England and Pakistan can each lay down a marker for next year's World Cup by winning their upcoming three-match Twenty20 series, says David Lloyd.
The teams face each other in the opener in Dubai at 4pm on Sky Sports 2 this Thursday following England's 3-1 ODI series victory.
With conditions in the UAE expected to be spin-friendly, Lloyd says it gives each side the perfect opportunity to hone their skills ahead of the World T20, which begins in March.
He said: "I think England are going to be very competitive in the World Cup given the way that things have come together in ODI cricket - and then to move it forward to T20. If I was in that England squad or management I'd be very excited.
"I bet Pakistan are also looking forward to the World T20. It's always nice to win and I think this series is going to be played in a great environment.
"The matches have an 8pm [local time] start; there should be full houses. This is a good examination of both teams. "We know what the pitches are like - they are very batsman-friendly. I think both teams have got every chance to show what they can do.
"Shahid Afridi is back for Pakistan - he's as old as me! I think this is a last hurrah for him. He's such an explosive batsman and he's a very good bowler in one-day cricket. He's a real crowd pleaser."
Watch Pakistan take on England in the first of three T20 internationals from 3.30pm on Sky Sports 2 this Thursday.
Post a Comment