LONDON, Aug 16: Bob Woolmer's marble slab was in business again at The Oval on Wednesday as Pakistan prepared to claw back some respect in this Test series.

Mohammad Yousuf was the first in the firing line fending off a barrage of rising deliveries. With The Oval's history as one of England's fastest and bounciest tracks, Pakistan's batsmen can expect a technical examination from Stephen Harmison and Sajid Mahmood.

A convincing victory might not be enough to ease discontent with Inzamam-ul-Haq's team on this tour. This is without doubt the worst capitulation by Pakistan in England since the feeble effort of 1978 when stars were lost to Kerry Packer.

Criticism of Inzamam's leadership is mounting despite support from the chairman of the PCB.

This Pakistan team has lacked the in-your-face attitude and spunk of previous tourists. A low-key battle does not suit the Pakistani spirit. This is before we begin discussing tactical lethargy.

Pakistan look set to preserve the balance that they unveiled at Headingley: six batsmen, a wicketkeeper, and four bowlers. This formula leaves no room for Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq.

Mohammad Asif has looked impressive in net practice and is set to return today. The Oval will suit his height. How he will cope with five days of Test cricket, however, is an unknown. Mohammad Sam is expected to be dropped.

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan is also fit to play but isn't an automatic selection. Umar Gul, Pakistan's most consistent bowler in this series, and Shahid Nazir, a revelation at Headingley, have done enough to keep their places.

Shoaib Akhtar, meanwhile, is sensibly not being risked. His injury was of a different nature to Asif's and it would be reckless to gamble on his inclusion.

A fever caused by a septic boil on his buttock was the final undignified blow to his selection chances.

Pakistan already confirmed a further extension of their revolving door policy for the opening slot.

This is the fourth opening partnership in four matches, and the twelfth opening combination since Woolmer took charge. Out of 38 innings only two have produced century stands.

Woolmer's belief is that Shoaib Malik has been the key absence on this tour, depriving the team of a strong opener as well as somebody who offers two extra dimensions.

Mohammad Hafeez, a mini Malik, gets his chance to resurrect an international career cut short by loss of form with the bat. A successful 'A' tour of Australia will have helped his confidence. Imran Farhat will be his opening partner.

England will most likely be unchanged. They have played all summer with one eye — sometimes it has seemed both eyes — on the upcoming Ashes.

This lack of concentration was found out by Sri Lanka but Pakistan have been more accommodating, helping England restore some confidence.

Clearly, Pakistan will be desperate to show the world what they are capable of. With Asif to lead the bowling attack, there is a real prospect that some pride can be restored. Also, each new opening combination brings a new hope, although this might be the optimism of a fool.

Matches like this are sometimes considered meaningless but England have Ashes places and Pakistan have their honour to play for.

And with the one-day series on the horizon Pakistan will be keen to regain the psychological advantage. Ultimately, though, rain may have the final word. A draw will then be favourite and that will tell us nothing about Pakistan's fortitude.