With the T20 World Cup approaching in the autumn, England’s top order is an area of concern with its inconsistency, alongside their adaptability.
Star all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt was absent but England were crying out for her stability to support the relative inexperience of Bouchier, Capsey and Kemp.
England are committed to their aggressive approach under coach Jon Lewis, but on quite a sluggish pitch and against Pakistan’s slow bowlers, they came unstuck in familiar fashion.
They did not commit to their shots, trying to force the pace, while Kemp’s run out was an error in judgement, setting off for a single after a misfield when Knight at the non-striker’s end did not move an inch.
But, what Knight and Jones expertly demonstrated was calmness and stability, picking the bad ball when the fielders spread after six overs and running hard between the wickets.
Jones miscued a full toss to deep mid-wicket before Knight fell short of a half-century by slicing one to mid-off, but they had expertly dug England out of big trouble.
The side’s young talent is promising, but they showed naivety in the conditions, and the partnership should give them a valuable blueprint from which they can learn.
