Twenty20 series has broad appeal for wounded Misbah-ul-Haq

Stuart Broad, the England captain, meanwhile is keen to make use of conditions against Pakistan in Dubai today in preparation for defence of World Twenty20. Audio interviews

England Twenty20 captain Stuart Broad bats during a nets session at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

DUBAI // Misbah-ul-Haq, the Pakistan captain, said his side are desperate to redress the balance in the Twenty20 international against England today after suffering a one-day series whitewash.

But a resurgent England are confident the return to one of their world-beating disciplines will show they have the potential to improve still further. Misbah wants his side to regain the upper hand after their 3-0 Test series victory. He also hopes to use the match as a stepping stone towards the World Twenty20 series later this year.

"This is a very important series for us, more so because we won the Tests, they won the ODIs and now it's almost the decider," Misbah said. "And if you consider this is World Twenty20 year, it's very important for us to come back."

England will defend the title they won in the West Indies in 2010 when Sri Lanka host September's tournament.

"I think we need to learn from England on how they transformed their fortunes in ODIs, and I am confident that my boys can do that," Misbah said. "I don't think we were dispirited, because the team wants a win desperately and that's why we were like that. Everybody was trying to give 100 per cent and when it slips out of your hand it seems you are disjointed."

Pakistan will make some changes, with the experienced batsman Younis Khan and Azhar Ali returning home while uncapped left-handed opener Awais Zia joins the Twenty20 squad.

England have retained Alastair Cook, originally not named in the Twenty20 squad, as cover for injured Ravi Bopara after he showed great form in scoring back-to-back hundreds in the first two one-day matches. Stuart Broad, England's T20 captain, said his side would be using every opportunity possible to help prepare them for the defence of their World Twenty20 title.

"Of course, we need to make use of every game we have because there isn't many leading to the World Twenty20. And that being in the subcontinent we need to really make use of these conditions," Broad said.

And the opening bowler is confident that whoever plays at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium today, his team has many bases covered. "I look through the squad, and it excites me," Broad said.

(Audio courtesy of Dubai Sports City)

"We've got guys coming into the Twenty20 team and offering a huge amount."

He added: "It's exciting going on to the field, knowing you have that trust in your guys to perform.

"That's what it's about - and as long as players know their roles, and what's expected of them, they have enough talent to be able to produce that on the field."

8pm start, Ten Sports