Pakistan v England: hosts fighting hard to win back hearts and minds of their people after spot-fixing scandal Under the steady guidance of Misbah-ul-Haq, a 37-year-old journeyman batsman, the Pakistan cricket team have begun to regain the respect of other teams and, more importantly, their own people losing only one of their past 12 Tests. The spot-fixing issue almost finished Pakistani cricket but somehow they rebounded and for the first time people back home are looking forward to Pakistan upsetting an England side top of the world rankings. This series has a made-for-TV feel to it with small attendances likely for the Tests which will be played at a purpose-built stadium sitting amid the abandoned buildings of Dubai Sports City, a project sinking into the sand thanks to the recession. But television is as close as Pakistani supporters can get to see their team play, a situation unlikely to change in the near future. "I don't know how long we can carry on like this," Raja said. We have been lucky in finding new players. But in the long term it can only harm us and the international community has to rescue Pakistan by at least asking the Asian block to play here again. Dav Whatmore was due to meet the Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday about taking over as new coach after the England series and is likely to have been told of the progress made under Misbah. Selection, for once, has been consistent with the opening partnership of Taufeeq Umar and Mohammad Hafeez given time to succeed. This is also a mature Pakistan side with more than half their side 30 or over. "They know their limitations and play well within those limitations," said Raja. Some have criticised them for being defensive but they know their strengths and by working within those strengths they have won matches. England have been warned.