has been so ineffably weak in this Test series that even the sight of a Pakistan side bundled out for 99 was not about to fill them with resolve. Where once they were steadfast now they are overwrought. All logic suggested they should have ended the opening day of the third Test in a position of authority but logic left this series long ago.

It is the first time that Test cricket has been played in winter in the UAE and the pitches have been enlivened from their usual moribund state as a result but not remotely to the extent that the scores suggest. Every day brings something more bizarre. This should not by any stretch of the imagination have been a 16-wicket day.

Pakistan avoided their lowest Test score against England thanks only to 45 from Asad Shafiq, the one batsman to pass muster as England's new-ball pair, Stuart Broad and James Anderson, made full use of encouraging conditions. Pakistan began the final Test imagining they could whitewash England in a Test series for the first time. It is quite something to be dismissed for fewer than 100 on a decent-enough surface and still be in the match.

An England innings has become something fantastical. The DRS has sapped their resolve. It was introduced to reduce umpiring mistakes, and it has achieved its purpose, but in this series at least, it has shifted the balance of the game fundamentally. Umpires in this series are giving most marginal calls to the bowler, too many marginal calls. Batsmen are confused about their technique and spinners are bowling straight and imagining themselves as superheroes. It will right itself in time; the authorities are not fond of three-day Tests.

This series has already produced more lbws than in any three-Test series in history - 35 and counting. There were eight umpiring reviews and the Australian Simon Taufel, who has mused about retirement more than once, had an uncomfortable day as he had several decisions overturned.

Almost unnoticed, Andrew Strauss reached the close of a bewildering day unbeaten on 41, an England captain labouring to add a major batting contribution to his undoubted leadership qualities. Overlook a flirt with a sweep or two and he stood alongside Shafiq and Kevin Pietersen as the most secure batsmen on an insecure day.

Memories of England's batting debacles in the first two Tests must have preyed on Alastair Cook's mind as he fell to the sort of hesitant jab against Umar Gul that Australia, in England's victorious Ashes series barely a year ago, must have dreamed of. Gul also had Trott lbw: a dodgy decision by the umpire, Steve Davis, which England failed to review.

Then came the curiosities. Kevin Pietersen looked in good trim but fell to left-arm spin once more, a marginal decision that might have been designed to taunt his pre-match assertion that his record against this type of bowler was "not a train crash". Ian Bell was out to Saeed Ajmal for the fourth series, straying out of his crease and stumped fortuitously by Adnan Akmal off a blur of pads and gloves - that is how his brother Kamran used to do it. Eoin Morgan, his reputation as a good player of spin now in tatters, was trapped on the back foot by a quicker, flatter one. And finally Matt Prior, desperate not to be struck on the pads, was bowled by one that turned.

Pakistan were no better. By drinks on the first morning, England had five Pakistan wickets; shortly after drinks came round again in the afternoon they had them all. This was far from a fast bowlers' feast but Broad, England's outstanding player of the series, and Anderson made full use of a little swing and some unexpected bounce.

Broad's new-ball return of 3 for 12 in six overs included two overturned decisions for Taufel as England successfully resorted to DRS. The dismissal of Mohammad Hafeez was the most controversial of the day.

England were searching for a lbw decision but there seemed to be little conclusive evidence to overturn Taufel's decision. Indeed those blessed with the eyes of a hawk and high-definition TVs insisted there was a slight mark on hot spot that should have reprieved Hafeez. Shavir Tarapore, the third umpire from India in his fourth Test, gave him out, causing Hafeez to slap his bat in unconcealed disgust.

In the seconds a fielding side has to decide on a review, the captain, Andrew Strauss, mentally dons a business suit, calls a meeting, studies a report, draws conclusions and lays out a systematic process. The sense is of clipboards, posh pens and PowerPoint presentations. Misbah tries to do the same for Pakistan but he is a bit short of reliable middle management.

In England in 2010, Pakistan collapsed for 72, 76 and 80, three batting disasters at Edgbaston, Lord's and Trent Bridge that count among their eight lowest Test scores in history. They no longer had to contend with a surly English summer but they did face the debilitating effect of a series already secured.

Their collapse began in the first over, Taufeeq Umar defeated by Anderson's inswinger. There were few demons in the ball from Broad that dismissed Azhar and Younis Khan's jab at a wide, rising ball, even allowing for the unexpected steepness of the bounce: another poor shot in a career nearing its end.

Misbah and Adnan, who should also have been run out by Morgan, both turned to DRS without success to try to stem the flow of wickets. Rehman's slog at Graeme Swann, in his solitary over, was the worst batting moment on a day replete with them. Shafiq was ninth out, trying to cut Panesar and getting struck on the pad in front of middle.

