***Official*** England in Pakistan

[Pratters]

Anyone else noticed the ammount of overs Shoaib bowled in the first innings? 27, IIRC. A very good sign for the Pakistani team.

Not only the number of bowlers. The quality of the deliveries! And the accuracy! And the consistency!!!

He bowled superbly in the first inning.

I am very happy regarding Shoaib and I will say that again and again and again.

 

[honestbharani]

Man, I am so tired of missing all the good cricket action. With only a common TV here at Trivandrum (where I am staying) I cannot even watch highlights every night, after work.

 

[Jono]

Yeah it was amazing. He was consistenly getting it right up in the blockhole. Yorker after yorker. Also amazing that Giles was keeping it out. I was proud of big Gilo there, because keeping out the yorker is probably my favourite shot in cricket.

 

[Hazza]

Sounds like we've got a match on tomorrow then. Especially with this weak Pakistani tail that can fold for 10 runs. That could mean England end up chasing 200 odd in 2 and a bit sessions, and in that case there'd probably be a result, contrary to what might have been said at the beginning of today's play.

 

[Armadillo]

I wouldn't be so sure, Pakistan's tail wagged rather well last innings.

 

[Hazza]

I wouldn't be so sure, Pakistan's tail wagged rather well last innings.

Yeah, I suppose your final score will probably hinge on how Inzy plays tomorrow.

 

[pakster]

Yeah, I suppose your final score will probably hinge on how Inzy plays tomorrow.

I expect another 40 runs from the remaining batsmen. I would like to see Inzamam hitting out early 2m with the tail doing the same. Rana, Akhtar and Sami are more than capable of inflicting some damage.

 

[Tom Halsey]

Just seen the first run on the pitch thing in the highlights. Doesn't look like there's anything wrong to me.

 

[I-I011YVV00I>]

Just seen the first run on the pitch thing in the highlights. Doesn't look like there's anything wrong to me.

The umpires only going to cause problems for himself by making such random decisions in a whim.

 

[chris.hinton]

Hopefully we will win this test and Justice will be done, I am sorry if my past post offended a few people but i stick by them..... I hope that we have an England Vs Pakistan series without the need to smear people

 

[Tom Halsey]

Butt was VERY unlucky for mine. Inzi having justs een the shout looked a bit out to me.

 

[I-I011YVV00I>]

Hopefully we will win this test and Justice will be done,

I take it you're from Pakistan then?

 

[wpdavid]

I wouldn't be so sure, Pakistan's tail wagged rather well last innings.

True, but they were under rather less pressure after Afridi had knocked the stuffing out of England's bowlers. Presumably they will have to see of a seriously fired up Fred & Harmison, which will be very different. Hopefully.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Just been watching the highlights on Sky. Another good day's play. Even if we don't win the game it's been a good watch. Highlight has to be Fred's ball first up to Afridi. Had everything: a good length, reverse swing & pace. Inzi may've been a tad fortunate to survive the LBW shout off Fred. One could see why Taufel said no, but the replay does suggest he was struck in line & there's no doubt it would've hit the poles.

Think the big blot on the day has been Hair's rather ludicrous decision to warn Butt for running on the pitch the first time. I saw the incident live before 7 this morning & it looked silly then, when I saw it again it looked just plain wrong. Hair may've had slightly more of a case with the second incident, but even if that did deserve a warning (FWIW I don't think it did), the fact that the first was clearly erroneous directly lead to Butt's dismissal: he was returned to the striker's end & caught LBW to one from Udal that went on with the arm the very next ball.

Intriguingly poised now, I'd say. Yesterday the draw looked warm-ish favourite, but now if I had to make a call I'd say there could v well be a result either way. Our bowlers may even have done Pakistan a favour; given their relatively soporific scoring rate they looked to be content to bat on & play us out of it. Now, with the tail exposed (acknowledging that only Danish is a total bunny) we'll v probably be batting before lunch. Much over 240 & it's def goodnight Vienna, as it is it will take a Herculean effort.

What price a sicky tomorrow....?

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

I admit that Shabbir did have an illegal action.But now he's improved & reduced his elbow flex within the limits specified by the ICC.According to the UWA report,his elbow flex is now 12 degrees which was 27 degrees when he was reported.Isn't 12 degree elbow flex within the ICC limits?All of u r calling him a chucker based on your obsevations with the naked eye,but his action has already been proven legal with the use of technology.So,he is not a chucker anymore.He's now been accused only to pressurize & mentally disturb him so that he cannot perform well.

Dern conspiracy is what it is! Why must Pakistan constantly be the brunt of such br00tal conspiracies? Shame really.

Let's ignore the fact that bowling for people at some institute is not the same as bowling in a match. He may have been within the limits when they looked at him, but I have my doubts as to whether he has reduced his flex a full 15 degrees and still looks like he's chucking.

Dern conspiracy.

 

[aussie]

Well England are in a much better position than when i left for school this morning, they really have a chance to win it now. All they need to do is get Pakistan out for a lead for no more than 250 & set up a ODI type chase to the target & set up & exciting final day

 

[Pratters]

Well England are in a much better position than when i left for school this morning, they really have a chance to win it now. All they need to do is get Pakistan out for a lead for no more than 250 & set up a ODI type chase to the target & set up & exciting final day

Lesson of the day: Go to school every day.

 

[wpdavid]

Intriguingly poised now, I'd say. Yesterday the draw looked warm-ish favourite, but now if I had to make a call I'd say there could v well be a result either way. Our bowlers may even have done Pakistan a favour; given their relatively soporific scoring rate they looked to be content to bat on & play us out of it. Now, with the tail exposed (acknowledging that only Danish is a total bunny) we'll v probably be batting before lunch. Much over 240 & it's def goodnight Vienna, as it is it will take a Herculean effort.

What price a sicky tomorrow....?

(Shakes head disapprovingly.....)

Yup. If Pak bat for more than another hour, they should be OK, especially as Inzi can do what he wants with the over rate if we look like gettng close. (And yes, I know we'd do the same, before any of the chips-on-both-shoulder brigade take umbrage.)

But another great finish is a distinct possibility. I was trying to remember how often we've been involved in boring draws ove the last 3 years or so, and I could only remember Antigua. Good times.

 

[aussie]

Also, I notice that Flintoff has bowled plenty of overs in this series and it's taking its toll physically; he was down on pace before he warmed up properly in this match. I don't think he can sustain opening the bowling or even first-change AND batting top-6 or another break-down is around the corner. I mean, with him bowling so very well right now, it must be difficult to not chuck him the ball but there should be some management of him too.

yea thats true, Vaughan & Tres have bowled him way too much overs in this series & even in the ashes he bowled the most overs in the series. They really have to think about how they bowl Freddie especially on these sub-continent pitches because has you rightfully said he may well & break down & England will lose their best bowler which will mess up their balance...

 

[aussie]

Lesson of the day: Go to school every day.

yes i do, but over the past couple of weeks with the australia/west indies & england/pakistan series showing in the morning hours i have been constantly coming into school very late...