DUBAI: Rival captains Misbah-ul Haq and Andrew Strauss both believe batsmen will be under pressure to perform as Pakistan take on England in the first Test starting here from Tuesday.

The pitch for the opening encounter of the three-Test series at Dubai stadium is likley to help spin bowlers and although Pakistan were certain to play with Saeed Ajmal and Adul Rehman, Strauss gave little hints at England’s combination.