The conditions are unlikely to favour seam in the way two practice matches preceding this test have done, and as a consequence England are likely to favour the spin of Udal over the seam of Anderson & Plunkett. The batsmen though will appreciate the flatter wicket though with Michael Vaughan's injury, both Bell and Collingwood play, meaning the side is very much short on experience as well as runs.

England's bowlers as always will hold the key, and the most important of all Flintoff. He bowled brilliantly in Australia in ROW games, and reinforced the opinion that he is the best player in the world at this moment. Nevertheless, he won't be able to do it on his own, and it is imperative that Harmison and Giles both provide ample assistance. The latter should find assistance in these wickets, and has a good record in Pakistan, the former desperately needs to find form again for England.

All in all makes for an interesting series.......

England's Probable XI: M Trescothick (captain), A Strauss, I Bell, K Pietersen, P Collingwood, A Flintoff, G Jones (wkt), A Giles, S Udal, M Hoggard, S Harmison.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon

SPORTNETWORK SPECIALS

• Think you know your sport? Click here to try the Sportnetwork Prize Quizzes