England face decisive Pakistan spin trial in bid for semi-final spot
England must overcome their recurring fragility against spin bowling when they take on Pakistan on Tuesday to secure a place in the T20 World Cup semi-finals.
Harry Brook’s side defeated Sri Lanka by 51 runs on Sunday to keep their tournament hopes alive.
However, the victory was marred by familiar failings as four of the top five batters succumbed to slow bowling.
The issue threatens to derail their campaign against an opponent statistically inclined to exploit that very weakness.
‘We will give them a tough time’
Pakistan have bowled a higher percentage of spin than any other team in the competition.
During their earlier clash with India, the Men in Green deployed six different slow bowlers.
Batter Sahibzada Farhan confirmed that England’s difficulties have been noted by the opposition camp.
“They were struggling against the spinners,” said Farhan.
“We have one of the best spin attacks, which has Usman Tariq, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, and even Abrar Ahmed is one of the top spinners.
“I am confident we will give them a tough time.”
A alarming dip in form
The struggles in the Caribbean and USA are curious given the team’s recent proficiency against the turning ball.
In the preceding series against Sri Lanka, England lost only three wickets to spin across three matches.
Yet on the tournament stage, those numbers have nose-dived.
Overall, 21 of England’s 38 wickets have fallen to spin bowling.
While numerically similar to dismissals against pace, the timing has been destructive, including collapses against Italy and the West Indies.
“We were very good in the bilateral series here against Sri Lanka, where we played spin,” said all-rounder Liam Dawson.
“We know we can bat a lot better than what we have batted. We’ve won games and that’s the main thing.”
Brook and Buttler under pressure
The captain himself has found the conditions particularly testing.
Harry Brook has been removed by spinners four times in succession at this World Cup.
The Yorkshireman now averages just 19.1 against spin in T20 internationals, a stark contrast to his average of 46.2 against seamers.
Jacob Bethell has also struggled, falling to a slow bowler in every innings he has played.
Jos Buttler appears equally out of rhythm.
The wicketkeeper-batter has recorded three consecutive single-figure scores and was trapped lbw by Dunith Wellalage in the previous match.
Highlighting his determination to find form, Buttler was the only member of the expected XI to train on Monday evening.
With a semi-final berth at stake, England’s top order must find a solution to the turning ball immediately.