If Pakistan were looking for some respite from the batting-friendly wickets rolled out for this series, Trent Bridge is unlikely to prove welcoming.
The historic venue has become synonymous with 400-plus scores and the white ball disappearing into the stands.
Friday 17 May
Trent Bridge, Nottingham
14:00
To Win Match
England 1/3
Tie 40/1
Pakistan 24/10
England
The number one-ranked ODI side in the world have just started to find their range, in a season where they are expected to earn redemption for their abominable display at the 2015 World Cup.
The group that has come together now is very different in both personnel and approach to the game – and they have rightly established themselves as the early favourites for the 2019 World Cup, which they will host.
Part of their white-ball revolution has been down to the extraordinary talents of wicketkeeper-batsmen Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler, who have both been on hand to put Pakistan to the sword in their victories in Southampton and Bristol.
England’s chief concern heading towards a major ODI tournament will be their quick bowlers, who have proven to be the weak link in the side before. Spare a thought for any bowler tasked with running in to bowl on the highway that is Trent Bridge.
As for the spin department, England have that well covered through Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali, who both provide something with the willow. Moeen will have more to do with bat in hand, but his off-spin bowling in English conditions can be match-winning.
Pakistan
Pakistan were able to just about keep pace with England while they were tuning up, but as the series has worn on, the gap between the two teams has become more and more evident.
The visiting team’s openers have both managed centuries, but Mickey Arthur’s men will need more than a batsman batting through the 50 overs at just under a run-a-ball to get close to the batting power of England. In order to compete, Pakistan need both Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman to fire and receive back up from Babar Azam. The lower-order have looked to accelerate at the death, but have been left with too much to do.
Pakistan’s bowlers have struggled in conditions that have made life difficult for them – and against opponents who have been ruthless.
Hasan Ali and Shaheen Afridi have failed to hit the heights they achieved on the tour of South Africa when the latter was especially troubling to the Proteas’ top-order.
Verdict: England
Unless Pakistan find something special, England will take this at a canter.
Written by @JonhenryWilson
