England 'to play on batsman-friendly pitches'

06/01/2012

England's batsmen will play on pitches that are suited to run-scoring in the upcoming Test series against Pakistan in the UAE, according to one of the few English players with a lot of experience of playing there.

Middlesex batsman Dawid Malan - who has played in the country in each of the last three years - said the Stadium in Abu Dhabi was a "road" once some early grass had gone.

He told BBC Sport: "It's not a wicket where you have to change your game - you can stand and hit through the line of the ball."

And while the pitches do not bounce much, they are not particularly slow, Malan added.

However, the batsman said, the team's seamers have proven adept at bowling in different conditions, with reverse-swing being a key factor, while a second spinner may play.

Like Malan, England's players will be more used to the conditions seen at Lord's and fans can enjoy hospitality packages at two Tests there next summer, against the West Indies and South Africa.

The latter have just won their first home series in three years after victory over Sri Lanka in Cape Town saw them take the three-match rubber 2-1.

By Keith Prowse