CricketViewer.com

England were set to field a pace-oriented attack against Pakistan in the second Test at Old Trafford after releasing uncapped off-spinner Jamie Dalrymple from their squad.

Dalrymple was in contention to make his Test debut after being included in the England squad as a replacement for injured medium-pacer Liam Plunkett.

The England team management decided to release Dalrymple, a promising all-rounder, after taking a look at the Old Trafford wicket which is expected to be quick and bouncy.

The exit of Kenyan-born Dalrymple means left-arm leg-spinner Monty Panesar would certainly retain his place in the playing line-up for the second Test.

It also enhances the chances of medium-pacer Sajid Mahmood realising his dream of playing against Pakistan at his home ground. England need a seamer to replace Plunkett and Sajid, along with another medium-pacer Jon Lewis, is in the run for the prized spot.

England captain Andrew Strauss, it seems, is more in favour of Sajid Mahmood. Strauss said: “Sajid is a bit quicker and he can reverse the ball.” He added: “It is his home pitch and that might help.”

Of Lewis he said: “Jon Lewis has always shown the value of putting the ball in the right area.”

Strauss said England would only finalise their squad for the match on Thursday morning. Pacer Steve Harmison would spearhead the attack that also has Matthew Hoggard.

Source:The News