'England are going to be very competitive in Twenty20 World Cup'
Thursday 26 November 2015 13:56, UK
England and Pakistan can each lay down a marker for next year's World Cup by winning their upcoming three-match Twenty20 series, says David Lloyd.
The teams face each other in the opener in Dubai at 4pm on Sky Sports 2 this Thursday following England's 3-1 ODI series victory.
With conditions in the UAE expected to be spin-friendly, Lloyd says it gives each side the perfect opportunity to hone their skills ahead of the World T20, which begins in March.
He said: "I think England are going to be very competitive in the World Cup given the way that things have come together in ODI cricket - and then to move it forward to T20. If I was in that England squad or management I'd be very excited.
"I bet Pakistan are also looking forward to the World T20. It's always nice to win and I think this series is going to be played in a great environment.
"The matches have an 8pm [local time] start; there should be full houses. This is a good examination of both teams.
"They're going to play in near-enough the conditions that they're going to get in the World Cup over in India so it's great preparation.
"The No 1 priority is to win, perform and enjoy it - that is so important. I guess - I just have a hunch - that under Trevor Bayliss and Paul Farbrace that's exactly what they're doing.
"I think England are on a roll; they're really confident and they've got everything they need to beat Pakistan."
An England XI featuring uncapped James Vince and Stephen Parry, who has played three times at international T20 level, warmed up for the series with a 79-run win over the United Arab Emirates.
But Lloyd says it is unlikely that either side will feature in Thursday's clash.
"I think England will pick what they consider to be the best team and I think that's quite right," he said.
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"But the other thing is competition for places - somebody's going to be so disappointed to miss out. But when you look at who England have got - Alex Hales and Jason Roy at the top, Eoin Morgan the captain, Jos Buttler, Joe Root, Moeen Ali all coming at you from start to finish.
"We know what the pitches are like - they are very batsman-friendly. I think both teams have got every chance to show what they can do.
"Shahid Afridi is back for Pakistan - he's as old as me! I think this is a last hurrah for him. He's such an explosive batsman and he's a very good bowler in one-day cricket. He's a real crowd pleaser."
Watch Pakistan take on England in the first of three T20 internationals from 3.30pm on Sky Sports 2 this Thursday.
