ICC Champions Trophy 2017: England vs Pakistan, 5 players to watch out for

Modified Jun 13, 2017 19:42 IST

LEEDS, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 01: Ben Stokes (2R) of England celebrates with Moeen Ali (R) after taking a catch off the bowling of Chris Jordan to dismiss Sharjeel Khan of Pakistan during the 4th Royal London One -Day International match between England and Pakistan at Headingley on September 1, 2016 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) — England will hope to overcome Pakistan and seal a berth in the finals

#4 Joe Root

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 01: Joe Root of England salutes the crowd as he leaves the field after hitting the winning runs to win the ICC Champions Trophy group match between England and Bangladesh at The Kia Oval on June 1, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) — Joe Root will be England’s linchpin

Big games need big names to step up and England need their premier batsman, Joe Root, to continue his fine run in the Champions Trophy. So far, Root has been impressive with the bat without being ebullient and the semi-final could present him with the right platform to peak.

Root will be vital in the line-up, especially with Jason Roy's failures at the top. Amir and Junaid present an altogether different challenge for the English batsmen. Imad Wasim and Mohammad Hafeez are consistent with their wicket to wicket line and Root will be required to play out their spell and take England to the death without the loss of too many wickets.

Record against Pakistan

Matches - 9, Runs - 419, HS - 89, Avg - 46.55