***Official*** England in Pakistan

[Neil Pickup]

Nah, only slight doubt I had in real time was whether it was hitting leg or sliding down. Now, another before lunch and we share the session, which would've been unthinkable a few minutes ago.

One of many reasons I shouldn't be allowed to umpire.

 

[Blaze]

One of many reasons I shouldn't be allowed to umpire.

Explain?

 

[Beleg]

That was too high.

 

[Beleg]

Shoaib posted,

Beleg,do u have any idea about why ARY r not telecasting the match?

Sorry mate, don't have cable so haven't got the foggiest of ideas.

 

[luckyeddie]

That was too high.

From the front it looked nailed-on plumb, but from the side I'm inclined to agree.

 

[Neil Pickup]

Explain?

Another stunningly poor first-up call from myself.

 

[Blaze]

Another stunningly poor first-up call from myself.

Oh yeah I got that.. just wanted to know what happened. I gather that the replay showed it was going over the top?

 

[Neil Pickup]

Yeah, hit him above the knee-roll and seemed like it was going over. Also the leg-side stuff I was rambling about proved utterly irrelevant.

103-1 Lunch - Pakistan take the first sesion.

 

[Beleg]

A good, solid session. Pakistan should be satisfied.

 

[Pratters]

I am happy with Butt's performance. Have always felt he is a talented batsman. Hope he plays for many years for Pakistan.

 

[luckyeddie]

Opening session

 

[Blaze]

I am happy with Butt's performance. Have always felt he is a talented batsman. Hope he plays for many years for Pakistan.

yeah I have liked what I have seen from him also. Hope he goes far.

 

[Beleg]

From the report:

''In between, as if to emphasise the importance of line and length, a short delivery was driven square to the fence as if to emphasise the importance of bowling a good length.''

I am pretty sure the importance was driven home the first time around.

 

[social]

Opening session

Pretty much on the button, Ed.

IMO, having lost the toss and being forced to bowl first on a belter, Eng shouldnt be too disappointed with their morning's work.

The bowling and fielding was of a pretty good standard and not too many runs were given away.

England seam bowlers' major problem, aside from the wicket, is their relative lack of experience in the conditions.

Ive got no doubt that, injuries aside, they'll be a better bowling attack for the conditions in the 3rd test than they are today as they'll be better aware of the required length and the need for changes in pace.

 

[Neil Pickup]

Ash is all over the shop after lunch.. most un-Giles-like.

 

[Neil Pickup]

Why have Sky got Hoggard as "Right Arm Fast"?!

 

[Beleg]

They are trying to restrict the run scoring...they are trying to restrict the run scoring...

True test of Butt's metal here.

Edit:

The pitch has some uneven bounce in it. A couple of balls reared up more than they should have while the recent most Hoggard kept marginally lower.

 

[Beleg]

Poor Poor Udal!

Won't be flighting the next couple of balls, I am pretty sure.

 

[luckyeddie]

From the report:

''In between, as if to emphasise the importance of line and length, a short delivery was driven square to the fence as if to emphasise the importance of bowling a good length.''

I am pretty sure the importance was driven home the first time around.

Thanks.

I'll correct it during the teatime update. Nice proof-reading, Beleg.

 

[Blaze]

Wow england have picked a 36 year old! Interesting to see how he goes.