Pakistan upset the odds two years ago when they thrashed India in the Champions Trophy final on English soil, but suffered a 4-0 series defeat at the hands of England earlier this month.

Speaking to AFP ahead of the game at Trent Bridge, Sarfaraz said: “We will seek inspiration from our Champions Trophy win because then also we were losing and then lifted ourselves at the right time to win the trophy. The boys are motivated and are eager to put these losses behind them and by playing in England for a month we are well prepared and you will hopefully see us doing well.”

The skipper also stressed the importance of Mohammad Amir’s role for Pakistan, after the speedster was narrowly included in the squad after a few underwhelming seasons. “We know Amir is an impact bowler and he knows his responsibilities and I am sure he will lift his bowling and get us early wickets,” he added.

Both of these players can be devastating on their day in their respective departments. Amir will be hoping for a similar powerplay spell to that of the 2017 Champions Trophy final, where he decimated India’s top order of Rohit Sharma, Shikkar Dhawan and Virat Kohli. However, Gayle has hit many bowlers out of the attack and out of the ground over the years, so this will be a mouth-watering dual. The sight of Gayle walking back to the pavilion is one that Pakistan fans will be hoping to see early before he inflicts irreparable damage.