Abu Dhabi England's emphatic win in Monday's First One Day International has suddenly ignited the series and today's second game is expected to be a much closer affair, as Pakistan will be looking to re-assert their supremacy.
The 130-run win was as convincing as skipper Alastair Cook's century and a resurgent England will be looking to build on it and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match series.
However, Cook would do well to be aware that apart from his 137 and Ravi Bopara's 50, none of the other frontline batsmen looked confident against the spin of Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi.
Steve Finn's fiery opening spell and the success of his spinners Samit Patel and Graeme Swann will surely give confidence to England's hopes of once again curtailing the Pakistan batsmen.
Though Pakistan won the Test series 3-0, their batsmen have not been on par with their bowlers, and Misbah-ul-Haq's main worry has been in this area. Asad Shafiq could give way to Azhar Ali while Adnan Akmal may also come in, either to replace or as cover for his brother Umar (who struggled while batting on Monday) and Aizaz Cheema could be on the radar as paceman Wahab Riaz failed to impress.
Another chance
The Pakistan skipper could be tempted to give Shoaib Malek another chance, and the former skipper may well have to contribute if he has to retain his place in the squad. The team management should also seriously think of sending Shahid Afridi much ahead instead of number eight.
England, on the other hand, are likely to retain their winning XI and if at all any change is effected, it could be Tim Bresnan for his all-round ability ahead of James Anderson.
Fixture
Wednesday
England vs Pakistan
(second ODI)
Zayed Cricket Stadium, 3pm start
Live telecast on Ten Sports
