Following a hard-fought 2-2 draw against visitors Pakistan, the hosts England are set to face the very visitors again in the limited-overs format, as the five-match One-Day International (ODI) series is set to get underway from Wednesday. England, who have been in a shaky form in the Tests, would like to come up with an improved performance against Pakistan in the ODIs. The format being a different ball game can work in favour of the hosts, along with the home advantage. Pakistan, on the other hand, will aim to carry the winning momentum from the Test series in the ODIs as well, as it is expected to be an interesting contest between the two sides. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Pakistan vs England, 1st ODI at The Rose Bowl
Top order: The top order of England, which usually starts with the likes of Jason Roy and Alex Hales. These two batsmen are to be watched out for, as their explosive opening stand could lead to the start of England domination in the game. If these two batsmen get going, they can destroy any bowling attack in the world, and Pakistan bowlers would be aiming to get rid of this pair as quickly as possible. Also the top order consist the likes of in-form batsman Joe Root, who can be very dangerous in this format. So could the skipper Eoin Morgan, who is known to be quite a healthy batsman in the top order. However, it would be interesting to see if he pushes himself ahead of Root, or sticks himself to the middle order. Pakistan vs England, 1st ODI, Predictions and Preview
Middle order: The middle order of England is full with explosive batsmen with the likes of Jos Buttler and another wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow, who can be equally handy both with the bat, and behind the stumps. However, it would be interesting to see who Morgan prefers among Buttler and Bairstow. Among the other batsmen there is all-rounder Moeen Ali, who now a days is mostly effective with the ball, rather than the bat. However, when it comes among all-rounders Chris Woakes and Liam Dawson, it is more or less the same, as they are equally effective, and would be a tough choice again for Morgan. Nevertheless, Ben Stokes would be the last pawn that Morgan would indeed like to use when it comes to the all-rounders. English all-rounder David Willey to join ODI squad despite injury
Bowling attack: Chris Jordan is one such name, who has of late been impressive in the limited-overs format, and Morgan would be eager to give him a chance against the Pakistanis. So would be spinner Adil Rashid, who has been highly economical with the ball, as Morgan is most likely to give him a chance as well. Among fast bowlers, Liam Plunkett has been in good form of late, and is certain to play the opening ODI, followed by David Willey. However, he is all set to face stiff competition from Mark Wood, who too is a top contender returning from a long injury lay off. ICC to conduct technology trial for front foot no-balls in ENG vs PAK ODIs
Overall, it’s indeed a star-studded side for England. Undoubtedly, they should be the favourites to win the opening tie, along with the series as well. However, if they fail to do so, that could only be a possibility on two conditions, either of Pakistan playing extremely well, or they would have only themselves to blame for if it is for some other reason.
England likely XI: Jason Roy, Alex Hales, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan, Jos Buttler (wk), Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Liam Plunkett.
(Ayush Gupta is a reporter at CricketCountry. A passionate supporter of Manchester United, he idolises Roger Federer and is also a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) maniac. He can be followed on Twitter @Ayush24x7)
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