What originally started as tour to consolidate their position as the world's best Test nation, England's trip to the United Arab Emirates has thus far been one to forget.

After a three-nil whitewash in the Tests, they now have the even tougher task of taking on a settled Pakistan squad in a four-match ODI series.

It has a been a swift fall from grace for the tourists, who will hope an injection of new blood, specialist one-day players and different leadership can rescue the tour from further embarrassment.

Alastair Cook takes over as captain from Andrew Strauss and leads a squad that welcomes Samit Patel, Tim Bresnan, Jade Dernbach, Craig Kieswetter, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler and Danny Briggs.

England's trouble against spin was effortlessly exposed during the Test series, to the point that Ian Bell lost his place in the ODI side. It will be much the same spinners they'll have to face on much the same pitches, but a refreshed batting lineup might be able to counter the likes of Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman.

Kevin Pietersen has already been confirmed to open the batting with captain Cook, meaning Kieswetter will be drafted into the middle order, while Ravi Bopara should also come in after missing selection for the Test series. Jonathan Trott and Eoin Morgan had lean runs in the five-dayers, but both are expected to excel in the shorter form of the game.

New cap Jos Buttler will be competing with Jonny Bairstow for a place in the side. Bairstow has given a decent account of himself in his fledgling ODI career. However, in Buttler's favour, the Somerset player strikes at above 128, has a List A average hovering above 70 and is considered a hot prospect for the future.

England's bowling department, meanwhile, is not short of options. James Anderson continues to spearhead the attack, but might come under pressure for a place after youngsters Jade Dernbach and Steven Finn impressed in the victory over the England Lions last week.

Stuart Broad has shown that he is growing with each match he plays, while Bresnan's batting ability and experience makes him a must pick. With the slow UAE wickets proving that spinners are the match-winners, Samit Patel and Graeme Swann will have key roles, New man Briggs is going to carry drinks with the hope of appearing later in the series.

Despite all the changes, it's not going to be easy for England in any way.

Pakistan are a settled unit, having found a perfect blend of youth and experience recently, which has seen them win 15 of their last 18 ODIs.

Taufeeq Umar and the injured Mohammad Talha are the only men not to be retained from the successful Test squad, while two former skippers - Shoaib Malik and Shahid Afridi - are back to cause England further damage.

After countless retirements and conflicts with players and coaches alike, Afridi has shown his commitment to his country by snubbing a chance to play in the Bangladesh Premier League, while Malik is in the side on the late recommendation of skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, despite a very poor run of form in the series against Bangladesh last year.

Imran Farhat will open the batting with all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez, which should be the only change to the Pakistan top five, while the brothers Umar and Adnan Akmal will fight for the wicketkeeping duties. Adnan performed amicably in the Tests, but Umar has previously been favoured in the short format due to his superior batting and was given the job in the one-off ODI against Afghanistan last Friday.

With Afridi back in the side, Rehman could be the unlucky man to miss out on selection as the former skipper, along with Hafeez and Ajmal are the favoured spinners. Umar Gul is one of the best ODI bowlers in world cricket at the moment and there will be a fight between Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan and Aizaz Cheema to see who partners him with the new ball.

Key Men
Pakistan: He has proved he is one of the best bowlers in ODI cricket and, with favourable pitches on offer, expect to see Shahid Afridi's star-man pose very often throughout this series.

England: After a Test series disaster, Kevin Pietersen has the task of fronting up to the new ball and will be under huge pressure to score quickly as Cook plays the anchoring role at the other end.

Last Five Head-To-Head Results
September 2010: Fifth ODI: England won by 121 runs at the Rose Bowl
September 2010: Fourth ODI: Pakistan won by 38 runs at Lord's
September 2010: Third ODI: Pakistan won by 23 runs at The Oval
September 2010: Second ODI: England won by four wickets at Headingley
September 2010: First ODI: England won by 24 runs at the Riverside Ground

Prediction
Down on confidence and up against a spirited and settled Pakistan side, England will struggle to overcome their opponents, who have already proved they are far more comfortable in the conditions in the UAE. Pakistan for the win.

Online betting firm Sky Bet have England at 11/4 to win the series and 15/8 for a draw. Visit Sky Bet for the latest cricket betting.

Squads
Pakistan: Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Shoaib Malik, Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Umar Akmal, Asad Shafiq, Adnan Akmal, Junaid Khan, Umar Gul, Aizaz Cheema, Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Wahab Riaz, Hammad Azam, Azhar Ali.

England: Alastair Cook (captain), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Danny Briggs, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Jade Dernbach, Steven Finn, Craig Kieswetter, Eoin Morgan, Samit Patel, Kevin Pietersen, Graeme Swann, Jonathan Trott.

Fixtures
First ODI: 13 February, Abu Dhabi
Second ODI: 15 February, Abu Dhabi
Third ODI: 18 February, Dubai
Fourth ODI: 21 February, Dubai