The cojoined cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are pretty contrasting places. With political buildings and diplomatic compounds spaced out along straight and orderly avenues, Islamabad, where the teams are staying, is the sleepier of the two; sleepier, certainly, than the bustling bazaars of ’Pindi on the other side of the highway.
Two years ago, the pitch in Rawalpindi was far more Islamabad by way of character. After Pakistan and Australia played out a soporific, unambitious draw that ended with the third innings still in progress at 250 for no loss, England opted to force the issue with their most compelling display of aggression to date. They ransacked 506 for four in 75 overs on day one and with it bought enough time to pull off a remarkable away win on day five just minutes before sunset and the call to prayer.
