The hosts' formidable outfit have far too much skill for Pakistan, says the Analyst, though Alex Hales and Ben Stokes are causes for concern
England are now 2-0 up in this one-day series and it’s hard to see anything other than a 5-0 whitewash, as forecast at the beginning of the series.
As the teams move on to Nottingham for the third ODI on Tuesday, Pakistan do not have the skill or the depth to compete with England’s increasingly assured outfit.
England still have deficiencies.
After a difficult Test series, Alex Hales looks uncertain of his method.
He cannot regain that authoritative aggression he had in South Africa.
There is no rhythm and tempo to his batting. It is either a block or a big shot. There doesn’t seem to be much in between.
He was out at Lord’s playing a horrible swipe across the line. He has three more 50-over innings to convince the selectors that he is worth persevering with as a Test opener.
Though their minds may already have been made up.
The other player still not to find his one-day mojo is Ben Stokes. He has been declared fit to bowl at Trent Bridge on Tuesday and that is good news.
It will deflect his focus off his batting. He puts himself under too much pressure with the bat. You can see it in his intent to get at the bowling and in his general impatience.
He often tries to hit the ball too hard. That is why in 41 ODIs he averages only 22.
He batted more calmly on Saturday, and compiled a fluent 41 before losing his cool and trying to leather a ball that was not quite short enough.
He stomped off cursing his lapse.
England’s fielding is one area that is not quite top notch, too.
There are still too many errors and the stumps are rarely hit with shies from the ring – except when it doesn’t count.
Stokes is the only really exceptional fielder.
This is an area in which Jonny Bairstow would add something. In the form of his life he is cruelly unlucky to miss out.
England’s bowling, however, continues to impress.
Mark Wood and Chris Woakes were too hot for the Pakistan openers, Liam Plunkett never let the middle-order settle and the spinners are reliable and crafty.
Adil Rashid rarely bowls a four ball these days.
Adding Stokes into this mix really does create a formidable attack, though it has not been severely tested recently.
But a measure of their ability is the fact that they have conceded over 300 only twice in their last 19 games.
At the moment it is hard to see how they could fit David Willey back in when his bruised hand has recovered.
Pakistan are desperately trying to find a formula to compete, and might try batting second if they win the toss on Tuesday in the hope that England’s batsmen self-destruct through over-ambition.
But on Trent Bridge’s superb surface, with short boundaries – where England chased 350 against New Zealand last summer – that is unlikely.
Pakistan have lost 10 of their last 11 ODIs against England.
It’s going to be 11 from 12 after Tuesday.
