Arthur warns Pakistan stars

ENGLAND will have to overcome two obstacles at Lord’s today if they are to take a 2-0 lead over Pakistan in their five-match one-day series. The first is the distraction of the forthcoming tour of Bangladesh, with the players yet to decide whether to follow ECB advice and make the trip. The second is a Pakistan team who have been warned by coach Mickey Arthur that anyone unable to adapt to the fast-scoring demands of the modern game can expect to lose their place. The tourists’ sluggish advance to 260 for six in Wednesday’s rain-affected series opener at the Ageas Bowl, won by Eoin Morgan’s side at a canter, was reminiscent of the cricket England played before last summer’s white-ball revolution. With David Willey still unavailable because of a hand injury, England could be unchanged. Pakistan, meanwhile, are expected to make room for leg-spinner Yasir Shah, who claimed 10 wickets at Lord’s during the first Test in July. More than that, their coach wants them to play a different brand of cricket altogether after losing nine of their last 10 one-day internationals against England. ‘I want to see the guys go out and express themselves,’ said Arthur. ‘Playing the way we played the other night, we’re behind the times. The invitation is there to every player: step up or we’ll find somebody else who can step up. It’s as simple as that.’ Pakistan’s immediate task will be finding a way to silence Jason Roy, who has scored 381 runs in six ODIs this summer, at an average of 95 and a strike-rate of 119. But the Lord’s pitch looks well-grassed, which could be good news for fast bowler Mark Wood. ‘He’s exciting, isn’t he?’ said wicketkeeper Jos Buttler. ‘He brings another X-factor to the side and he brings something completely different.’