England look to repeat success (From Asian Image)

England look to repeat success

10:11am Thursday 5th January 2012 in Sport

England know how they beat Australia last winter, and will be sticking to the same recipe against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates 12 months on.

Andrew Strauss' team followed their historic 2010/11 Ashes triumph down under by taking England to the top of the International Cricket Council's Test rankings for the first time last summer.

Runs and wickets did the trick, of course. But England, under the guidance of Strauss and coach Andy Flower, have also prized meticulous preparation throughout.

That includes a determination not just to 'warm up' during scheduled preparation matches but to try to make every post a winning one.

Only the rain in Adelaide stopped them doing just that before the first Test in Brisbane 14 months ago, and they are out for a repeat here - starting against an ICC Associate and Affiliate XI on Saturday. Ian Bell emerged from England's first practice session yesterday, to spell out the gameplan.

"In Australia we had great preparation and had some great (team) meetings, and this next week is going to be exactly the same.

"If we can look back and learn from what we did really well in the Ashes, this week is just as crucial as what we did out there."

It is not rocket science, but the most obvious of methods and one England trust.

"We're looking forward to a tough game against the ICC. I know a few of those guys from playing at Warwickshire," said Bell.

"We'll go in with the same mind-set as we did in Australia, looking to win every warm-up game.

"That's exactly how we're going to treat it here.

"The thing that got us to number one was not looking too far ahead, and I think we've got to use the same principles.

"We take it a game at a time, and do the basics right. When we manage to do that, we seem to have success."

Standing in England's way initially is, among others, opposing captain Will Porterfield - their nemesis already after leading Ireland to a shock win over Strauss' team at the World Cup last spring.

He would love a repeat, but does not expect one against a team he believes deserve their number one status.

"They've gone around the world the last couple of years, and no matter where they've played they've won series," said Porterfield.

"They've proved their worth and that in any conditions they're the number one side to beat.

"I think, no matter who they play against or what conditions, they've got the skills to cope with anything - reverse-swing, a bit more pace, whatever.

"It will be a great series (against Pakistan), but they go into it favourites."