***Official*** England in Pakistan

[Neil Pickup]

So Inzy didn't fall fast enough? Who'd have thought?

But that does sound very unlucky. Was it referred to the third umpire though? Cause you'd think he could've checked the rules before making a decision

You would have done, wouldn't you. Never ceases to amaze, this game.

Right, statistics time. See you for the next session,

 

[ClownSymonds]

Can't really tell who's in front now. Pakistan look to have done about what they should've, but England could just as easily pull ahead in their innings. It all depends on the England first innings, really. I think that Rana's luck in tests will have to change in order for Pakistan to take the match away.

 

[Blaze]

I think it is a disgrace that people on a cricket forum can work out that Inzi shouldn't have been given out according to the laws of the game yet a pro umpire who is being paid doesn't know the rules and gives him out.

Should never umpire another game.

 

[Son Of Coco]

Another great piece of cheating by the umpire.Does it always have to happen with Pakistan only?

England should count themselves lucky...if it was Australia involved they'd be responsible for the umpires decisions as well as being vilified as cheats themselves for claiming catches that bounced and running out players who are ducking and weaving to get out of the way.

I don't think it does happen to Pakistan only - look at Brian Lara!

Maybe it's just cricket...

 

[Blaze]

Can't really tell who's in front now. Pakistan look to have done about what they should've, but England could just as easily pull ahead in their innings. It all depends on the England first innings, really. I think that Rana's luck in tests will have to change in order for Pakistan to take the match away.

Pretty square IMO. If Pakistan edge over 500 then they will be ahead.

 

[Dasa]

Which makes up for Salman Butt not being run out, and both of the LBWs to the spinners yesterday, yes?

The difference being Butt not being run out was technically a correct decision...although still a tad unfair. I didn't think the Inzy LBW was plumb either, certainly could've gone either way. Pakistan have definitely been very unlucky, particularly with Inzy who was clearly not out. At least with Yousuf/Bell there was an element of doubt (and Bell's dishonesty).

 

[luckyeddie]

I think it is a disgrace that people on a cricket forum can work out that Inzi shouldn't have been given out according to the laws of the game yet a pro umpire who is being paid doesn't know the rules and gives him out.

Should never umpire another game.

I presume that you are referring to Nadeem Ghauri, the third umpire? Or is the fault with the on-field umpires who referred it - or both?

[Pedant]
And they're not rules - they're laws
[/Pedant]

 

[Barney Rubble]

Are the English supporters still expecting their team to win this series?

No, we'll be lucky to draw it. I had no idea Pakistan pitched were this flat, and I wasn't expecting our spinners to be quite so ineffective.

 

[Blaze]

I presume that you are referring to Nadeem Ghauri, the third umpire? Or is the fault with the on-field umpires who referred it - or both?

[Pedant]
And they're not rules - they're laws
[/Pedant]

Yeah the 3rd umpire.. It is forgivable to make an error on the field of play but the 3rd umpire shouldn't make mistakes, they have countless replays and should know the games laws inside out.

 

[Blaze]

Giles got a wicket

 

[Nate]

Pakistan doing well, pity `bout Inzy mind. Go AkmaL!

 

[luckyeddie]

Yeah the 3rd umpire.. It is forgivable to make an error on the field of play but the 3rd umpire shouldn't make mistakes, they have countless replays and should know the games laws inside out.

It's all down to scope (I'm trying really hard here to exonerate the third umpire). Did the on-field umpire (Hair) ask the TV umpire (Ghauri) to adjudicate on the run out, or did he adjudicate on whether the batsman was out of his ground?

There's a subtle difference - you have to know what the question is before you can judge the answer.

 

[andyc]

Since when does Shaoib block out 25 balls? If only he showed that sort of maturity with his bowling

 

[luckyeddie]

No, we'll be lucky to draw it. I had no idea Pakistan pitched were this flat, and I wasn't expecting our spinners to be quite so ineffective.

When, yesterday morning, I saw the groundsman on his hands and knees, meticulously scrubbing every single bit of grass out of the surface, I thought there and then that the team batting first would have to play very badly on that surface in order to to lose this game.

 

[luckyeddie]

Since when does Shaoib block out 25 balls? If only he showed that sort of maturity with his bowling

He did it in the first test - and showed maturity with his bowling too. Without his performance, Pakistan might well have been one down.

 

[Jono]

Since when does Shaoib block out 25 balls? If only he showed that sort of maturity with his bowling

The first test. Went a long way to Pakistan mustering enough runs to defend and eventually win.

 

[Barney Rubble]

Giles strikes first ball after lunch, Akmal goes - Shoaib and Kaneria going to have a quick slog now I'd think.

 

[Jono]

Shoaib has now decided to launch a couple of sixes!

 

[Nate]

*sound of wheelie bin gets louder*

 

[Dasa]

He did it in the first test - and showed maturity with his bowling too. Without his performance, Pakistan might well have been one down.

Shoaib seems a different player now...looks like he's finally got the message, and is actually taking the responsibility that comes with being a 'senior' player.