Heading for disaster?(-worma)

Despite acknowledging that its still probably too soon for making a definitive call, the recent events of Eng tour still do evoke interest and some sort of notice, don't they? Consider this:

Eng batting lineup collapsed three times out of four. In fact, the slump was so acute that the English camp hailed their second innings score of 256 allout a 'success' of sorts. This against an attack shorn of any candidate in the immediate queue for a national cap (I know Asif has played a test, but Umar Gul is much higher in the prospective list, waiting for a call-up). Even in their 'successful' innings, only couple of batsmen crossed 50, none threatening to go on to make a big one.

And, this time, their bowling didn't fire either. Pak A won the match with 6 wkts in hand, chasing down a considerable 4th innings target of 245 in the process. Surely an achievement any international team would be happy of, against this current Eng attack.

To top it off, Vaughan looks likely to miss the first test. In fact, is in some danger of missing the entire tour if the ligament damage is of a serious nature. And Eng is unable to find a suitable replacement since Key and Shah, two likely candidates, aren't fit either. Probably good opportunity for Joyce?

The good news, from Eng perspective, is that Giles seems to be in good nick, both with bat and ball. And Udal was also good at Pindi, although again the quality of opposition there needs to be taken into account. Boycott, in fact, promotes the case for playing Udal. His argument - the ball won't help the Eng seam and swing attack. So probably someone like Anderson may not be handy

I don't think everybody's realised the balls are going to be different. They're going to use the Kookaburra which is made in Australia and will not swing as much as the English balls

To me, frankly, playing Udal looks much bigger gamble than Anderson, or preferably Tremlett? Pak batting isn't exactly vulnerable against 'normal' spin bowling...they scored big time in India recently.

Meanwhile on Pak front, Raza was impressive with his 71 notout in the Pak A victory. He's one of their future prospects, from what I've read, and is currently fighting with Asim Kamal for the sixth batsman's slot in the Pak lineup for first test. Their bowling reserves looks good, with Shoaib and Sami fit to take the lead, Shabbir and Rana waiting in the wings, and the likes of Gul, Asif and even Arafat in the fringes. Arshad Khan wasn't impressive in this match, but anyway its most likely a toss between Mushtaq and Shabbir for the final bowling spot.

Azhar Mahmood, who turns columnist for this tour atleast(or did he write earlier?), says Rana should be picked above Sami. And obviously Pak camp is upbeat with the English struggle. So the early advantage goes to Pak, as much as any team can hope for before the start of actual battle. Now its upto them to make best use of it.