England in Pakistan

[C C Csiders]

The pitch is still holding up well. I would have thought that there will be no more than 20 minutes batting time as the light fades. All the time in the world tomorrow to score the runs. The only (mild) concern will be if we lose 2 this evening, and that we are a specialist batsman light.

I predict a 5 wicket win.

 

[canveyshrimper]

Quote[/b] (C C Csiders @ Nov. 15 2005,11:09)]The pitch is still holding up well. I would have thought that there will be no more than 20 minutes batting time as the light fades. All the time in the world tomorrow to score the runs. The only (mild) concern will be if we lose 2 this evening, and that we are a specialist batsman light.

I predict a 5 wicket win.

Hope you are right, sometimes these small(ish) totals are hard to achieve. The 20/30 minutes left will give Shoaib & Sami the chance to really steam in and ready for another burst in the morning.

From what i saw this morning before braving the elements for work showed the pitch as still looking pretty flat.

 

[C C Csiders]

174 needed tomorrow with 9 wickets in hand.

 

[Matt the Shrimp]

Good that we didn't lose another wicket. We have a full day's play to get 174 runs - that's about 2 an over needed. In other words, absolutely no pressure at all time-wise - so Strauss & Bell can play their normal game, wait for the bad ball, and then score.

The only unquantifiable factor is whether or not Kaneria can get anything out of the pitch. He's the key figure tomorrow, I reckon. If he can't get much turn, then this is England's game for the taking.

Blimey, a five-day Test, and (probably) a result either way (can't see this being a draw now)... what on earth is going on?!

 

[MrB]

Could've done without Banger going so early in the reply but hopefully Bell can put in another gritty display in the morning. Still very nervous about this one.

 

[Grayson]

137-7 at lunch, what a sh!te session, especially from 64-1

 

[canveyshrimper]

Lost by 22 runs - bugger it.

 

[Matt the Shrimp]

Quote[/b] (Matt the Shrimp @ Nov. 15 2005,13:10)]The only unquantifiable factor is whether or not Kaneria can get anything out of the pitch.  He's the key figure tomorrow, I reckon.  

I so wish I'd been wrong about that...

Arse. 1-0 down in a three test series is never a great start... and, fundamentally, Banger & Bell aside, we batted like total drains. KP, in particular, needs to apply himself a lot better.

 

[canveyshrimper]

The batting performance was pretty average, and 2nd innings both Freddy & KP were out to really poor shots. However that is the way they play, and they should not stifle their natural play.

One good thing was that Englands quicks took 18 out of 20 wickets and we bowled Pakistan out twice.

The downside is that the pitches at the next two tests will be as flat as a witches tit.

 

[The General]

Looks like tresco might be on his way home due to his father falling off a ladder and being seriously injured. Decision should be made today. It seems the chances of Vaughan being back are quite high at the moment but all of this could give Ali Cook a chance to go out there and show the country what he's made of.

Also, 2 of the Pakistan bowlers have been reported by the match officials about dodgy actions. Both have been previously tested in the lab and its been proven their action is OK but the match officials "naked eye" have picked something up which they found a bit suspect so more news should come to light on that soon as well.

 

[canveyshrimper]

Heard something on the news earlier that Trescothick had a family problem, bad news for him & them & England. If Ali Cook has his chance i am sure he won't let anyone down & good luck to him.

I hadn't heard about the report about the dodgy actions of two of their bowlers. I do know that previously there has been doubts about Shoaib Akhtar, plus Malik & Shabbir.

 

[southend4ever]

Shame about Tresco's dad. Me birds step dad did that. nasty as you like. what with broken heels! you have to learn to walk again. nasty.

Alistair Cook is a decent young talent, I didn't think he would have had as good a season as he did. I would love to see him face the Pakistan attack. He simply isn't good enough yet. danish will know how to get him out.

He comes from a very wealthy background, and having heard him on the phone just 2 seasons ago loving getting a 50 in the seconds! when he had already played first team and england under 19s was great to see his love for the game. I think his England debut could be something similar to that of the great Graham Gooch MBE or OBE?

 

[C C Csiders]

Come to think of it. If Banger has to return because of the father-in-law, and Vaughan fails his fitness test, who will be England captain. At a guess I suppose it'll be Andrew Strauss.

 

[canveyshrimper]

Quote[/b] (C C Csiders @ Nov. 17 2005,14:23)]Come to think of it. If Banger has to return because of the father-in-law, and Vaughan fails his fitness test, who will be England captain. At a guess I suppose it'll be Andrew Strauss.

Flintoff or Giles, as Strauss is unlikely to be available for the 3rd test.

 

[Hong Kong Blue]

Peter Gregory.

 

[The Flying Scotsman]

How I'd love to see a Thorpe, Hussein or even Butcher in that batting line up. All players who can grind out an innings which is especially important in the sub-continent.