Uninhibited, unprotected batsmen respond with lusty shots all round the wicket. There is a smash and grab approach to the way they play cricket in Pakistan. Even their spinners have wicked, fast-bowlers mentalities. With the mysteries of Saqlain Mushtaq at one end and a battery of quick men exploring the scuffed ball's aerodynamic properties the other, the England batsmen's resources will be tested to the full. Before the Tests there are three one day internationals, during which the subject of match fixing will almost inevitably surface.
Sports betting in Pakistan is like exceeding the speed limit in Europe.
Illegal and compulsory. Watching a club match in Lahore one afternoon, I noticed some violent scuffling amongst a gaggle of spectators at the end of an over. When the situation calmed down, I asked what had happened. He's a policeman.