***Official*** England in Pakistan

[luckyeddie]

That would be a ridiculous reason for him to abandon such an important tour. If it was his father, then maybe it would be justified, but it's his father-in-law. I highly doubt that he'd be so stupid as to do that. That being said, I would love to see Trescothick leave the tour early. He annoyed me to no end in the first test.

Blood's thicker than water - even if it's blood by association or marriage.

I know that I was extremely close to my wife's father when he was alive, and if I was put 'on the spot' (whether by myself or by circumstances out of my control) I do not know whether I would have reacted in a similar fashion. I know one thing, though, if I had made the wrong decision in my wife's eyes, I would have condemned myself to a lifetime of GBH of the earhole from the missus.

At the end of the day, cricket is a game - and I'm pleased (sort of) that Trescothick's prepared to keep that in perspective.

I'll ignore your second part.

 

[Jono]

When it comes to Pakistan i wouldnt take anything an Indian fan said seriously, and Vice Versa They seem more interested in saying the most outlandish thing possible just to get a reaction than talk actual sense.

You like stereotyping over a billion people eh?

 

[social]

Blood's thicker than water - even if it's blood by association or marriage.

I know that I was extremely close to my wife's father when he was alive, and if I was put 'on the spot' (whether by myself or by circumstances out of my control) I do not know whether I would have reacted in a similar fashion. I know one thing, though, if I had made the wrong decision in my wife's eyes, I would have condemned myself to a lifetime of GBH of the earhole from the missus.

At the end of the day, cricket is a game - and I'm pleased (sort of) that Trescothick's prepared to keep that in perspective.

I'll ignore your second part.

Correct on all counts.

 

[Jono]

To be fair, the ones that aren't (and we all know who they are) don't tend to comment on Pakistan.

I think many comment positively to them rather than don't comment at all. Many Indian posters (who were likely caught up with the SA/India match) came into the thread and praised Pakistan for their efforts. I just don't get SpaceMonkey's posts, its just so ridiculous its amazing.

 

[Slow Love™]

Given the amount of open discussion that took place in the commentary booth about how dodgy his action looked, I expected Shabbir to receive attention but nothing much was said about Malik.

Shoaib Malik is probably one of the worst offenders in the game as far as chucking goes. Earlier this year, he was lab tested at 33.4 degrees flexion.

 

[marc71178]

I think many comment positively to them rather than don't comment at all. Many Indian posters (who were likely caught up with the SA/India match) came into the thread and praised Pakistan for their efforts. I just don't get SpaceMonkey's posts, its just so ridiculous its amazing.

I interpreted it as referring to series predictions since that was what was brought about the debate.

 

[Jono]

Ah. Fair enough then.

For the record I went 1-1 so I may still be correct.

 

[luckyeddie]

I think many comment positively to them rather than don't comment at all. Many Indian posters (who were likely caught up with the SA/India match) came into the thread and praised Pakistan for their efforts. I just don't get SpaceMonkey's posts, its just so ridiculous its amazing.

I think that it wasn't a generalisation as such - more the fact that of the six names mentioned in a previous comment, 4 were blatant trolls.

 

[cricnewbye]

yes, when family are concerned, decisions are always difficult. But the team cant afford to miss Tresco, not even for one Test! It all depends from the real conditions of his father-in-law. And no media source has released a statement yet. I really hope its nothing too serious and that he can stay with the squad.

 

[Sanz]

Blood's thicker than water - even if it's blood by association or marriage.

I know that I was extremely close to my wife's father when he was alive, and if I was put 'on the spot' (whether by myself or by circumstances out of my control) I do not know whether I would have reacted in a similar fashion. I know one thing, though, if I had made the wrong decision in my wife's eyes, I would have condemned myself to a lifetime of GBH of the earhole from the missus.
At the end of the day, cricket is a game - and I'm pleased (sort of) that Trescothick's prepared to keep that in perspective.

Funny but true.

 

[TT Boy]

Well Pakistan now have to drop Shabbir Ahmed. It’s to much of a risk to allow Shabbir to bowl. He is likely to be called by the umpires whilst bowling, his usual 66 mph delivery looks ‘awkward’ enough to the eye but his effort delivery will be instantly called, either resulting in him bowling under arm or being told where to go. Mohammad Asif would be decent choice, bowled well in the A game and is fully fit but if Umar Gul is fit (100%), than he would be the ideal replacement for Shabbir.

 

[TT Boy]

If he's been reported he's allowed by the Law to play untouched until he is tested. That means that he can be picked and chuck even more blatantly for the next couple of Tests.

Sorry, your right, just listened to the ICC's Dave Richardson on the Radio and he said there could still bowl if called. Though in practice it would be not advisable to play both players considering that the Umpire’s attention will now be fixed onto them.

 

[Jono]

Is Umar Gul injury prone? Because everytime I hear that he is a possible selection there's always an injury/fitness cloud around him. Seems like a great talent too so if this is the case it would be a shame.

 

[Magrat Garlick]

Is Umar Gul injury prone? Because everytime I hear that he is a possible selection there's always an injury/fitness cloud around him. Seems like a great talent too so if this is the case it would be a shame.

He had a massive back injury a year and a half ago. Think he's only just come back to first-class cricket...

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

then took his 524th test wicket against the Windies

The West Indies are a joke.

 

[Jamee999]

I don't get it

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Well Pakistan now have to drop Shabbir Ahmed. It’s to much of a risk to allow Shabbir to bowl. He is likely to be called by the umpires whilst bowling, his usual 66 mph delivery looks ‘awkward’ enough to the eye but his effort delivery will be instantly called, either resulting in him bowling under arm or being told where to go. Mohammad Asif would be decent choice, bowled well in the A game and is fully fit but if Umar Gul is fit (100%), than he would be the ideal replacement for Shabbir.

If he's been reported he's allowed by the Law to play untouched until he is tested. That means that he can be picked and chuck even more blatantly for the next couple of Tests.

 

[Scaly piscine]

If he's been reported he's allowed by the Law to play untouched until he is tested. That means that he can be picked and chuck even more blatantly for the next couple of Tests.

Figures. First Murali could merrily chuck his doosra at England, now we'll have two guys chucking against England.

 

[Fusion]

I think many comment positively to them rather than don't comment at all. Many Indian posters (who were likely caught up with the SA/India match) came into the thread and praised Pakistan for their efforts. I just don't get SpaceMonkey's posts, its just so ridiculous its amazing.

As a Pakistani supporter, I appreciate the Indian fans who are logical in their assesment and not looking for a flame war. This is especially true in your case Jono, from what I have observed. I have seen you defend Pakistan when some have even questioned their work-ethic, dedication, and will to win! As for the many who ARE looking to inflame (on both sides of course), I simply ignore them. They are not worth my time.

Now coming back to the Shabbir controversy, I think the prudent thing to do is to drop him for the next match. Just to be on the safe side. I know he was very productive and will be missed. But I just don't want another controversy (and selfishly I don't want anyone to have any reasons for an excuse of "they cheated" if Pakistan win!). I think Umar Gul and Rana should be picked in Shabbir's place. Also, I think we should drop Hasan Raza and bring in Afride. This would allow us another part-time spinner (who's actually been quite good at it recently), and we can have Shoib Malik just be a batsman as his action has been reported as well.

 

[steds]

First Murali could merrily chuck his doosra at England