England vs Pakistan 3rd T20 tips and predictions: Will Jacks to fill the void left by Jos Buttler

A superb 84 from Jos Buttler led his side to a comfortable 23-run victory at Edgbaston to give England a 1-0 lead in the four-match series with two to play.

However, the in-form Buttler will miss this game due to paternity leave so Moeen Ali will step in to the captaincy void and Ben Duckett may come into the side with Will Jacks stepping up to open the batting.

Jacks, who has impressed in the IPL this year, looked right at home on the international stage last time out with a well made 37 and with a promotion to his preferred spot of opener, he could be in with a chance of being the top run scorer in England's innings and odds of 7/2 offer good value.

Pakistan's bowlers kept the world champions in check with Shaheen Shah Afridi picking up three wickets, however their batting performance fell short of the mark.

However, Fakhar Zaman looked good for his 45 and is in with a shout of being the visitors' top run maker in this match.

Another thing that was great to see at Edgbaston was the return of Jofra Archer, who claimed figures of two for 28, but it remains to be seen whether the England quick will play in successive matches after such a long injury lay-off.

One person who will be playing is Ali and the experienced off-spinner picked up the vital top order wickets of Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan while opening the bowling last time out and he is 8/1 to be England's top wicket taker, which is definitely worth a punt given that he may well give himself the same role here.

If the weather gods keep the rain away from Sophia Gardens then we can see England wrapping up the series with another comfortable win.

 

Suggested bets

England to win

England top run scorer- Will Jacks

Pakistan top run scorer- Fakhar Zaman

England top wicket taker- Moeen Ali