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A shell-shocked Pakistan face England in the second one-day international at the Qadhafi Stadium on Friday. In the 1997 quadrangular tournament here, five matches out of seven were won by teams who preferred to chase targets. The two losses included Pakistan's decision of batting first against eventual champions South Africa after winning the toss. South Africa won by a slender nine-run margin.

In an effort to avoid dew and wet conditions, the Australian match referee Barry Jarman decided to start the match at 12.00 noon. This means that the first session will be played between 12.00 and 3.30pm while the second session will run between 4.15pm to 7.45pm. The same will be the timings for the third and final one-day international at Rawalpindi on Monday next.

While the change will reduce the element of disadvantage to the team batting second, it will not completely eliminate it because one could feel dew on the lush green outfield at 5.45pm. The last 20 odd overs will certainly be bowled in wet conditions which can change the complexion of the game.

Whether an early start or not, the fate of tomorrow's game might again be decided on the spin of coin.

"I am not worried about the toss. All I am concerned about is that the players have to come out of Tuesday's shock defeat. Toss may be crucial but the players have to play to their potential," Moin said.

Pakistan are likely to make two changes in the team that lost the first ever international under lights at the National Stadium.

Paceman Waqar Younis might have to wait to play his 200th international as he is expected to make way for a fit-again Azhar Mahmood. The other change may be of Shahid Afridi for an in-form Salim Elahi who though scored only 28 but clearly looked like a man in-form.

Things were not very comfortable in the England camp as Nasser Hussain was struggling with an ankle injury. He was hit by the powerful throw by substitute fielder Shahid Afridi from short third man while attempting a risky single.

But the Essex batsman sounded confident when he told a press conference that he would play. "It (ankle) is paining. I will have a final fitness test before deciding whether to play or not. In all probability, I am confident that I will play."

England are certain to retain the same team that successfully chased its fourth biggest target.

The wicket at the Qadhafi Stadium appears excellent for batting. Quick lightening outfield suggest that another high scoring game is on cards.

Teams (likely):

England: Marcus Trescothick, Alec Stewart, Nasser Hussain (captain), Graeme Hick, Graham Thorpe, Andrew Flintoff, Craig White, Mark Ealham, Ashley Giles, Andrew Caddick, Darren Gough. Vikram Solanki (12th man).

Pakistan: Saeed Anwar, Imran Nazir, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Yousuf Youhana, Shahid Afridi, Abdur Razzaq, Moin Khan (captain), Wasim Akram, Azhar Mahmood, Saqlain Mushtaq, Mushtaq Ahmad. Faisal Iqbal (12th man).

Umpires: Aleem Dar and Mohammad Nazir Junior.

TV Umpire: Afzaal Ahmad.

Match Referee: Barry Jarman (Australia).

Players practice with wet balls: The Pakistan cricket team fielded with wet balls while preparing for the second one-day international against England on Thursday. Around a dozen balls were soaked in a water tub with which Javed Miandad gave the players fielding and bowling practice.

Former captain Wasim Akram said the drill was excellent because the team might have to field second again in either of the remaining two games. "I think it is a good decision which should keep the team strategists on toes," he said.

PCB appreciated the gesture of the Englishmen for agreeing for an early start.

© Dawn