Confident England strive for more

Match facts

August 30, Trent Bridge Start time 1400 (1300GMT)

Big picture

The results of the opening two matches of the series were rarely in doubt. Whenever England were under a modicum of pressure, for example when Sarfraz Ahmed has been at the crease or at 35 for 2 in the chase at Lord’s, they have had the depth and confidence to overcome Pakistan convincingly.

There will have to be a considerable reversal at Trent Bridge if the series is not to be decided after three matches. There is a chasm between the one-day cricket of these two teams far greater than the current rankings of five and nine would suggest. Pakistan can, at least, look at the middle order and see a few chinks of light. Sarfraz has performed superbly, Babar Azam appears to have a lot of time to play his shots and Imad Wasim is a versatile cricketer.

For England, they have rarely had it so good in the one-day game. That Jonny Bairstow can’t find a starting spot highlights their abundance of options. Eoin Morgan has shown signs of regaining his form, which would remove the only real potential for a distraction, while there are other reserves eagerly waiting for their chance.

However, they will want to be ruthless. The fielding has been a weak point in the opening two matches – notwithstanding Liam Plunkett’s fantastic grab at Lord’s – and England continue to be poor at hitting the stumps, despite having an urge to throw at them at any opportunity.

Form guide

(completed matches, most recent first)England WWWWWPakistan LLWLL

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