Second Test analysis: England exposed as frauds

Pakistan v England / Ed Hawkins / 28 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Is it time for Kevin Pietersen to go?

"In two weeks England have failed to find an answer against Ajmal and co. An extra week will not make much of a difference."

Ed Hawkins says England's defeat in Abu Dhabi shows how they have taken their position as the No 1-ranked side for granted

When England have suffered a humiliation, and to the rest of the world an unexpected one at that, it is always best to find solace in the words of Sir Geoffrey Boycott. "Rubbish" was his blunt assessment.

He followed that with "the worst England performance I've seen". He was not wrong on both counts. Depressingly for England followers, however, it cannot have come as a surprise.

In this column's previous despatch we warned of the dangers of chasing a 'small' total on a wearing wicket with Pakistan's spinners whirling away devilishly from both ends. And England's batsmen fell horribly into the trap in a tangle of confused limbs.

Where do they go from here? Well, back to Dubai and the prospect of another sound beating. In two weeks England have failed to find an answer against Ajmal and co. An extra week will not make much of a difference.

Even if they manage to avoid a series whitewash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, those demanding answers for such a shambolic show will not be sated.

On this tour England have looked like privileged members of an exclusive club, cosy in their soft seats at the top table, failing to do the hard yards and forgetting the work they did to get to such lofty positions.

For too long, players have been too sure of their places. True, the turnaround in England's fortunes as a Test nation began when the revolving door policy was abandoned but it would appear things have gone too far. The door does not move at all now, particularly during a series.

It is time someone got the oil out and greased the hinges. Eoin Morgan and Kevin Pietersen are two names who should be on the selectors' chopping boards ahead of the third Test.

It is a must that Rravi Bopara is given a go for one of them, if only to send a message to the rest in the team that courage-less capitulation comes at a price.

That would mean England can take something away from the series. Returning home with their tails between their legs they would have learned an uncomfortable truth: no-one is irreplaceable.

Ian Bell is vulnerable, too. Throughout the series, along with Morgan and KP, he has looked hopeless against spin. Yet the powers that be failed to act. Other lessons learned, for the punter at least, is that England's status as the No 1 side in the world is the joke that many felt it to be. A team cannot be considered to be the best until it has won in all conditions. This was a failure befitting a side ranked three or four.

For all the grandstanding after beating a weary, disorganised and inexperienced India team last summer, the inclination was that the boot would be on the other foot had England been playing away in that series.

Pakistan as good as proved that at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. England are frauds. Harsh? Probably. It is the rankings table that tells the lie.