For Pakistan the morning had brought back bad memories of their first Test in the UAE. Against Australia in Sharjah ten years ago they were dismissed for 53 and 59 - their two lowest Test scores. Misbah, Taufeeq and Younis were all in the top six then. In some ways little has changed in Pakistan cricket. In other, more significant ways, everything has changed.

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Bresnan Could Rejoin England Squad in UAE For ODIs and T20s against Pakistan

Pakistan v England 2011-12

George Dobell in Dubai

February 3, 2012

Tim Bresnan could rejoin the England squad in the UAE within the next 48 hours if he passes an extensive fitness test.

Bresnan, 26, underwent surgery on an elbow injury in early December, but suffered discomfort when bowling in the nets at the start of England's tour of the UAE and it was decided to send him home before the Test series against Pakistan began. He underwent a fitness test at Headingley on Thursday and will have another on Friday to ascertain how he has recovered and whether he is up to the rigours of international cricket.

If he is deemed to have come through those tests successfully, Bresnan could fly back to the UAE as early as Saturday. He will then bowl in the nets in front of the England management before any decision is made over his inclusion in the squads for the limited-overs leg of the tour. The squad is scheduled to be named towards the end of the third Test between England and Pakistan currently taking place in Dubai. England are scheduled to play four ODIs and three T20Is in the UAE.

The news will also boost England's hopes of including Bresnan in the squad that plays two Tests in Sri Lanka from March 26. That squad will not be named until nearer the end of the current tour of the UAE.

Bresnan has become a fixture of the side in all three formats of the game. England have won all ten of the Tests in which he has played and his batting ability also offers them the potential of playing a five-man bowling attack with Matt Prior batting at six and Bresnan - who averages 45 in Test cricket - at seven.

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England Desperate For Improved Performance in 3rd Test Tomorrow at Dubai

Pakistan v England, 3rd Test, Dubai

The Preview by Alex Winter

February 2, 2012

Match facts
February 3-7, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Start time 10:00 (06:00 GMT)

Big Picture

England came to the UAE as the No. 1 Test side but are in danger of losing that status in their first series since reaching the top of the rankings. Another defeat in Dubai, and a whitewash by South Africa of New Zealand, would see South Africa replace England: a scenario made possible by England's failure to chase 145 in Abu Dhabi.

Pakistan are plotting their own route to No. 1 and completing a 3-0 win would be a major step along that path. They will be hoping for another pitch that assists their spinners just enough to trouble England, and perhaps one which hinders the tourists' seamers - the one area where England can claim supremacy in the series.

Pakistan have never completed a series whitewash outside Pakistan so history beckons for this group of players if they can win again.

Many expected high-scoring draws from this series but the reality has been anything but. The bowlers' dominance has produced two fascinating matches so anticipate another intriguing encounter, with England's ability to deal with the Pakistan spin barrage holding the key to the result.

Form guide

Pakistan: WWWWD
England: LLWWW

Players to watch

Saeed Ajmal is the kingmaker in this match. He has plunged England to new depths and has doubts firmly planted at the front of the batsmen's minds. If the tourists can find a way to overcome his psychological hold - as Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott briefly managed in Abu Dhabu - they may find a way to save face.

Team news

Ian Bell has recovered from a stomach illness as England look set to stick with the same team from Abu Dhabi. Pakistan have to decide whether to retain Junaid Khan as the second seamer, replace him with Wahab Riaz or bring Aizaz Cheema, who was injured after the first Test, back into the side.

Pakistan (probable) 1 Mohammad Hafeez, 2 Taufeeq Umar, 3 Azhar Ali, 4 Younis Khan, 5 Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), 6 Asad Shafiq, 7 Adnan Akmal (wk), 8 Abdur Rehman, 9 Umar Gul, 10 Saeed Ajmal, 11 Junaid Khan.

England (probable) 1 Andrew Strauss (capt), 2 Alastair Cook, 3 Jonathan Trott, 4 Kevin Pietersen, 5 Ian Bell, 6 Eoin Morgan, 7 Matt Prior (wk), 8 Stuart Broad, 9 Graeme Swann, 10 James Anderson, 11 Monty Panesar.

Pitch and conditions

The pitch for the first Test offered a little assistance to the bowlers but this surface is brand new, never been used. There is less grass on this pitch, with Misbah saying: "It looks an even better wicket than the first Test, especially for batting." This could finally be the run-fest we were expecting before the start of the series.

