Pcb are complete clowns this is last roll of dice for a winIs there not a danger that the reused pitch completely dies rather than deteriorates? That is far from unheard of in Asia.
That's my point. Missed the road and back for the turner. Still think he should do alright though. The spin will be slow and they don't have good spinners.Yes but they are saying its gonna be turning wicket this time
They don't have good spinners. That's where it could be easy for strokesThat's my point. Missed the road and back for the turner. Still think he should do alright though. The spin will be slow and they don't have good spinners.
it’s being played on the same pitch as the last gameWhy is it taking so long to name the team? Are they waiting on a bowler's fitness or to find out which pitch the game is being played on?
It was so flat they're confident it won't start breaking up before Day 9. Makes sense.it’s being played on the same pitch as the last game
Stokes would have hauled out for no more than 30 odd in those tests imo. He only scores big when his back's to the wall in a big game.Poor old Ben Stokes misses 3 tests at home to SL and an absolute road and is now back for the turner
They are hoping to bat first so they can drip feed the XI like lottery numbersWhy is it taking so long to name the team? Are they waiting on a bowler's fitness or to find out which pitch the game is being played on?
It's starting to look that way. Between the return of Stokes and confusion over what the pitch is likely to do, it seems they're being forced to leave it late. I reckon they were going to swap Stokes for Bashir, but if the pitch looks like aiding spin then it's causing the issue. Could be Woakes who goes....Could we see an old style game where the teams are announced when the toss is done?
I suspect that it is more R&R. Atkinson looked out on his feet at the Oval test v Sri Lanka. He bowled ok first test given the circumstances, but he probably needs a few days rest. Don't forget England go straight on to NZ soon after this series. Nuts schedule.Has i said that
2 Changes
Stokes & Potts for Woakes and Atkinson
Atkinson is very unlucky
I'm happy with that. He looked tired and no point burning him out. It is clearly rotation and not him being discarded.Has i said that
2 Changes
Stokes & Potts for Woakes and Atkinson
Atkinson is very unlucky