ENG v PAK: Five things we learned from the ODI series
The World Cup 2019 is just a few days away. The global event has returned to England after 20 years. And for the World Cup aspirants, there is no better preparation than playing on English soil. England and Pakistan played in a five-match ODI series over the last two weeks. The home side emerged clear winners with a margin 4-0 but there were learning points for both the teams. Here are five things that we can take away leading into the World Cup
English batting powerhouse is ready to be unleashed
There is no doubt that the English ODI batting lineup is currently the best in the 50-over format. The opening partnership of Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow is already at the top of national records. Likes of Joe Root and Eoin Morgan add stability and consistency to the batting unit. Jos Buttler is one of the most devastating batsmen in ODIs at this moment while Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid add depth to the lineup.
English power was on display in the four completed ODIs. They made more than 350 runs in three of these games. The only time they didn’t was when the target was 341. England already has top two totals in highest ODI scores, with this batting unit, they can think of a few more.
Archer is necessary
One of the biggest talking points ahead of this ODI series was Jofra Archer’s selection. The fast bowler from Barbados completed his residential qualifications and became eligible for England selection. His strong bid for selection in World Cup squad evoked a few bitter responses from the rest of English bowlers.
All doubts about Archer’s participation were put to rest with his debut spell. In the incomplete ODI, he bowled a ferocious spell of 4-2-6-1. His first over to Imam-ul-Haq was a standout where the batsman was all at sea against Archer’s speed. He followed it up with 1/62 in the next game. His participation in the World Cup seems merely a formality.
Pakistan’s fielding woes
Pakistani coach Mickey Arthur pointed out fielding as the difference between two sides. (Photo: Twitter)
While both the teams raced to mega totals in all four ODIs, the major difference between the sides was their fielding. Pakistan’s coach Mickey Arthur admitted the same. “Our fielding has been very disappointing,” Arthur said. “That’s been the massive difference between the two sides. If you look at the games in Southampton and Nottingham, going into the last five overs, it was anybody’s game… The one difference has been our fielding and that’s a real worry for me because we are putting a hell of a lot of effort into it,“ the coach added.
Asif Ali stays in England
There has been a considerable dearth of power-hitters in the Pakistan setup lately. In the provisional squad of 15, only batsman capable of slogging was the all-rounder Faheem Ashraf. Asif Ali, not included in the original squad, showed his big-hitting skills in the ODI series. In the 2nd and 3rd ODI, he struck 51(36) and 52(43) respectively to power Pakistan beyond 300. His spectacular performances have helped him secure a place in Pakistan’s final 15 for the World Cup.
The new English conditions
Two words that were frequently brought up while discussing the World Cup squads were ‘English conditions’. Many were concerned about solid batting techniques needed to counter the swinging conditions in England. However, what they failed to notice was the string of mammoth scores in recent times.
This ODI series dispelled the archaic notions. 350 was almost a par score at these grounds which will be in use for the World Cup. The tracks in England are flatter than ever and the boundaries are shorter than ever. ‘English conditions’ have changed.
