WOOD FIRED UP
Moeen confident fast-bowler’s power will make big difference... and Woakes could return too
ENGLAND will once again unleash their extra bowling firepower on the Pakistani batters because it “makes the difference”.
That is how Moeen Ali sees it and, while he is keen to secure the two wins needed to take the series, England are also determined to finetune their World Cup plans.
Fans can expect a return to action for Mark Wood to lead the line in Lahore, with the recovered Chris Woakes backing him up, weather allowing.
The extra pace of Wood will be vital to England’s World Cup hopes, with Jofra Archer and Saqib Mahmood unavailable and Olly Stone not a part of the squad.
But with bad weather engulfing Lahore, England may have to be canny as they manage their resources across three games.
“Woody was great the other night,” said stand-in skipper Moeen. “Pakistan’s bowlers were fast and good but Woody was on a different level, first game back. He was a bit quicker than everybody else and we saw how pace makes a difference. Pakistan chased 200 for none against still very good bowlers but that extra bit of pace makes a difference.
“Gleeson needs to play because he’s back-up for the World Cup and Woody needs games. Tactically you want somebody with a bit of pace, it just depends on the combination we want to go with.”
A return for Woakes would be a big boost for England after watching him miss the entire summer with a knee injury. “There’s a good chance Woakesy will play but we are just waiting before naming the team,” said
Moeen (above).
“He wants to make sure he is completely ready.”
There are still lots of decisions to be made for the tournament and Moeen added: “It’s two-all now against a top T20 side and we are playing good cricket. I enjoy the floating role.
“I like rushing to go out and bat, I don’t like sitting and waiting. Last minute, you get out there and don’t think about it.”