Pakistan face a real test in the shape of England
It is not that Pakistan have had an easy ride under Misbah-ul-Haq. South Africa, home, away or in the UAE, are tough opponents.
New Zealandaway are never a stroll. Sri Lanka were thought to be a handy side until the series began. To come through this unconquered (and win Tests against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh) is solid work.
England present the most arduous challenge. They have patient batsmen, willing to bat long, and equally patient bowlers, willing to bowl long, constrictive spells. Attritional opposition is something Pakistan have not always coped well with but they are these days a fairly attritional side themselves.
But like all Pakistan sides, and this could be crucial in such a series, they retain a keen sense for the extraordinary; a 10-over spell of reverse swing, a Saeed Ajmal session of doosras and the new mystery ball he's hyping up, a Mohammad Hafeez breakthrough.
These are the factors on which not only a Test but a series hinges. In Ajmal, Junaid Khan, Wahab Riaz, Umar Akmal and even players such as Umar Gul and Hafeez, Pakistan have the men capable of one period of beautiful madness, when they do a "Pakistan", to break through even the dullest days.
They are also one of only three sides to beat England in a Test since they began their rise to the top after the Caribbean tour in 2009. It would also be nice to hope for a series without any undue off-field incident. Pakistan have been stable under Misbah for some time now. But they'll know no opponent has been likelier to ruffle that calm than England.
Pages:
