ENG vs PAK – Pakistan’s 10 years of unbeaten record in deep trouble

The rain robbed us of a truly great contest in the second test between England and Pakistan and the third test match is also scheduled at the same venue. Thankfully, weather forecast for this match is much better than the previous one.

England is leading this three match test series with 1-0, with one game to play, the host cannot loose the series at all. On the other hand, Pakistan have not lost a series in England in last 10 years. They have this last opportunity left with themselves to level the series.

We could witness a game of only 96 overs in the previous test, hence the players are going to be very fresh for the final clash. Rain may force the groundmen to opt for the same pitch but we should expect a fresh pitch for the final clash between two sides.

With no Ben Stokes, England added Zak Crawley in their side and he showed his utility while batting at number three position, where he managed to score a half century. Even for the final game we don’t think that England is going to change its lineup. What they might be thinking is, whether Dominic Bess deserves a place in final lineup ? This question arises as he didn’t bowl a single over in last game.

English batsmen played Pakistani bowlers with ease on day 5 and that should encourage Root and company. However, batting will not be as easy in the final game which is scheduled on the same venue. Stuart Broad is their most consistent fast bowlers at the moment on home soil. He along with experienced James Anderson took 7 wickets in the game that was disrupted by rain.

Chris Woakes was bit unlucky as he couldn’t manage to pick up wickets but Sam Curran was not much effective. What we feel is that four bowlers are enough in English condition but England is used to having Ben Stokes in their lineup – one of the finest all rounder in world cricket. If they are planning to go with five bowlers, Dominic Bess might get another game.

On the other hand Pakistan fought very well in the last game and would be pretty disappointed not to have got a chance to bowl at English batsmen due to weather condition. Mohammad Abbas along with Shaheen Shah Afridi looked dangerous with the new ball and the duo managed to pick up wickets.

Youngster Naseem Shah failed to generate movement off the ball and Pakistan may look to include experienced Sohail Khan for the final battle. Yasir Shah as usual bowled pretty well and is expected to continue as a lone spinner in Pakistani side.

Visitors are facing problem in their batting unit. They included Fawad Alam to bolster the batting but his comeback began with a duck. If he gets another chance, there will be pressure on him to prove his point of inclusion in challenging English conditions.

Babar Azam performed as per expectations and Mohammad Rizwan’s innings of 72 is definitely going to boost his confidence. Shan Masood failed to impress with the bat but his partner Abid Ali scored half century. Although Abid Ali’s half century was a result of several dropped catches. Their captain Azhar Ali is a walking wicket at the moment.

Asad Shafiq has also failed to impress and is short of runs which makes their middle order vulnerable. However being the final test, it’s a must win game for Pakistan, not only to level the series but also to save their pride of last 10 years.

Match Details

Venue – The Ross Bowl, Southampton

Date – 21 August 2020

Timings – 3:30 PM ( IST )

Tournament – England vs Pakistan 2020

Format – Test Match

Weather Condition

Unlike last game, weather conditions are likely better for the final battle but not so encouraging. There are chances of scattered showers on day 1, day 2 and day 3 are expected to remain cloudy. Rain is expected on day 4 and day 5.

Pitch Condition

Pace bowlers have always earned reward from the track at Rose Bowl, Southampton as the the track offers great seam and bounce right through the game. Spinners have done well here with clear skies which doesn’t seem to be a possibility right now.

Venue Details

Rose Bowl has always been a happy hunting ground for the fast bowlers. Here is a look at some valuable stats that we have witnessed at this venue –

Matches Played – 5

Matches Won By Home side – 2

Matches Won By Touring Side – 1

Matches Drawn – 2

Highest Individual Inns – 167 By Ian Bell

Best Bowling In A Single Inns – 6/42 By JO Holder

Best Bowling In A Match – 9/134 By Moeen Ali

Highest Team Inns – 569/7 dec

Lowest Team Inns – 178

Highest Run Chased Achieved – 200/6

Average Opening Stand ( Runs ) – 21.47

Average Runs Per Wicket – 31.47

Average Runs Per Over – 3.14

Toss Strategy – Win The Toss, Bat First

Teams batting first have always had advantage at Southampton. However, batsmen will need to spend some time in middle of the wickets in initial overs.

Probable 11 For England

1. Rory Burns

2. Dominic Sibley

3. Zak Crawley

4. Joe Root ( C )

5. Ollie Pope

6. Jos Buttler ( WK )

7. Chris Woakes

8. Sam Curran

9. Dominic Bess

10. Stuart Broad

11. James Anderson

Probable 11 For Pakistan

1. Shan Masood

2. Abid Ali

3. Azhar Ali ( C )

4. Babar Azam

5. Asad Shafiq

6. Fawad Alam

7. Mohammad Rizwan ( WK )

8. Yasir Shah

9. Mohammad Abbas

10. Shaheen Shah Afridi

11. Naseem Shah

Best Picks for Dream11

👉 Babar Azam

👉 Azhar Ali

👉 Stuart Broad

👉 Jos Buttler

👉 Ollie Pope ( Differential Pick )

👉 James Anderson

👉 Mohammad Abbas

👉 Shaheen Shah Afridi

👉 Fawad Alam ( Differential Pick )

Players You Can Avoid In Grand League

👉 Joe Root

👉 Rory Burns

👉 Dominic Sibley

👉 Zak Crawley

👉 Shan Masood

👉 Abid Ali

👉 Chris Woakes

Best Choices For Captain In This Match Will Be

👉 Babar Azam ( In SL + GL )

👉 Joe Root ( In SL )

👉 Stuart Broad ( In SL + GL )

ENG vs PAK Odds Comparison Case Study

England is currently placed at 1.80. If we calculate the winning percentage of England at these odds then it comes out to be 55.55 percent.

On the other hand Pakistan is currently placed at 3.50. If we calculate the winning percentage of Pakistani side at these odds then it comes out to be 28.57 percent.

Match Winner Prediction – England are favorite to win this game but taking fact into consideration that Pakistan has not lost any series in England in last 10 years, there is a possibility that they can stun England in final battle.

England is already leading in the series with 1-0 and they cannot loose it now. Overall it is expected to be a cracker of a game where Pakistan may stun England.

England vs Pakistan 3rd Test Match Dream11 Team For Grand League

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Disclaimer – We have created this team based on our own instincts and analysis. Make necessary changes in your final Dream11 team once the lineup is announced. Read our preview and try to make your own Dream11 team.

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