Stats and trivia

Fifty of 70 wickets in the series have fallen to spinners.
There have only been six dismissals via catches at slip.
Saeed Ajmal moved up to the No. 2 bowler in the world after taking 7 for 130 in the second Test.
England's 72 in Abu Dhabi was their lowest Test score in Asia.
England's middle-order trio of Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell and Eoin Morgan have contributed 94 runs at 7.83 in the series.

Quotes

"We're not going to get too caught up in the downward spiral, but obviously we need to learn the lessons from where we have gone wrong."
Andrew Strauss, the England captain, reflects on his side's previous two defeats.

"Mistakes are bound to happen. I tried my best to bat for longer but, once in a while, such a rush of blood will happen."
Asad Shafiq, the Pakistan batsman, on his rash shot in the first innings in Abu Dhabi

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Bell Fit as England Look to Restore Confidence

Pakistan v England, 3rd Test, Dubai

George Dobell in Dubai

February 2, 2012

Andrew Strauss has warned his England teammates they are playing for their places in the final Test of the series against Pakistan in Dubai.

Pakistan have already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three match series, with several England batsmen enduring miserable tours. Strauss (17), Eoin Morgan (10.25), Ian Bell (9) and Kevin Pietersen (4.25) are all averaging under 20 in the two Tests and have been largely at fault as England's batting has struggled in three of the four innings.

"You can't keep underperforming forever," Strauss said. "All of us have a responsibility to improve our games. I'm a strong believer that no-one is guaranteed their place in the England side. The environment only works if there is pressure on your for your place, so we all have to work very hard for the next five days."

Despite Strauss' words, it is far from certain that England will make any changes for this game. While there is a temptation to bring in Ravi Bopara for Eoin Morgan - Bopara's medium-pace bowling gives the Essex player an edge in that regard - the England management have invested a lot of time and faith in Morgan. The continuity of selection policy has served them well and they are loathe to drop a player they feel has the character to flourish at this level. Morgan did make a Test century against India only four Tests ago and the management signalled their liking for him by appointing him vice-captain of the T20 side. Similarly, England are not about to forget about the excellent months that Pietersen and Bell enjoyed before this tour.

They are no further injury concerns in the England squad. Bell had recovered sufficiently from his stomach trouble to resume training on Thursday and nobody else in the squad has contracted the illness.

Back in England, Chris Tremlett could be set for three months on the sidelines after seeing a specialist. He tweeted: "Scans reveal a bulging disc and may require a little clean up. Hopefully back playing mid to end of April."

Strauss denied there was any tension within the England squad about players appearing in the IPL, though he did admit there was a balance to find to ensure the team enjoyed the best preparation ahead of the series against West Indies. "We've become very comfortable with the fact the ICC have given our players a window to play in the IPL and that window stipulates those games have to have enough time to prepare properly for our next Test series," Strauss said. "We all know where we stand. I certainly won't stand in the way of players who want to play. But, with my Test captain's hat on, I want to make sure they have enough time to prepare for the West Indies Tests next summer. We're all comfortable with that."

The series may have been decided, but England retain plenty of motivation going into this game. For a start, they are "desperate" in Andrew Strauss' words, to avoid the humiliation of a 3-0 whitewash. They have not suffered such an indignity since the 2006-07 Ashes and, before that, the 1992-93 series in India. Such a result here would feel like a particular humiliation for the top-ranked side.

They are also keen to denounce their poor record in Asia. Excluding Tests against Bangladesh, England have won just one of their last 19 Tests in Asia and that was back in March 2006, when they defeated India in Mumbai. If England are to travel to Sri Lanka with any realistic confidence, they need to show some signs of improvement. While they could point to the first three innings of the Abu Dhabi Test as evidence of progress, the manner in which the game finished - England spun away for just 72 - superseded the earlier positive signs.

Pakistan, by contrast, approach this game in good spirits. They are aiming to complete just the fifth series clean-sweep (three matches or more) in their history and their first against England. It would also be the first time they have done so outside Pakistan. They have one selection decision to make - Aizaz Cheema and Wahab Riaz are both vying for the second seamer's spot that was filled by Junaid Khan in Abu Dhabi - but go into this Test looking as settled and calm as any Pakistan team in many years.

Perhaps their most remarkable achievement in this series has been exorcising the ghost of spot-fixing. Almost anyway. While talk of the subject has slowly ebbed away over the last few weeks, the release of Mohammad Amir from prison on Wednesday prompted renewed interest. Misbah-ul-Haq, typically, blocked any questions on the issue with the straightest of bats, stating that: "Such incidents are always sad, but you cannot do anything about it." Strauss, in similar mood, was also reluctant to be drawn on the issue but did suggest that "the deterrent should be very strong to stop these guys doing this again."

