The three-match ODI series between England and Pakistan will get underway on 8 July, at the Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. England had beaten Pakistan 4-0 in the last bilateral ODI series between the sides. The last match of that series was washed out.
Two days after their convincing 2-0 ODI series win over Sri Lanka, seven England members – three players and four support staff – tested positive for Covid-19. The England Cricket Board (ECB) then sent the full squad into self-isolation and named an entirely new 18-member roster for Pakistan ODIs. Ben Stokes will captain the side in the absence of Eoin Morgan.
Nine players in England’s squad have not played an ODI game before. Six of them have never featured in any format. However, there is no room for either Alex Hales or Darren Stevens, despite their impressive run of form in domestic circuit.
Among new faces, Phil Salt and Will Jacks will be in focus for their destructive ball-hitting ability. They can match the aggressive batting approach from ball one a la Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy. Although James Vince is likely to be prefered for the opening slot, and for that, one of them is likely to miss out on the opening game.
Pakistan, however, have come with their full-strength in the England tour. Their only concern is the availability 0f Haris Sohail, who sustained a hamstring injury during a training session in Derby last week.
Pakistan have found their fearsome pace attack in Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf are genuine all-rounders, while Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq can be handy on top of the order.
There will be an exciting contest waiting for Babar Azam, the top-ranked ODI batter in the world, against Jake Ball, Craig Overton, Saqib Mahmood, who play regularly in domestic competitions under English conditions.
Head to Head
England have met Pakistan 89 times in ODIs. They have won 53 and lost 32.
Probable XIs
England: Phil Salt, James Vince, Zak Crawley, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes (c), Lewis Gregory, John Simpson (wk), Craig Overton, Jake Ball, Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Parkinson
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Haider Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf
Prediction
Pakistan to win the contest and take 1-0 lead.