England’s home season resumes with a three-Test series against Pakistan, beginning with the 1st Test in Manchester on Wednesday. We break down the game along with our cricket betting tips for the Test.
Pakistan’s tour didn’t begin too well, with nine players testing positive and subsequently negative for Covid-19. Then, there is the history of Pakistan at Old Trafford. In 2016, Pakistan lost by 330 runs on this ground. They have traditionally relied on their spinners, and Yasir Shah was largely placid on a surface that usually only starts to spin towards the end of the Test.
Interestingly, Pakistan’s coach Misbah ul Haq said there won’t be a change in strategy for this series. It’s entirely possible that Pakistan play two spinners again, with Shadab Khan in line for a start. With a potent fast bowling core, which has never been Pakistan’s problem, there is a real chance they could pick up 20 wickets in at least one Test.
"If you want to win a game against a good team then there are challenges always in your way," Misbah said. "It's not like you go out and win it with ease. When you are playing in other's conditions, you have to beat them in all departments to win a match.”
Pakistan’s issues have usually stemmed from an inability to bat for long periods in overseas conditions. England has always been a hard tour for Pakistan’s batsmen. They have added some real class and quality in Babar Azam, who is rapidly climbing the list of best all-format batsmen in the world now. Yet, it seems like an onerous task to keep England’s fantastic bowling core at bay in their home conditions.
Babar Azam - Top Pak Bat 1st Inns
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England went back to their strongest bowling attack in the third Test in Manchester against West Indies, in James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer. There was pace and accuracy in that combination.
More importantly, England’s batting also seems quite settled with Joe Root’s return. They could opt for an extra bowler, like in the third Test, but there is still depth with the return to form for Jos Buttler and Ollie Pope in England’s middle order. Ben Stokes is at the peak of his powers, adding additional penetration with the ball too.
Unlike West Indies, it could take some time for Pakistan to get accustomed to cricket in Manchester, while England have already played three high-quality Tests in the space of two weeks. There's not a lot of value in the price, but we like England to continue on their winning ways.
England to win first Test
$1.44
