
July is a busy month for sports. Copa America, UEFA, West Indies vs South Africa, India vs Sri Lanka, and Pakistan vs England games will take place this month. Out of all these games, there is Bad news and Good news for England and Pakistani cricket fans. The bad news is that a setback has happened. 3 days before the game, 7 England team members have been tested positive for coronavirus. But the Good news is that England named a new squad for the series and the series will continue according to the plan.
The media is reporting that 3 Team players and 4 Management members have been tested positive ahead of the series. The test was conducted after the last ODI against Sri Lanka was washed out. The entire squad and management members have been put in isolation.
Although only 7 members tested positive, the whole squad is in quarantine. Tests will be conducted frequently to check whether any more squad members are positive or not.
Pakistan vs England ODI Series Schedule (Dates &Venues):
ODI | Date | Venue |
1st ODI | 8 July 2021 | Cardiff |
2nd ODI | 10th July 2021 | Lords |
3rd ODI | 13th July 2021 | Edgbaston |
England named New Squad against Paksitan- Check out their names:
ECB has named an 18-man squad for the ODI series against Pakistan. Two days before the series, Ben Stokes has been named new England captain. Ben Stokes was last seen in an IPL game where he injured his finger. In addition to that. 9 uncapped players have been included in the squad and many of them are likely to make a debuts
Squad: Ben Stokes (Captain), John Simpson (Wicketkeeper), James Vince, Phil Salt, Dawid Malan, Saqib Mehmood, Jake Ball, Danny Briggs, Will Jacks, Lewis Gregory, Lawrence, Tom Helm, Duckett, Parkinson, Zack Crawly, David Payne, Carse, and Will Jack.
Pakistan’s analysts now have to do more work and devise a new plan for their team in such a short time. Stuart Broad also talked about this situation in a tweet: “Gotta feel for the Pakistan Team Analyst- would have had all the plans sorted! Busy few days ahead.”
What does England Head Coach Chris Silverwood have to say?
Head Coach Chris Silver will manage this new England Squad. He talked about the difficulties he had to face due to a covid outbreak in the team. Chirs Silver said he worked overnight to select the new and best possible squad against Pakistan. He was also hopeful that major players will test negative before the T-20 series. Pakistan and England will also play 3 T-20 matches after the ODI series.
What does Pakistan Cricket Board have to say?
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement that they are satisfied with the protocols and arrangements made by ECB. Moreover, PCB advised Players to remain cautious and not to breach any covid protocol.
Alex Hales controversy- Why England doesn’t select him anymore?
Alex Hales even couldn’t manage to get a place in a revised squad where 9 uncapped players also became the part. Michael Vaughan- former English cricketer- said that Alex Hales’s career is almost over. No one wants him on the team due to Alex’s recreational use of drugs. Team management and think tank are really hesitant to include him in any future endeavors.
Pak vs England: Opportunities for both sides:
This ODI series is a huge opportunity for both teams. England, after naming a new squad, has the opportunity to test their bench strength. New players who performed in the domestic circuit are given the opportunity and it is a golden chance for them to showcase their skills against the 1992 World cup winning team.
For Pakistan, it is a golden opportunity to defeat New and mostly inexperienced England on their home turf. Will Pakistan be able to take advantage of this? We will have to wait and see.
Conclusion:
England vs Pakistan series is always a treat to enjoy. England is a lucky country for Pakistan in terms of cricket. There, Pakistan won the T-20 world cup in 2009 and the Champion’s trophy in 2017. The ODI and T-20Series were expected to be played without any hesitation. But now, due to a coronavirus outbreak, England named the new squad for the Pakistan series. This is a huge opportunity for both teams. How? England will get to test their bench strength and Pakistan has more chances of winning as the English side is inexperienced. But no matter what the result will be, cricket fans just want good cricket and thrilling finishes to see.
Also Read: Mohammad Amir takes a U-turn on the Retirement decision.