Surely 4 seamers is excessive, surely they don't expect Pakistan to play 4 seamers so why would England? Do they know something about the UAE pitches that Pakistan don't? Or have they forgot that last time they toured UAE it was the batting department that struggled?
I think three reasons - firstly, it's going to be bloomin' warm - if we can cram more bowlers in I say do it, there are going to be numerous days we're toiling in the field.
Next, I actually think we have some decent pace bowlers! I don't know if that gets overlooked at times.
Finally, Pakistan have some experienced spinners who will be relied on to do more than England's spinners, so it's possibly also about taking their batsmen out of their comfort zones with some short, sharp quick spells, as much as Moeen and Rashid trying to attack and contain.
You've got to give the batsman the responsibility of making the runs, so I'm all for cramming the bowlers in