Big day coming up for India ODI hopefuls, Ian Bell opens up on possible England return and more - Cricket News Today, 31st August 2018

Mitchell Johnson gives Pakistan the upper-hand for Asia Cup

India and Pakistan will meet each other for the first time since the 2017 Champions Trophy final

Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson believes Pakistan will hold the edge during the upcoming Asia Cup. Highlighting their familiarity with the nature of pitches seen in the UAE, the left-armer also urged India to rely on seamers Umesh Yadav and Hardik Pandya to dent Sarfraz Ahmed's team.

Johnson insisted, "Pakistan will have an upper-hand and will enjoy playing in UAE due to prior experience of playing in the PSL and knowing the weather and pitch conditions inside out."

The 36-year old added, "Against Pakistan, India’s age-old cricketing rival and neighbour (and) keeping UAE’s pitch conditions in mind, I think seamers like Umesh Yadav and Hardik Pandya would work in India’s favour."