Heading into the five-match ODI series, it's hard not to be distracted by off-field matters: dwindling crowds and the black cloud that is the spot-fixing saga continue to overshadow proceedings on the fieldon-field. But nonetheless the upcoming series retains great importance for both teams.

With next year's World Cup rapidly approaching, every one-day clash is of importance as teams look to cement their starting line-ups and refine their tactics.

England may have claimed a record-equaling seventh consecutive Twenty20 International win on Tuesday, but Andy Flower's men haven't been as convincing on the ODI scene. Having claimed the first three ties in the series against Australia earlier in the year, England proceeded to lose the final two and then endured a humiliating defeat to Bangladesh in the series that followed, although they did take the final honours.

Craig Kieswetter and Kevin Pietersen are the notable absentees from the England squad, but their departures are unlikely to affect the balance of the squad too much. Replacement wicketkeeper Steven Davies has a real opportunity to become a permanent fixture in the team, with the powers-that-be obviously having more faith in his ability behind the stumps than that of Kieswetter, as illustrated by the latter playing as a specialist batsman in the T20 clashes. Davies is likely to partner Andrew Strauss at the top of the order, with Jonathan Trott coming in at three in the absence of Pietersen and the injured Ian Bell.

But it is lower down the order that there are some interesting battles brewing. A long-term fixture in the England line-up, Luke Wright's place in the team must surely be under some scrutiny. Often deprived of a chance to make a meaningful contribution with the bat (and of late unable to muster a few end-of-innings blows), and not particularly potent with the ball, Wright's spot as the team's all-rounder is in jeopardy.

The rise to prominence of Michael Yardy means that England are well taken care of in the bowling stakes, with five frontline bowlers and Paul Collingwood to depend on. But it's Ravi Bopara that poses the greatest threat to Wright. More proficient with the bat and in recent games more threatening with the ball, one has to wonder how long the England hierarchy will persist with Wright before turning to Bopara.

While England are left pondering who to leave out, Pakistan face a quandary of an all together different nature, with the terrible trio ruled out by suspension and few players putting their hands up in the interim.

Following another dismal showing in Cardiff on Tuesday, skipper Shahid Afridi admitted his side were "very bad" and were incredibly distracted by off-field happenings. While admitting to having a problem is one thing, Afridi faces a near impossible task of doing anything about it. It's understandable that the squad is struggling to focus on the matters at hand, especially the less experienced members of the group, but if they don't get their heads in the game then a trip home after a five-nil hammering is the only thing they can look forward to.

It's here that the likes of Afridi, Mohammad Yousuf, Shoaib Akhtar and Abdul Razzaq need to take the lead. With 965 ODI caps between them, the quartet have both the experience and the talent to take Pakistan forward and show the youngsters how to dig in in the face of adversity. If they can't do that then those in team who haven't even notched up 10 or 20 caps (and there are a number of them) surely can't be expected to.

Kingpins
England: Left out of the team for the Twenty20 clashes, James Anderson will be looking to make a big statement on his return. The man from Lancashire has enjoyed a profitable summer and one wouldn't bet against him ending it on a high.

Pakistan: Undoubtedly Afridi will be vital, with captaincy, big hitting and spin bowling to contend with, but one man who could really make a difference is Umar Akmal. Having introduced himself to the international scene with a bang in New Zealand, Akmal has largely failed to impress in England, with flashes of brilliance underlining his undoubted talent, but no real scores of substance to show for it. This series presents a chance for the youngster to put that right.

Prediction
One can't see Pakistan's woe easing at all. They may chalk up a good performance or two, but England will be looking for a clean sweep and have the ability to achieve it.

Likely starting XIs
England: Andrew Strauss, Steven Davies, Jonathan Trott, Paul Collingwood, Eoin Morgan, Luke Wright, Michael Yardy, Graeme Swann, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.

Pakistan: Kamran Akmal, Shahzaib Hasan, Mohammad Yousuf, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez, Abdul Razzaq, Fawad Alam ,Umar Gul, Shoaib Akhtar, Saeed Ajmal.

Fixtures
First ODI at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street on September 10
Second ODI at Headingley, Leeds on September 12
Third ODI at Kennington Oval, London on September 17
Fourth ODI at Lord's, London on September 20
Fifth ODI at Rose Bowl, Southampton on September 22

Julia Harris