England v Pakistan ODI/T20i Series - Aug 24 - Sept 7

[Arthur Crabtree]

It looked like they were stepping back from this story. Good news.

[Dr Cricket]

Don't forget Sky Sports mix is showing the first game for free to any Sky Costumer and some virgin packages tomorrow.
I know some folks here don't have sky sports so they should be able to watch the verdict/Highlights and some T20 games think 10 t20 games a season will be shown live on the channel alongside some cricket not involving england.

[alfie]

Will Stokes be playing as a batsman or as an all rounder?

Really not sure why they are rushing him back with such a hard winter ahead.

Neither am I. Surely they want him fully fit , batting and bowling ...should have thought sitting out a couple more games until he is would be a better plan. Not as if they haven't batting options (Bairstow , Billings)
- I would wait until he is fit to bowl.

[Arthur Crabtree]

He's reported not to be bowling in the first two games. I'm not sure his record in ODIs justifies him playing as batter only, but it's either him or Bairstow, there are no other batting choices.

Cricinfo's team has Mo at seven, though he has been dropped after a horror showing with the bat over a period of years.

Also England are saying they may pick all three spinners. Really can't see that happening.

Even though Willey is back in the squad, apparently he's unlikely to play.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Looks like:
Roy
Hales
Root
Morgan
Buttler
Stokes/(Bairstow?)
Moeen
Woakes
Rashid
Plunkett/(Dawson?)
Wood/(Jordan?)

Which leaves out Ball and Willey from consideration.

[Arthur Crabtree]

He's reported not to be bowling in the first two games. I'm not sure his record in ODIs justifies him playing as batter only, but it's either him or Bairstow, there are no other batting choices.

Though arguably Morgan's doesn't either.

[backfootpunch]

Stokes shouldn't be in the team just as a batsman

Though now iv said that he'll probably win us the game

[hopeforthebest]

Hales drops another off Woakes when will they realise that he's not very good behind the wicket but exceptional on the boundary.

[hopeforthebest]

Hales drops another off Woakes when will they realise that he's not very good behind the wicket but exceptional on the boundary.

Hales proves my point with a good catch off Roooooooooooooot.

[Aidan11]

Forgot about this game.

[Aidan11]

Anyone taking advantage of the freeview on Sky Sports Mix for those who don't have Sky Sports?

[backfootpunch]

Mark wood bowling with good pace

His pace and reverse could be effective in the sub continent

Take the pitch out of the equation ala waqar and shoaib

[backfootpunch]

How does mitch Starc arguably the best odi bowler ever only have a rating of 680 in the rankings

Doesn't he average below 20

[Arthur Crabtree]

Maybe he misses games?

You still have to have Sky for this mix channel I presume?

[Arthur Crabtree]

Looks a good England attack. I had a little hunch that Dawson might play ahead of Mo. But if Root is going to bowl four of the first twenty overs, maybe room should have been found for the Hants all rounder, perhaps for Stokes. Although there's always the feeling that Stokes will become a superstar of the format, some time.

Who does Willey come in for? It's not really obvious. All three of the seamers currently in the side seem to have strengthened their claims to a spot recently.