Why England won’t beat Pakistan

We’re undecided over who will emerge victorious during England’s visit to Pakistan’s new home in the Middle East, which starts next week. So we’re previewing the series in two parts. In this, we will look at why England will fail to over come Pakistan. Later, why England will defeat Pakistan…

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has instilled a gritty sense of sense of self belief in his side. They are a tough team to break down.

The statistics are not in England’s favour when it comes to playing in sub-continental conditions. Whilst these three Tests will be played in the Gulf, the signs are from previous fixtures, notably Pakistan’s recent encounter with Sri Lanka here, that the conditions will mirror those traditionally put forward in Asia.

With that in mind, here are England’s stats in such conditions.

In 90 Tests played by England in Asia since their first fixture on the continent on December 15 1933, which they won by nine wickets in Mumbai against India, they have won only 20 Tests – 22.2% of their games. This figure is 18.6% if you discount England’s four wins in Bangladesh. We’re not going to.

During that time they have lost 22 (24.4%) times and drawn an incredible 48 (53.3%) fixtures. You have to earn your victories in these conditions.

England’s last Test win in Asia was by nine wickets in Dhaka in March 2010. They beat India in Mumbai in March 2006 in a creditable 1-1 series draw Vs India.

Against Pakistan, in Pakistan, England’s last win was the famous encounter in Karachi in December 2000, when England batted in near darkness to secure a six wicket win. That was just over 11 years ago.

In November 2005, still high on the Ashes success of that year, England were rolled over 2-0 in a three match series.

To add to the weight of history that is so evidently against England here, they’ve not started this tour too well, with the middle order failing to secure enough time in the middle during the two warm up games.

Add this to a bullish Pakistan side that is erring on the side of caution and ensuring that they’re hard to beat under captain Misbah-ul-Haq, and it is difficult to see England forcing a victory here.

There is international experience in Pakistan’s ranks, with the likes of Younis Khan and Misbah being supported by Taufeeq Umar, Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal. They will not roll over and let England bully them like Australia and India did last year.

In part two we will be rubbishing all of the above and looking at why England will definitely beat Pakistan. As highlighted in this article, however, they will have to produce something special in order to do it.

By Miles Reucroft