'England full of confidence ahead of Dubai Test...'
Thursday 22 October 2015 10:53, UK
Sir Ian Botham thinks Pakistan were "taken by surprise" by England's heroic display in Abu Dhabi and expects another close contest in the second Test in Dubai, starting on Thursday.
Alastair Cook's side came agonisingly close to pulling off a sensational victory at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium before bad light came to Pakistan's rescue, with England 25 runs short of their target.
England now go into the second Test at Dubai's International Stadium full of confidence and Botham is backing them to edge ahead in the three-match series.
The former England captain told Sky Sports: "England certainly have the edge now. I don't think they [Pakistan] expected England to fight as hard as they did.
"I think Pakistan were taken by surprise by the way England played. It was never a match Pakistan were going to lose because of the time available but they had a few wobbles before the light saved them."
Pakistan piled up 523-8 but England responded in kind with 598-9 with skipper Cook hitting a magnificent 263, while Joe Root (85), Ian Bell (63) and Ben Stokes (57) all contributed with the bat before Adil Rashid wreaked havoc with the ball, taking 5-64 on a thrilling final day.
The Sky Sports commentator added: "Cook and Rashid rightly won the plaudits for their performances but it was a great all-round team effort and proved how far they have come as a team. England have the upper hand and are full of confidence.
"Pakistan do have their leg spinner [Yasir Shah] back so England will need to work out how they can play him."
Pakistan have won only one of their last four Tests in Dubai beating Australia by 221 runs, but have suffered defeats to South Africa, Sri Lanka and drawn with New Zealand giving England hope of taking a series lead.
The legendary all-rounder expects England to name an unchanged side and is again tipping the tourists to win at 2/1 with Sky Bet and Cook and Rashid to play pivotal roles with bat and ball.
He added: "Cook was magnificent so I'm sticking with him. Rashid bowled really well and this wicket (in Dubai) should turn so he's got to be a good bet."
Live coverage of the second Test between Pakistan and England starts at 6.30am, Thursday, Sky Sports 2. You can also watch without a contract on NOW TV.
