Pakistan start England's summer

Pakistan start off England's international summer this week with three games against the England Academy and then four games against the full England squad. It is a chance for potential England players to show what they can do on the international stage, and for the seasoned pros to get in some useful game time, but Pakistan should not be underestimated.

They come to England fresh from a 19 day intensive camp and under the leadership of the experienced Sana Mir. Pakistan has had centrally contracted players since 2010 and they have been working hard to improve their cricket over the last few years. They are team on the up.

Last year they beat the Academy in one of two T20 games, but were then soundly beaten by the full England team in two T20s. Generally their bowling is good, but their batting has a tendency to let them down. It would not surprise me to see them beat the Academy in at least one of the games they are playing against them. As for the full England side, they are without Holly Colvin, Laura Marsh and Katherine Brunt - three frontline bowlers. It will be interesting to see if anyone can fill their shoes.

I understand that Colvin is recovering well from her broken thumb and is likely to be fit to face the Aussies this summer. Laura Marsh has returned to playing for Kent, but is not bowling and Katherine Brunt has yet to play this season at all. All of which makes selection for the Ashes Test Match on 11th August (the first match of the Ashes Points Series) very intriguing. Who will be fit to bowl 20/30 overs per innings? With six points to the winner of the Test is it a time to gamble? Paul Shaw (plus the newly ensconced David Capel, and Carl Crowe) have some interesting decisions to make.

Pakistan Tour Of England Fixtures
27 June - England Academy v Pakistan T20 (1) Loughborough
27 June - England Academy v Pakistan T20 (2) Loughborough
29 June - England Academy v Pakistan 50 over game Loughborough
1 July  - England v Pakistan ODI Louth CC
3 July  - England v Pakistan ODI Loughborough
5 July - England v Pakistan T20 (1) Loghborough
5 July - England v Pakistan T20 (2) Loghborough
8 July - Ireland v Pakistan T20 (1) Moseley Cricket Club
8 July - Ireland v Pakistan T20 (2) Moseley Cricket Club
10 July - Ireland v Pakistan ODI Moseley Cricket Club

MD
27/VI/13