England and Pakistan meet at Lord's for the second Test, where Racing Post's Steve Davies expects Joe Root's side to put off-field distractions behind them and seal a series victory following their impressive victory at Headingley.
Root's second spell as England captain could hardly have started more smoothly on the field, with his side bowling Pakistan out for 171 and 135 before wrapping up victory inside three days.
It has been a turbulent period for England, with Ben Stokes retiring from international cricket, Brendon McCullum leaving his role as Test coach and Stephen Fleming not due to arrive as his replacement until September.
However, the new era made an encouraging start in Leeds, even if Pakistan's poor performance makes it difficult to draw too many sweeping conclusions from England's victory.
The tourists could be boosted by the return of captain Babar Azam at Lord's, but they will need a dramatic improvement to prevent England securing the Test series.
England v Pakistan Tips Summary
Best Bet - Harry Brook most match 4s @ 15/4
Alternative Bet - Mohammad Abbas 5+ wickets @ 6/5
Bet Builder - England to win, Abdullah Shafique top Pakistan 1st innings batter & Joe Root 70+ match runs @ 11/1
England v Pakistan Prediction
Best Bet: Harry Brook most match 4s @ 15/4
England's top order contains several players capable of dominating the boundary markets and Harry Brook looks like a strong candidate to hit the most fours across the second Test.
The Yorkshire batter was England's leading run-scorer in the first innings at Headingley, making 91, falling agonisingly short of what would have been another Test century and a first at his home ground.
Brook's attacking instincts make him capable of finding the boundary quickly and he looked in imperious form in Leeds, where he appeared to rein in some of the riskier elements that had crept into his game under the previous regime.
That could be particularly important against Pakistan's bowling attack. The tourists struggled for control in Leeds and England's batters were able to capitalise when they received anything loose, but Lord’s has favoured the bowlers in recent matches.
Pakistan may receive some help from conditions in London, but Brook has shown throughout his Test career that he can adapt his approach.
If England establish another strong batting platform, the 27-year-old has the quality to lead the way in the match fours market.
Alternative Bet: Mohammad Abbas 5+ wickets @ 6/5
Mohammad Abbas took only one wicket in the first Test, but he still emerged as Pakistan's most impressive seam bowler at Headingley.
He was the only member of Pakistan's attack to keep his economy rate below 3.5 runs per over and, while Pakistan’s other bowlers struggled for control, Abbas remained disciplined and continued to make the batters work for their runs.
That accuracy could make him a more dangerous proposition at Lord's, where conditions may offer greater assistance to a bowler who relies on seam movement, swing and relentless control rather than outright pace.
Abbas also has excellent memories of his one previous Test at the Home of Cricket, when he claimed match figures of 8-64 against England in 2018. That performance included four wickets in each innings as the tourists secured a nine-wicket victory.
Pakistan will need far more from their bowling attack this week if they are to keep the series alive, but Abbas has the skill set and previous success at Lord's to suggest he can lead the way.
If conditions offer even a little assistance, five or more wickets across the match looks a realistic target.
England v Pakistan Bet Builder Tip
England to win
Abdullah Shafique top Pakistan 1st innings batter
Joe Root 70+ match runs
Pays 11/1
England are deserved favourites to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series after their commanding victory at Headingley.
Pakistan were poor in all departments in the opening Test and their batting was particularly disappointing, with only Abdullah Shafique passing 50 across either innings.
Shafique made 61 in the first innings and looked more comfortable than any of his team-mates against England's seam attack. His footwork was positive and he showed the patience required to build an innings despite Pakistan's regular collapses around him.
The potential return of Babar Azam means Shafique could face stronger competition in the top Pakistan first-innings batter market, but the first Test showed the 26-year-old is capable of making an important contribution.
Completing the three-fold is Root to score 70 or more match runs. England's captain made 66 in his one innings in the first Test and will be eager to produce another substantial contribution at the ground where he has enjoyed plenty of success.
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Key Match Stats
England won the first Test by an innings and 103 runs inside three days
Pakistan were bowled out for 171 and 135 at Headingley
England have won only three of their last 11 Test matches
Abdullah Shafique's 61 was the only Pakistan score above 50 in the first Test
Harry Brook top-scored for England with 91 in the first Test
Tactics, Form & Team News
England's dominant victory in the first Test could make selection relatively straightforward, with an unchanged XI expected.
Brydon Carse has been withdrawn from the squad following an off-field incident, with Sonny Baker called up as his replacement.
However, with the first Test lasting fewer than three days, England's bowlers should be fresh and an unchanged team would provide valuable calm and consistency during a period of transition.
Expected England XI: Duckett, Gay, Cox, Root (c), Brook, Lawrence, Smith (wk), Atkinson, Robinson, Archer, Tongue.
Pakistan have significant decisions to make after their dismal performance in Leeds, with the potential return of Babar Azam the most obvious boost.
Babar missed the first Test through injury, leaving Salman Ali Agha to captain the side, but his return would strengthen a batting line-up that struggled badly against England's seam attack.
Pakistan may also consider changes to their bowling attack, with Ubaid Shah an option, while Sajid Khan and Aamer Jamal are in reserve if Pakistan wish to make further changes.
Expected Pakistan XI: Awais, ul-Haq, Masood, Azam (c), Shafique, Agha, Rizwan (wk), Usman, Shahzad, Shah, Abbas.
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
