An unexpected fall

Fresh from their victory over reigning Test cricket champions, the Aussies, the English were energized and were ready to take on any challenge that came may come their way. Already, some of the current players in the English side claiming themselves to be the best side in the world.
Technically, they should be recognized as the best Test side in the world after beating the undisputed champions. However, according to the ICC rules, they were still number 2. Nevertheless, the entire nation rejoiced as the players were invited to a red carpet communion to honor their victory in the Ashes championship for the first time in 18 years. Freddy Flintoff was acclaimed a national hero and all the English players were regarded as national celebrities overnight. Before England was due to arrive in Pakistan, one of the English players went as far as saying that he expected a whitewash series in favor of England.

The ego hormone was secreting at an exponential rate throughout the English cricketing body. That was until they landed in Pakistan. The series started off in their favor, as they cruised to a hard fought victory over a relatively minor opposition, the Patron's XI. After that, the English suffered a humiliating defeat against Pakistan A, when twice in two innings, the English batting order collapsed. The victory was earned by Pakistan A, from which point on, the English could never pick themselves up from the slump.

Throughout the Test series against the national side, the Pakistani side seemed like a roaring predator in search for it's prey, the English side, while the Englishmen sought to take cover and protect themselves, rather than fight back. The Pakistani side came back with a dramatic strike on the last day on the first test. Suddenly, the English could no longer make the claim of being the best Test side in the world. However, the series was far from over, and there remained two Tests, which would well prove to be in favor of a strong English side. The second test ended in a draw, however, it must be noted that apart from one comeback spell from Flintoff, the English hardly looked threatening, and again as in the first test, the English were left to dig in till the end. It was clear that the English were on the backfoot, and it would take something exceptional from the team to match the ferocious and victory-hungry Pakistani side. The last test was only the beginning of England's misery as Pakistan piled up 638 for 8, leaving England a mammoth total of a little under 300 runs in one day.

It was always going to be difficult from that point on, as all the English could hope for was a series loss by 1 - 0. Unfortunately for them, as had happened in the past two tests, Vaughan could not do much as he watched his players return to the dressing one after another. Unfortunately for the English once again, their bad days were not yet over. Their practice match against an inexperienced Pakistan A side ended up in yet another defeat as Bazid Khan powered his side to a victory with one wicket remaining, and over 5 overs to spare.

The ODIs between England and Pakistan commence on the 10th of December at Lahore, which should give the English a chance to save face with a ODI series victory over Pakistan. The Pakistani team has been recognized as more of a one day side rather than a Test side over the past year or two. With the Test series comfortable tucked in under their belts, Pakistan will have the psychological advantage over England, coupled with the return of Razzaq and Shoaib to the ODI side. The tour of Pakistan is still a long way to go, and the ODIs should be a hit amongst the local populace, especially at the Gaddafi stadium at Lahore.