Lose to Pakistan, lose to Eskimos

English cricket has plumbed some pretty low depths in its time but defeat by Pakistan would surely set a new level of ignominy that may not be beaten until the Afghans, or Eskimos, visit Lord’s, writes Simon Wilde in Sunday Times.

Pakistan have been deprived of so much cricket of late because of the security crisis surrounding their country and they are simply grateful to be back in the thick of the action again. They are also rebuilding their side and possess some gifted teenagers who won’t die wondering. Twenty20 cricket is for daredevils and risk-taking isn’t in the Anglo-Saxon genes. Without Kevin Pietersen and Graeme Swann, England played a cautious game, while the Dutch were bold and brave.