Duels to watch in Pakistan-England cricket series by AFP

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Event:

England in Pakistan 2005/06

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DateLine: 11th November 2005

 

Some of the key battles in store when the Test series between Pakistan and England gets underway here on Saturday:

 

Salman Butt (PAK) v Steve Harmison

 

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq and coach Bob Woolmer are confident Butt can solve Pakistan's opening woes -- eight different pairs in the last eight Tests. Butt is likely to face a tough time against the ever-aggressive Steve Harmison, who frustrated Australians Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer in the Ashes two months ago. Harmison is also bent upon improving his record away from England, which has been miserable.

 

Younis Khan (PAK) v Matthew Hoggard

 

Pakistan's sedate number three Younis Khan knows how important it is for him to score runs in the series. With Pakistan failing to find a successful opening pair in the last two years, the pressure comes on Younis, who hammered a hundred at Calcutta, India and then a brilliant match-winning double century to help Pakistan win the Bangalore Test earlier this year. Hoggard, an unsung hero, took 15 wickets in England's Ashes win and has the knack to swing the ball in any condition to unnerve batsmen.

 

Inzamam-ul-Haq (PAK) v Andrew Flintoff

 

Inzamam has not only been required to lead a young team from the front but also bore the brunt of batting miseries. He is Pakistan's mainstay in the batting order with an immaculate technique and world class record. His duel with ever improving Flintoff would be a treat to watch. Flintoff has matured an uncanny ability to reverse swing the ball and destroyed Australia's middle order batting with 24 wickets in September's Ashes. What he has in store for Inzamam is remain to be seen.

 

Mohammad Yousuf (PAK) v Ashley Giles

 

Yousuf, who converted to Islam three months ago, has been more in news off the field than on it. A reliable middle order batsmen, Yousuf forms the backbone of Pakistan batting with Younis and Inzamam. His temperament is his main virtue and with it he can frustrate any kind of bowling. Yousuf faces tough encounters with Giles, who had the last laugh when he dismissed Yousuf for 117 to help England win the Karachi Test in 2000. Giles, who was criticised for his biteless bowling in the Ashes, will pose a real threat for Pakistan if they opt for spin pitches in the series.

 

Marcus Trescothick (ENG) v Shoaib Akhtar

 

Trescothick has tested the subcontinent pitches before when in 2000 he failed to score more than a single half century and was plagued by Pakistani spinners and pacemen alike. But in the last five years he has matured into a dependable opening batsmen, scoring 431 runs in the Ashes two months ago. How he tackles the express pace of Akhtar will be a treat to watch. With his career at the crossroads, Akhtar has promised to deliver more than is expected of him. Surprisingly, he has not made any tall claims before the series, a ploy which has put him in embarrassing positions in the past.

 

Andrew Strauss (ENG) v Rana Naved-ul Hasan

 

Both Strauss and Naved have worked their way to the top with their unparalleled resolve and skills. Strauss has been scoring consistently since making his debut last year. His two hundreds against Australia formed the basis of England's wins in the Ashes two months ago. The left-handed opener has given solid starts, with six century opening stands along with his more matured partner Trescothick. Strauss faces a tough time from an ever-hard working Naved, who with his limited talent, has made his presence felt in the Pakistan team.

 

Kevin Pietersen (ENG) v Danish Kaneria

 

Two young performers for their team, Kaneria and Pietersen promise a mid-innings duel. The South African born Pietersen fulfilled the confidence reposed in him by English selectors and captain Michael Vaughan by scoring 473 runs in the five Ashes Tests, including a series-winning 158 in the last Test at The Oval. A tall lovable character, Pietersen played Australian legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne with utmost confidence. But a matured Kaneria and the slow and turning Pakistani pitches would put Pietersen's skill on a real test.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)