Published: Aug 10, 2016, 06:51 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 11, 2016, 10:51 AM (IST)
England, ever since the defeat at Lord’s have been on the rise in this series, whereas Pakistan after conquering the Mecca of Cricket have been all downhill. The second Test at Old Trafford proved, why Alastair Cook and his men were masters of comebacks, while the recently concluded third Test at Edgbaston showcased Pakistan’s inability to be consistent in tough times. England will want to round off a conceivable 3-1 series victory, before they embark on the tour of the Indian Subcontinent. With almost every player in the team bringing his A game forward, it is highly unlikely that Cook along with his playing XI, Trevor Bayliss will be keen to keep aside few unsure players, with hosts to be playing in the Asian subcontinent in November. Full Cricket Scorecard, England vs Pakistan , 4th Test match
Alex Hales : Opening duties for England, has been taken care by Cook and Alex Hales. Cook, has been in prime form in the series so far. Cook has played with both calmness and aggression when the time has demanded him to switch modes. Hales on the other hand, in the series has not been in the best of nick. In the 3-matches Hales has averaged just 21.16, which is way below his career average of 29.21. Hales in the precluding series against Sri Lanka, scored a 94 & 83 in the second and first Test, remained unchallenged mostly.
Against the likes of Mohammad Aamer and Rahat Ali, Hales have been found wanting. His perennial problem of defending against incoming-ball. With England next visiting Bangladesh for a one Test series, Hales will have to rectify his technique, if he need to stay in the team for a long time.
James Vince: James Vince, who stamped his authority in the last Test, will be eager to get a big score and somewhat cement his place in the England’s fragile looking middle order. Vince displayed both sides of his batting, in the first innings, where he was ferocious in his approach, while in the second innings he was poised and rigid. With Nick Compton still unsure of his comeback, it gives the 6-Test old Vince an opportunity to make his place own.
Vince is known for his intimidating approach to the game, but in order to survive the Test arena, he must curb his natural extinct. And with turning and slow-low pitches on offer in the sub-continent, it will be important for Vince to get-in all the practice against Yasir Shah , will be of premium.
Gary Ballance: Gary Ballance, who’s place in the team has been ever debated, has looked unsure and tentative in his stay in the middle. With Jos Buttler waiting in the wings, the door is closing-in on Ballance’s time with the English national side. Ballance already looked tentative against Yasir Shah and with Bangladesh and India tour coming-up it becomes highly crucial for him to gets as much time on the pitch.
(Vishal Mehra is a reporter at CricketCountry, who enjoys his weekly dose of anime, and plays cricket once a white moon. His twitter handle is @capturethecatch )
