'Pakistan have come a long way'
Stephen Brenkley, writing in the Independent , says Pakistan have rebuilt considerably since the scandal-marred England tour in 2010, ensuring consistency in team selection under Misbah-ul-Haq
Siddhartha Talya
25-Feb-2013
Stephen Brenkley, writing in the Independent, says Pakistan have rebuilt considerably since the scandal-marred England tour in 2010, ensuring consistency in team selection under Misbah-ul-Haq. But the behaviour of both teams, he says, will be closely scrutinized for signs of friction.
Pakistan seem, in short, to have got their act together. But that will not prevent an air of suspicion and intrigue around the Dubai International Cricket Stadium tomorrow. Misbah and Mohsin are trying desperately to move on. They have convinced their colleagues to forget the past and England too seem anxious to stress that what's gone is gone.
It may just be that Pakistan have pulled back from the brink of eternal disarray. Truly, it seems that being the pariahs of world cricket, the one activity above all that makes their nation special, was no fun any longer.
Nasser Hussain, the Daily Mail, gives England a slight edge in the UAE.
Stuart Broad, in the same newspaper, says there will still be some "negative feelings" over the events of 2010 but that, and the history between the teams, won't distract England from the task at hand.
Andy Bull, writing in the Guardian, says Pakistan have been dogged by controversy in recent years but changes in the regime have sparked a positive transformation.
Misbah has now been in charge for 12 Test matches, a longer run than anybody has managed since Inzamam-ul-Haq retired. Since he took over his team have been unbeaten in six Test series, and have won more one-day internationals than any other side. Under Misbah's captaincy Pakistan have adopted an avowedly pragmatic approach. It is not winning him fans, but nor is it losing him matches.
Siddhartha Talya is a senior sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo