The focus of the entire cricketing world is on one player ahead of the first Test at Lord’s. Understandably, the spotlight is on Mohammad Amir as the left-arm pacer returns to the venue where he was caught undermining the game in 2010 following the spot fixing revelations.
Enough has been said about how some England players are not exactly enjoying the prospect of facing a convicted fixer but since there is no point arguing about the inevitable, it’s time to look at the contest.
In all the hullabaloo around Amir’s return and how his form can impact Pakistan’s fortunes, many seem to have overlooked the fact that there is another team in the mix. Looking at England, it is clear they have a few issues which they need to sort out if they want to get the better of Pakistan.
Firstly, there is the unavailability of James Anderson. The swing ace is nursing a shoulder injury and will not be a part of the opening match. While this is a short-term situation, with Anderson expected to be fit from the second Test onwards, it is time for Stuart Broad to accept his role as the spearhead of the attack as that will be the reality in a season or so.
Broad has urged the younger seamers in the side to be prepared for the grind in the opening Test as the Lord’s pitch is likely to be slow and low. How he shepherds Steven Finn and Chris Woakes will be critical to England’s chances because Broad is the only bowler in the line-up who can confidently attack and also contain the batsmen. England, however, should find it easier to hold their own against Pakistan’s batsmen who are playing their first Test since November.
Alastair Cook’s bowlers, on the other hand, have taken part in seven Tests since then – in South Africa and against Sri Lanka – and therefore should be more battle ready.
If veterans Misbah-ul Haq and Younis Khan are not in top shape with the bat, then Pakistan will be in trouble. While both Younis and Azhar Ali scored a century in their tour game against Somerset, the team hasn’t been through the grind of Test cricket for a fair period and its form can’t be judged with conviction.
On the England batting front, Joe Root has said he is mentally prepared to move to No3 in the batting position. This is a critical spot as his solidity at the top of the order will shield the rest of England’s line-up from Amir’s initial burst and wear down the bowling attack. While Cook leads the way with the bat, Root’s form and intent will set the tone for England’s innings.
England’s initial strategy in the four Test series should revolve around seeing out Amir’s spell and not letting the youngster gain any confidence.
If they look to assert themselves against Amir, there is a chance of the left-armer scalping a few wickets and that will embolden the rest of the bowlers. But if Amir is kept quiet Pakistan will find the going tough as they will have to fall back on the leg-spin of Yasir Shah, which is a scenario England would be more comfortable facing in home conditions.
Another reason why England can’t afford to be too adventurous is the presence of Gary Balance and James Vince in the line-up. They are light on Test experience and can’t be relied upon too heavily. England’s lower order batsmen Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali are in much better form and can make up for any failures of the top order, but that is a situation best avoided.
So while the absence of Anderson levels the playing field, England can still call the shots if Root and Broad play their role well against a Pakistan side that seems fixated on Amir.
And let’s not forget, England have lost just one of their last seven Test series at home. So they know how to get the job done.
