The final Test match of an odd, but highly entertaining summer awaits. The Pakistan series has already produced the most exciting Test of 2020 and also the most frustrating. If the weather stays away, these two sides are relatively well matched, either capable of coming out on top.
Pakistan will back themselves to win this Test, and by doing so draw the series. They were on top for large swathes of the first Test at Old Trafford, while their formidable bowling attack showed what it can do in glimpses last time out. For the away side it remains all about runs. Can they put enough on the board to allow their dangerous bowling attack to win them the match?
The same is true for England. Their bowling – in home conditions – is undeniably good, with Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes coming to the fore in particular this summer. England’s batsmen have all had their moments, but outstanding collective performances are still few and far between. Joe Root will be particular eager to score some runs, having scored just one fifty in seven knocks this summer.
Another week, another selection dilemma for the England captain. After his seam attack had plenty of rest in the second Test, there seems to be no reason to rotate. However, both Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are raring to go on the sidelines having sat out the last match. Wood in fact has not played since the first Test of the summer.
It was acknowledged by England that the Ben Stokes shaped hole in the side meant that Sam Curran’s ability with the bat influenced their selection, helping to strengthen the lower order. Will they go down the same route again? Or will one of the genuine quicks be brought back to close out the series?
Pakistan will most likely go with the same XI. The poor weather has allowed for their three seamers to be fresh to play their third successive back-to-back Test. Shadab Khan had an impressive match at Old Trafford before being left out at the Ageas Bowl for an extra batsman in Fawad Alam – who played his first Test since 2009. Shadab could be recalled, but it seems as if Pakistan will opt for the extra batting once more, backing their four bowlers to take 20 wickets.
In the last two series between these countries – both in England – the two sides shared the spoils. England will be determined to secure the series win, and in doing so cap off a good summer of Test match cricket.