Firefighting knock shows why England believe they have a keeper upgrade

The cojoined cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are pretty contrasting places.

- Ali Martin

With political buildings and diplomatic compounds spaced out along straight and orderly avenues, Islamabad, where the teams are staying, is the sleepier of the two; sleepier, certainly, than the bustling bazaars of 'Pindi on the other side of the highway.

Two years ago, the pitch in Rawalpindi was far more Islamabad by way of character. After Pakistan and Australia played out a soporific, unambitious draw that ended with the third innings still in progress at 250 for no loss, England opted to force the issue with their most compelling display of aggression to date. They ransacked 506 for four in 75 overs on day one and with it bought enough time to pull off a remarkable away win on day five just minutes before sunset and the call to prayer.

But this time, the surface baked during the buildup using patio heaters and industrial-sized fans, it was clear things would be more in keeping with the ground's more hectic surroundings. Spin was on the menu and though Ben Stokes won a crucial toss, it was always going to be a case of whether England could stomach it. Had it not been for a pivotal 105-run stand between Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson, they would have been dyspeptic. As it was, Pakistan reaching 73 for three in reply to 267 all out, this decider was still evenly poised.