Pakistan v England, Day One Analysis: That's more like it

Pakistan v England / Ed Hawkins / 25 January 2012 /

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Swann and Panesar accounted for four of the seven wickets England took on day one

"If England are capable of restricting Pakistan to 350 on a surface which has seen four sides in the previous eight innings pass 400 or more then they could well wrestle themselves back into the series"

Ed Hawkins says England are close to rediscovering their identity after taking charge in Abu Dhabi

It would be fair to reckon that England, the heralded No 1 side in the world, were unrecognisable in the first Test in Dubai when they were given the sort of thumping that is normally reserved for mouthy squirts round the back of the bike sheds by the bigger boys.

Today in Abu Dhabi they were more like their old selves, although there remained more than a hint of an identity crisis. They will, however, feel comfortable in their own skin having taken seven wickets and restricted Pakistan to 256. The first day of the second Test at the Sheikh Zayed Staium in Abu Dhabi (or UAE Building Site Two) was unquestionably theirs.

One could be forgiven for rubbing the eyes with a little disbelief for two reasons. Firstly, they picked two spinners in a four-man attack for the first time in eight years. Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar, whose previous Test wicket was Ricky Ponting in Cardiff in 2009, were paired together.

The last time England tried such a tactical ploy was in December 2003 against Sri Lanka when Ashley Giles and Gareth Batty whirled away in tandem, supported by Andrew Flintoff and James Kirtley.

Secondly, the catching and fielding was not up to scratch. Misbah-ul-Haq, the Pakistan captain, was dropped by James Anderson just before tea and Panesar, Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook - although his was devilishly hard at short leg - all missed chances.

Still, England are a worthy wager at [2.88] on a wicket which looks flat and easy to bat on. If England are capable of restricting Pakistan to 350 on a surface which has seen four sides in the previous eight innings pass 400 or more then they could well wrestle themselves back into the series.

Certainly Pakistan make little appeal at [2.55]. Favourite status seems underserving given they have been given first use and failed to nail down an advantage.

To that end the bet of day two may focus on Pakistan's batting, or rather the lack of it to come. A lay of them at [2.66] for 325 or more could be a cracker.

Misbah is the biggest obstacle but let's not forget he must start from scratch against a refreshed England attack - the impressive Stuart Broad in particular - with a ball which is hard enough. Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul and Junaid Khan will not concern Strauss and co.

Final thought: is this a series between two teams who both struggle against spin? England we know about but Swann, who claimed three wickets, and Panesar (one) may have been surprised at the ease with which they fooled batsmen from the sub-continet, who are supposed to be able to play the stuff in their sleep.

Recommended bet

Lay Pakistan for 325 runs or more @ [2.66]

There was one winner in today's Michael Vaughan Run Chase, who correctly selected 256 runs, so £500 will be up for grabs once again on Day Two.

To take part in tomorrow's game click here.

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