http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 – 4th ODI – Match Preview
A reversal of the Test series sees England gearing up to take a 4-0 series whitewash against Pakistan, when they battle in the final ODI game, played at the Dubai International Stadium, today, February 21, 2012.
With their Test supremacy still hanging in the balance, the visitors have been thoroughly impressive in the 50-over format - intent to make the most of their outings in Arabian Desert.
Despite remaining under the cosh due to their poor start, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KP-Pietersen-c1806 finally
making his first century in over three years to seal an emphatic series win.
With openers performing, it was now the turn of their bowlers to shine, which they did as Steven Finn’s 11 wickets from the first three bouts bear testimony to his rise.
Such has been the performance of the playing XI that it remains hard for the management to change a winning combination, despite http://www.senore.com/Cricket/TT-Bresnan-c2711 waiting in the wings. The pacer was rushed back to be a part of the squad but has yet to feature for his side - but
could be inline to take the place of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/JM-Anderson-c1705.
The final game however, does provide the Poms with the added luxury of rotating the likes of Anderson and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Butler-c48850 is also one of the promising youngsters, who will be itching to get his solitary chance.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Eoin-Joseph-Gerard-Morgan-c56032 now remains the only player in the spot light. After returning from injury, the left-hander has yet to reach peak form, and will be hoping to get a substantial innings under his belt.
The hosts will certainly be looking to salvage pride after being totally outplayed by the opposition. Questions have been raised over their long term future, which remains bleak at the moment.
Skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Younis-Khan-c98325, have been crucial in grooming of younger players but considering their ages, adequate replacements need to be picked and included in the side.
The coaching department has also become a major point of interest for many. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mohsin-c77587 Khan’s reign has produced remarkable results ( apart from ongoing ODI series) however, the jury is still out over his long term association with the team.
His fatherly-figure has worked wonders for many of the youngsters but his qualifications remains a major doubt, as Pakistan Cricket Board is keen to appoint someone ( http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Davenell-Frederick-Whatmore-c52571), whose text-bookish approach will in turn help players on a rather systematic
basis.
Their batting has had an appalling time but wholesome changes are unlikely with only Younis expected to come in for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Asad-Shafiq-c46208. The bowling performances have been the low point of their ODI bouts, with no one being able to replicate their form of the longer
version.
Spearhead pacer, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mohammad-Junaid-Khan-c77037 or Hammad Azam as the hosts look to make up for the lost ground.
The pitch offered additional bounce and pace for the English bowlers however, with the same track being used; one expects the spinners to dominate for most parts of the game. Anything near 250 will be hard to chase.
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