Misbah was happier talking about the causes of Pakistan's success, crediting a strong team spirit and continuity of selection as the key factors. "If you look two years back, you can say it was an inexperienced side with a lot of young players," he said. "Now they have played almost two years, getting experience, getting mature and gelling well in the team. Everybody knows each other well, understands the game and their responsibilities and what he has to do for the team. That's the main thing for improvement in Pakistan cricket. As you play together and you keep playing against good sides you improve."

Victory in this Test would complete a remarkable rehabilitation for Misbah and his side. In 2010, when Pakistan cricket was tarnished by the corruption scandal and Misbah was omitted from a 35-man preliminary squad, few would have suggested that, less than two years later, he would be the man at the helm of a resurgent Test side. But now on the eve of the final Test of the series, few would doubt his team's ability to complete the clean sweep.

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Asad Shafiq Not Feeling the Pressure

Pakistan v England, 3rd Test, Dubai

George Dobell in Dubai

February 1, 2012

Of all the encouraging signs to emerge for Pakistan in their series against England - and there have been many - the batting of Asad Shafiq could have the most long-term significance.

The 26-year-old Karachi batsman, Shafiq, scored 101 runs in total in the second Test - a hefty contribution in a low-scoring match - and with Azhar Ali produced a second-innings stand of 88 that, with the game in the balance, turned out to have a decisive impact on the result. For two relatively young men to produce such a performance under pressure bodes very well for Pakistan's future.

To make Shafiq's batting all the more impressive, he came into the game under a little bit of pressure. There had been suggestions that Umar Akmal, the highly talented 21-year-old from Lahore, might win a recall. Despite scoring an undefeated century against Bangladesh just a couple of Tests previously, Shafiq had only contributed one other score over 50 in his 13 previous Test innings. He needed to justify the faith shown in him.

Shafiq accepts that he is not the finished article. He took some of the gloss off his first innings half-century with a reckless sweep and failed to capitalise on all his hard work, but he insists that such experiences are part of the learning process.

"Mistakes are bound to happen," he said. "I tried my best to bat for longer but, once in a while, such a rush of blood will happen. I will learn from such mistakes.

"In the second innings, I was out to a good ball from Monty Panesar. It was not a rash shot; it was a good ball. But I don't feel any pressure. I play for Pakistan, not myself. So whichever position my team needs me in, I will bat there and I will play for Pakistan and give my best."

To date, Shafiq has just one century: that innings of 104 in Chittagong. He feels he is improving, though, and has chosen one of the men whose place he has taken in the Pakistan team as his role model.

"I learned a lot from my century against Bangladesh," Shafiq said. "I am learning day by day. I model my batting on Mohammad Yousuf. He is my idol. I have watched most of his innings and, when he scored a lot of runs in one year, 2006, he became my favourite batsman. I learned a lot from watching his style and I hope to bat like him. I want to play as positively as possible and score as many centuries as possible."

Shafiq was impressed with the England bowling. "Their bowling attack was very tight," he said. "They did not allow us to score at even three runs per over. Batting in both Tests has been tough. But, we have gelled very well as a team and played those last two Tests very well."

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Ian Bell Down with Stomach Bug

Pakistan v England 2011-12

George Dobell in Dubai

February 1, 2012

Ian Bell was forced to miss training on Wednesday after becoming the latest victim of a stomach bug that has affected several members of the England party.

While Bell hopes to resume training on Thursday, his current absence is not ideal. Like the rest of England's middle order, he has struggled to deal with the turning ball and was hoping to utilise every moment of practice time available before the third Test.

The rest of the squad trained once again at the ICC Global Cricket Academy, with Jonathan Trott and Ravi Bopara hitting the ball particularly well in the nets.

Afterwards James Anderson insisted the mood in the England camp remained upbeat and dismissed any suggestion that there was any split between the bowlers, who have enjoyed a fine tour to date, and the batsmen who, on the whole, have not.

"The mood is pretty good, considering the position we're are in in this series," Anderson said. "There have not been any more meetings than usual. We always have a debrief after a game and, this time, it was a bit longer. We are an open and honest group and the guys have been open and honest in this last couple of days.

"As bowlers, our job is to take 20 wickets in a Test. We thought that might be a difficult job for us out here, but we have probably exceeded our expectations in that department. We're pretty pleased with the way it has been going.

"The batsmen have been fantastic for us over the last couple of years. A lot has been made of two bad games, but the whole team still has confidence in our batting unit. They have been working very hard to correct things over the last couple of days.

