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[mad_abt_cricket]

A lot depends on how England will adapt to the pitches there. Here Pakistan will have a slight advantage as they recently played with Srilanka on the same venues and this will help them to field the right combination.
Fast bowlers will have a tough job, unless they make the old ball reverse. Swan will have to play an important role once the ball gets old.
Misbah is a kind of captain who goes for  either Win or Draw. On these pitches, if one team goes on defensive and play the cards rightly, the game will more or less end up in a draw.

[Cover_Drive]

Gul is a fine exponent of reverse swing, but Jimmy Anderson is the best in the world currently as a swing bowler, Swann is the top rated spin bowler in the world currently and Broad, Finn, Tremlett are all serious talents. I think our batting and bowling is stronger than Pakistan's - but I think that Misbah has been an insprational leader and Pak will raise their game.
Eng will win at least two of the tests for me.

To be honest, I haven't seen James Anderson do well in sub continent pitches.

No doubt he is a good swing bowler but his performance in sub continent aren't as great compared to his UK etc performances

[Cover_Drive]

Gul hasn;t taken significant test wickets against significant opposition for a while now, though I guess they've played so little cricket that it is hard to tell what that really means.

Despite he didn't take many wickets recently but his bowling was quite good against Sri Lanka, as I said he didn't take wickets but he certainly caused problem for the batsmans.

Another to watch out is Junaid Khan I'd say. AFter his county stint in Sri Lanka series he was a different bowler altogether, when he made his debut he wasn't impressive but after his county stint he was impressive.

Wahab Riaz has been doing quite well in domestic cricket in Pakistan lately, he has good pace and can swing the ball both ways and with his pace and reverse swing he can indeed cause lot of problem for batsman.

[Buzz]

To be honest, I haven't seen James Anderson do well in sub continent pitches.

No doubt he is a good swing bowler but his performance in sub continent aren't as great compared to his UK etc performances

he certainly has really struggled in ODI's - so we will see if during the next 18 months he has what it takes - with tours against Pakistan, India and SL in the coming months...!!

[Cover_Drive]

he certainly has really struggled in ODI's - so we will see if during the next 18 months he has what it takes - with tours against Pakistan, India and SL in the coming months...!!

Series against Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka would be real test for England's number 1 spot imho.

[alba caerulea]

Yes if they win all 3 of them and the series against SA this summer then they are undisputedly the Worlds no1 side

Really looking forward to watching this series, a real shame that its not able to be held in Pakistan

[Cover_Drive]

Yes if they win all 3 of them and the series against SA this summer then they are undisputedly the Worlds no1 side

Really looking forward to watching this series, a real shame that its not able to be held in Pakistan

Indeed to everything you said mate.

I don't know I feel Board is not a good captain for Twenty20s IMHO.

I'd have Morgan or Pietersen (if he is in the side).

[alba caerulea]

Indeed to everything you said mate.

I don't know I feel Board is not a good captain for Twenty20s IMHO.

I'd have Morgan or Pietersen (if he is in the side).

It was a suprise to me when Broad was given the captaincy but there were not alot of candidates other than those you mention. Since he was given that he has behaved slightly better on the field and i've noticed far less moaning and poor body language towards umpires. Andy Flower may have hoped for this when he gave him the chance. He is also likely to be around in the Test side for the foreseeable future and any leadership experience will be a positive for England in the long run.

Pietersen is unlikely to captain any England side permanently again after what happened when he originally had the main job. Morgan may have been the only other real option and he is the VC so may get the chance after Broad. Bell would've been a candidate had his place in the side been secure i'm sure.

[Cover_Drive]

It was a suprise to me when Broad was given the captaincy but there were not alot of candidates other than those you mention. Since he was given that he has behaved slightly better on the field and i've noticed far less moaning and poor body language towards umpires. Andy Flower may have hoped for this when he gave him the chance. He is also likely to be around in the Test side for the foreseeable future and any leadership experience will be a positive for England in the long run.

Pietersen is unlikely to captain any England side permanently again after what happened when he originally had the main job. Morgan may have been the only other real option and he is the VC so may get the chance after Broad. Bell would've been a candidate had his place in the side been secure i'm sure.

For test Strauss is a top man, would say he is even better than Cook to be honest.

I hope Board improves his body language and behaviour, I don't know whats up with him but he looks immature and idiot. You see Cook and then Board you say what is this? Cook is probably if not the nicest person in England's side, never ever seen him in any problem since he made his debut.I have high respect for that man.

I think Cook still has another 7-8 years in him (at least) as he is only 27! Strauss is 34 and he might play for another 2-3 years so after him I'd give Cooke captaincy. He is probably best man for the job, better than Bell too imho.

[alba caerulea]

I'm only talking about the 20/20 captaincy there mate, think the Test job is sorted for the next 6 or 7 years as you say

[Alvaro]

much depends on Hafeez, Younis and Misbah. Hafeez must give them a start; if YK and Misbah can then grind down the English bowlers if will give Umar the opportunity to tee off. Otherwise, four out might be all out...

[Cover_Drive]

I'm only talking about the 20/20 captaincy there mate, think the Test job is sorted for the next 6 or 7 years as you say

Oops my bad

[Cover_Drive]

much depends on Hafeez, Younis and Misbah. Hafeez must give them a start; if YK anh Misbah can then grind down the English bowlers if will give Umar the opportunity to tee off. Otherwise, four out might be all out...

This!

If Hafeez gives a good start with both bat and ball then it would be very beneficial for Pakistan. Hafeez I'd say is trump card for Pakistan as a lot depends on him.

In batting if Hafeez and Taufeeq make solid partnership then as you said it will make job easier for other peeps

[Alvaro]

Taufeeq won't average 20.

[Cover_Drive]

Taufeeq won't average 20.

LOL