With the stage set for one of the most eagerly anticipated showdowns between England and Pakistan, let us try to formulate an ideal Test lineup incorporating the best players from both teams.
Considering the profound difference between UAE and English conditions, the playing eleven is picked while keeping adaptability in mind. From a dry afternoon in Dubai to the early morning dampness in Durham, changing landscapes necessitate flexible modes of operation.
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In this regard, a combination of three pacers with a specialist spinner as well as a seam bowling all-rounder seems to be the way forward.
#1 Alastair Cook (C)
A classical Test batsman in every sense, the England skipper will open the proceedings with his steely resolve and precise technique. Though he has not been able to recapture his stellar form from the 2011/12 period, Cook continues to grind down bowling units by negating the new-ball threat.
Also entrusted with the captaincy duties, the left-hander is improving immensely in that regard as well. England’s recent consistency in the longest format bears testament to his leadership skills.
#2 Azhar Ali
Azhar Ali‘s ability to withstand challenging spells makes him an ideal partner for Cook. Though the likes of Alex Hales and Mohammad Hafeez are more flamboyant with the latter even providing a possible bowling option, the unflinching patience of Pakistan’s ODI captain puts him ahead.
If the situation demands aggression, Ali does not shy away from the duel as evidenced by his 137-ball 103 in Sharjah which masterminded a thrilling chase to level the series against the beguiling Rangana Herath.
#3 Younis Khan
Statistically the most successful Pakistani batsman ever, the warm-hearted Younis has rendered colossal service to his country. The tussle against England presents a timely opportunity to cement his legacy in terms of performances outside the subcontinent.
Domineering against the turning ball, Khan’s game-play against the quicker men under difficult circumstances is about to be put to test. However, knowing his impeccable commitment, he should find a solution for that too.
#4 Joe Root
The first thing one would notice about Joe Root is his smiling demeanor and a twinkle in his eye. Beneath all that is a devoted and persevering batsman who has it in him to end up among England’s greatest.
Comfortable against most varieties of bowling, the Yorkshireman is developing into a bankable player in the middle-order. Amidst soaring expectations, plenty of work still remains before progressing to the next level.
#5 Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes is shaping up to be a primitive figure in connecting the showman-like all-rounders of the yesteryears to the hard-hitting prototypes of the current generation. A genuine game-changer in all departments, he is quite a find for English cricket.
The decisiveness in his stride coupled with a tendency to embrace crucial moments sets him apart from peers such as Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid and Chris Woakes. The platform for a typical Stokes blitz would have been set by the non-compromising top-order while his bustling pace does not offer a let-off for opposition batsmen either.
#6 Jonny Bairstow
Undoubtedly the batsman of the English summer so far, Bairstow adds dynamism and urgency to any batting unit. His recent scoring pattern indicates that a penchant for scoring ‘daddy hundreds’ is brewing steadily.
But, the 26-year old’s reliability with the gloves does not inspire much confidence which means that he plays as a pure bat. Though Misbah ul Haq remains another strong contender for a middle order slot, Bairstow’s versatility and exuberance pips him.
#7 Sarfraz Ahmed (WK)
A wicket-keeper batsman who can score at a fair clip has to be a prized commodity for any Test team. Blessed with oodles of street-smartness which is synonymous among cricketers from Karachi, Sarfraz Ahmed does not believe in the coaching manual.
Armed with the dexterity to execute audacious shots, Sarfraz’s efforts behind the stumps are also gradually evolving into something substantial. A noteworthy contribution in the coming season’s away tours will help him enhance his reputation.
#8 Stuart Broad
An enforcer who has demonstrated the habit of running through batting lineups almost singlehandedly, Broad is making giant strides with every season. Possessing stifling velocity and the aptitude to generate awkward bounce, he can make things happen out of nowhere.
Though his batting appears to have regressed glaringly, a semblance of feistiness still remains making him a viable number 8. But as long as Stuart keeps on delivering telling spells, he might not need to do too much with the bat.
#9 Mohammad Amir
When Mohammad Amir was found guilty of spot-fixing, nothing summed up the moment more than the tearful face of Michael Holding. From being hailed as a flagbearer of the archetypical Pakistani pacer, he had come perilously close to ruining his career.
However, after almost six years, the man is finally making a return to whites. So are his pace, swing and exaggerated seam movement. With all eyes inevitably fixated on him, the burden of expectations could stand in Amir’s way.
#10 Yasir Shah
Yasir Shah’s consistency in landing the ball on dangerous spots makes him a handful on any kind of pitch. In his fledgling career comprising of only 12 Tests so far, the cherubic leg-spinner has already managed to capture the attention of Shane Warne.
Accustomed to the helpful Asian pitches, Shah is still unproven on many fronts. But, his generous flight and sharp turn places him in good stead for conquering unknown territories too.
#11 James Anderson
The sight of Anderson flowing like a cascade towards eager and unassuming batsmen is one to behold. Amongst the pantheon of top wicket-takers, very few could replicate his control of swing under overcast clouds which often puts batting techniques to waste.
No more the perturbed and snarling customer that he was in his younger days, ‘Jimmy’ has calibrated his skillset to accommodate success even in conditions not conducive to seam movement.
Final XI:
Alastair Cook (C), Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Sarfraz Ahmed (WK), Stuart Broad, Mohammad Amir, Yasir Shah, James Anderson
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