England beat Pakistan at the 2009 ICC World Twenty20

England are set to face Pakistan in two Twenty20 internationals in Dubai ahead of their winter tour to Bangladesh.

The matches will take place at Dubai Sports City and provide an extra chance for England to gel before the ICC World Twenty20 in West Indies in April.

England arrive in Dubai on 14 February and play the Twenty20 champions before flying to Bangladesh on 21 February.

There they will play two one-day warm-ups, three one-day internationals, a three-day practice match and two Tests.

England Lions are also set for a busy time, arriving in Dubai on 7 February before playing the senior side in a Twenty20 warm-up in Abu Dhabi on 17 February.

After that the second string will remain in the United Arab Emirates, where they will play three Twenty20 matches against Pakistan A followed by three 50-over games against the same opposition.

606: DEBATE Your thoughts ahead of England's trips to Dubai and Bangladesh

England have been expected to rest some senior players - potentially including Test and one-day international captain Andrew Strauss - for the Bangladesh trip.

The fact that the tour starts with a Twenty20 leg, a form of the game no longer played by Strauss, may lessen his chances of appearing.

In those circumstances, current vice-captain Alastair Cook would be favourite to inherit the Test leadership.

Announcing the revised itinerary, managing director of England Cricket Hugh Morris said: "We are delighted to have agreed, in partnership with Pakistan Cricket Board and Dubai Sports City, for such a comprehensive programme of cricket in the UAE for both England and England Lions.

"The two T20 Internationals against the current world champions in this format of the game will be an exciting challenge for the England team and provide important additional T20 international experience before the next ICC WT20 tournament in the Caribbean in April."

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