Pakistan vs England: Calculated risk as Moeen Ali to be thrown in to open

The series gets underway on Tuesday

Moeen Ali is set to open for England

England’s team appears to have been confirmed for the start of the exacting series against Pakistan. The order of service at net practice here on Sunday suggested that Alastair Cook’s latest opening partner will be Moeen Ali; that Mark Wood will be the third seamer; that Adil Rashid will make his debut; and that Jos Buttler will retain the place as wicketkeeper-batsman.

There remains time for a change of strategy but that would be based more on a wing and a prayer than the formation which was pencilled in almost as soon as the touring party was announced. If it has been carefully calculated that this combination offers England their best chance of springing a surprise it is still unproven.

Pakistan have a selection conundrum of their own. Azhar Ali, the No 3 who has appeared in 44 of their last 46 Tests, is injured. It opens the way for a recall for Shoaib Malik but they must ponder who should bat at three.

With Moeen opening the batting, England are taking a calculated risk at best. If it comes off, they may have to stick with it. But Moeen will be the first man to open the batting for England in a Test without having previously done so in a first-class match since the fast bowlers Ken Farnes and Jim Smith were sent in on a sticky wicket in Barbados in 1935.

England are determined that patience will be the greatest virtue and Moeen above all must remember that. He has opened for England frequently in one-day matches but that may be an enemy not a friend on these pitches. He has to stay true to himself while also denying himself.