After an exhilarating first Test at Lord’s, there is very little to choose between England and Pakistan at Manchester. Old Trafford offers hope to both sides as England’s commanding record here could deter any opposition. However, given the nature of the wicket laid out, Pakistan too could fancy their chances after considering their inventory in the pace bowling department. At Manchester, with plenty of swing and seam on offer, expecting exhibition stuff from the mighty talented Mohammed Amir wouldn’t be too inappropriate.

The first test was an utter disappointment for the hosts, as barring skipper Alastair Cook and to an extent Jonny Bairstow, no other batsman displayed any sense of urgency and application. The shot selection by Joe Root in both the innings was atrocious, to say the least as his dismissal on both the occasions, began England’s batting rut. On a spicier wicket at Old Trafford, Root’s contribution will become even more significant if England holds any desires to level the series.

The last time a test was played here, it was wrapped up within 2.5 days as India were bludgeoned by an innings and 54 runs. It might be pretty weird to mention, but a loss at Lord’s could indicate a positive sign for England. In 2014 against India and in 2015 against Australia, after a thrashing at Lord’s, England followed it up with two commanding wins in order to storm back into the series. Those memories could probably offer England some respite and hope leading into the second test.

Soon after the first test, England named a 14 personnel squad for the second test, handing a comeback to leg-spinner Adil Rashid. Moeen Ali was simply mediocre in the first test and despite taking the prized scalps of Younis Khan and Misbah Ul Haq in the second innings, his spot could well be under the scanner. If the strip at Manchester lives to its reputation, then England would opt for just one specialist spinner, and that would be Rashid.

The return of local boy James Anderson will be a colossal respite for the hosts. With an average of just 18.85 in 2016, Anderson has been England’s go-to bowler and his presence itself will make a massive difference. The swing sensation would replace Jake Ball, who had a poor outing in the first test. All-rounder Chris Woakes, who was phenomenal in all departments, should retain his place. That would directly result in Ben Stokes getting in for the wayward Steven Finn.

Despite having poor outings in both innings, batsmen James Vince and Gary Ballance should find themselves in the playing XI. However, if a last minute change occurs, Ballance could be replaced by Rashid with Moeen Ali also in the fray. Nevertheless, the chances of such a combination taking place seem pretty bleak.

England predicted XI for the second test: