Coral’s four tasty top tips for Pakistan v England Test series

Sam Barnard, Assistant Sports Editor | October 12, 2015

As England ready themselves in their bid to become the first nation to beat Pakistan in the UAE in a Test series, Coral cricket writers come up with four top tips to take ahead of the three matches.

These two nations sit side-by-side with each other in the rankings in this form of the game, so expect a close outcome. Here are our top picks for punters to take…

England win series 2-1 – 7/1

Pakistan won 3-0 the last time they met with England in Tests, which was also in the UAE, but the visitors will be in high spirits this time around following their Ashes triumph in the summer.

In this three-match series, it could go down to the wire, and Trevor Bayliss’ men are terrific chances to record a 2-1 win.

Joe Root top England series batsman – 9/4

While his price is perhaps far shorter than the others in this list, it is hard to look past Root, who was world number one Test batsman after his exploits against Australia.

Now down in third position, the Yorkshireman will be keen to regain top spot and his 9/4 price to get the most runs for his side against Pakistan too are still very enticing.

Younis Khan top Pakistan series batsman – 7/2

Despite approaching his 38th birthday, skipper Khan is still going strong being way up in sixth place in the Test batting rankings and fresh form an unbeaten 171 against Sri Lanka in his last international innings.

Khan was playing for Yorkshire while Root was in the academy, but he can certainly match the former prodigy. Former Pakistan captain Khan, meanwhile, is just 14 runs away from overtaking Javed Miandad as leading Test runscorer for his nation, which he is almost certain to do against England, and is a great shout to go on and top score in this series for the hosts.

Adil Rashid top England series bowler – 7/2

Rashid has really come of age, and the Yorkshire all-rounder is now finally set for his maiden Test cap. Being of Pakistani origin, this will be a special occasion for the leg spinner, and he has already been impressive in the warm-up games.

With usual spinner Moeen Ali’s main focus now likely to be opening the batting, it will give Rashid the chance to be the main slow bowler.