CWC 2019: ENG vs PAK Preview – Batsmen eye run-fest on Trent Bridge paradise

It was at Trent Bridge that England had amassed a record-breaking 481 against Australia just 12 months ago. It was also at this ground that Pakistan were bundled out by the West Indies for 105 – their second-lowest World Cup total, just 3 days ago.

The results of both these matches may throw up a contrasting view of the wicket at Trent Bridge, even though they have been played over a 1-year gap. But by and large, this remains England’s best batting pitch in ODI cricket at the moment. Hosts England would be remembering their 444 against Pakistan in 2016, itching to make merry against the same opposition going into their second World Cup fixture.

Match info

England vs Pakistan, 6th match
Trent Bridge, Nottingham (03:00 PM IST)

Head-to-Head

Team tactics

England

West Indies employed a brilliant short-ball strategy against the struggling Pakistani batsmen in their first match and it worked wonders. With the likes of Jofra Archer and Liam Plunkett in the side, England would be tempted to adopt a similar punt.

Despite Jonny Bairstow’s first-ball duck in the opening game, the hosts managed to put up 311 with a slightly different batting approach. At Nottingham, on a pitch that suits their batters best, they will be raring to go.

Pakistan

Pakistan couldn’t have made a worse start to their World Cup campaign. Against the West Indies, their batsmen displayed zero intent and got out playing rash shots. Their bowlers couldn’t do much thanks to a below-par total that took only 20-odd overs to chase. With a much stronger opponent in England this time, they will have to their task cut out.

Although there was little swing on offer, Mohammed Amir returned with figures of 3-26 in his 6 overs against the Windies. Pakistan will be banking on him and the supporting pacers against a fiery England batting line-up.

Key players

Jofra Archer (England): He is undoubtedly England’s ‘X’ factor going into this World Cup. And if the short-ball strategy by teams is anything to go by, Jofra Archer becomes even more important to England’s campaign. His 3-27 against South Africa has given him just the boost he needed.

Babar Azam (Pakistan): There is no doubt about the fact that Babar Azam single-handedly carries the entire batting order’s weight on his firm shoulders. For Pakistan to be on the front foot from the get-go, Babar will once again have to be the architect of runs and do that at a brisk pace.

Probable XI

England: Unchanged from the last match, unless they’re tempted to bring in the pace of Mark Wood to put extra pressure on the batsmen. The question is – who will he replace? Chris Woakes or Liam Plunkett are the likely contenders.

Pakistan: Asif Ali and veteran Shoaib Malik’s absence from the playing XI against the West Indies left many wondering. As a counter to England’s attacking pacers, Pakistan could bring in Ali and strengthen the top order. The inclusion of Malik would certainly add depth in the lower-middle order, especially for the death overs. Whether Pakistan goes for wholesale changes or not remains to be seen.