"At the end of the day, we lost the game and it reflects on the whole team. We don't think of it as batters against bowlers. There will be times when the bowlers won't get wickets and the opposition get 600 and we're out in the field for two days. The batsmen won't be happy with us then.

"We have every faith in our batsmen that they will come out strong in the next Test."

Motivation should remain no problem for England. Despite having already been condemned to a series defeat, the motivation of remaining the top-ranked Test team and gaining some confidence in Asian conditions will, according to Anderson, ensure the tourists approach the final Test in a positive frame of mind.

"There are a few important issues for us," Anderson said. "The biggest thing is that we have another two tours in the subcontinent this year. So to perform well out here is a big thing for us. We want to stay No. 1 in the world as well, and losing Test matches isn't going to help us achieve that. We've got to try to win every Test match we possibly can.

"We also have a one-day series coming up, so to take a bit of momentum into that would be useful."

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Pakistan Desperate For 3-0 Whitewash - Mohsin

Pakistan v England 2011-12

ESPNcricinfo staff

February 1, 2012

Pakistan's interim coach, Mohsin Khan, has said that his side is "desperate" to build on their unassailable series lead against England, and whitewash the world's No. 1 Test side.

"I do not need to look at the rankings table to tell me that England is a very professional team, a very balanced team with no weaknesses at all in any facet of their cricket," Mohsin told PakPassion.net. "They will once again be tough opposition for us and we will not be taking the opposition lightly, we will have to work very hard and approach the third Test match just in the same way as we have approached the previous two Test matches.

"We are desperate to see a three-nil margin, but no Test victory comes easy and nobody has a given right to win any Test match. I have a lot of respect for Andy Flower, Andrew Strauss and all of the England players and I am sure England will come back hard at us. I'm sure it will be another tough match with hard cricket played by both sides."

The final Test will be played in Dubai, where Pakistan won the first match comfortably, by 10 wickets. They then produced a dramatic 72-run triumph in Abu Dhabi, where their spinners' tigerish defence of a paltry target of 145 meant England were shot out for 72. Mohsin likened the Abu Dhabi victory to Pakistan's historic triumph in the 1992 World Cup.

"As for gauging what this victory means, well I received an email from a friend of mine in Karachi after the victory which stated that he had been following Pakistan cricket for more than 30 years and the series-clinching victory in Abu Dhabi over England was the second occasion where he had felt so proud to be a Pakistani cricket fan, the first being the 1992 World Cup final victory in Australia, when Imran Khan was captain.

"I took this comment from my friend as a great compliment as no doubt we have achieved a lot in Pakistan cricket over the years, but to come from the low points we reached in 2010 to the performance in Abu Dhabi was just magnificent. The biggest satisfaction and the most pleasing aspect was to see the unity and happiness in this team."

One of the striking features of Pakistan's victory run was the composure they showed while defending a modest total, and Mohsin credited the senior players in the team for maintaining focus. "It was an exciting situation and quite tense also given that we only had 144 runs to play with," Mohsin said. "Yes some of the boys were very excited, but it was crucial for the likes of Misbah-ul-Haq, Saeed Ajmal, Younis Khan and Mohammad Hafeez to keep the rest of the boys focussed and calm. Younis plays such a vital role in the team and really helps the captain on and off the field, his input is always very important and his opinions are always valued by everyone within the squad. Hafeez is another who keeps things in perspective and has a valuable role within the squad.

"It was very important that the more experienced players kept the younger players concentrating on the job at hand and for them to not get too excited. We are blessed that we have a wonderful captain, someone with an ideal personality to lead, yet it is also very important for the generals around him to support him and assist him and that is exactly what occurred in Abu Dhabi. As the opposition wickets fell and the victory seemed a possibility then it was only natural for the excitement amongst my boys to increase and I think they did a good job with their conduct."

Left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman was Pakistan's hero in the second Test, where he emerged from Saeed Ajmal's shadow to produce a decisive spell of 6 for 25 in the second innings. Mohsin said Rehman's success was a vindication of the improvements in Pakistan's cricketing framework.

"There is a lot of healthy competition now in Pakistan cricket for places in the starting XI in every format. Abdur Rehman is a perfect example of this way of thinking, he knows that he has worked extremely hard to get to the level he is at now and that he has no intention of letting his form dip and his fitness levels to drop. He is such a hard-working cricketer, he has a great work ethic and is always ready to do extra training and additional bowling. There are times when he just wants to practise his bowling continually for hours and to work on his fitness.

"Two of the 'elder statesmen' in the squad, Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq, know that age is catching up with them but you simply cannot criticise their levels of fitness, they work so hard in training and they are an asset to the team and shining examples for others to follow."

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