*Official* Pakistan in England and Ireland 2016

[Cabinet96]

There are loads of times I thought Woakes' career was basically finished. When he got dropped for Stokes who scored a ton in Perth, when he got injured and Stokes returned and smashed NZ all over the park, the 4th test in SA. But I suppose it's not a surprise he's stayed around the set up so long, given he ticks a lot of the boxes the England management and selectors like; really good domestic and England Lions performances, has multiple facets to his game, hasn't tended to fluster under pressure much, has a good work ethic, seems to fit in very well with the squad etc. There are other guys who are similar in perhaps lacking that x-factor who haven't got extended chances because of doubts about work ethic or character (Samit, Compton, etc).

 

[Niall]

Patriotic pound at play?

Edit - appears not if we are favourites with Oz bookmakers

Batting depth.

Riaz and Rahat aren't bowlers that are particularly reliable.

Amir only just back to test cricket

England can't possibly play Shah as bad first time round

I fancy Pakistan to win this actually, but England far from doomed.

 

[fredfertang]

I like it when Hales is off strike

 

[nightprowler10]

we face a very tough task here.

Equally tough for Pakistan. England could just as easily win this thing with just 4 down. My money is on them squeaking by with 2 wickets in hand.

 

[Cabinet96]

What I really like is the prospect of him and Stokes in the same side, always thought only one of them was really going to be able to make it but it is perfectly set up for both now.

Do think it increases the scrutiny on Moeen though. Valuable runs at 8 isn't enough to pass a blind eye on a few bad tests with the ball if you have nine first class tons at number 9.

 

[Howe_zat]

When this attack bowls to Cook it might be necessary to view it through a mirror, in the hope everything looks normal.

 

[Howe_zat]

I like it when Hales is off strike

I like it when Cook gets given width

 

[91Jmay]

Batting depth.

Riaz and Rahat aren't bowlers that are particularly reliable.

Amir only just back to test cricket

England can't possibly play Shah as bad first time round

I fancy Pakistan to win this actually, but England far from doomed.

LOL oh yes they can

 

[Howe_zat]

Filthy first over from Rahat.

 

[nightprowler10]

Some very loose deliveries from both bowlers.

 

[91Jmay]

Wouldn't mind Hales playing an ODI style. If he gets a run a ball 50 could really get the chase off to a flying start.

 

[Howe_zat]

I'd love to have Judy Murray's job, apparently she is a professional be a person watching a sport

 

[greg]

Have we had the usual discussion about what an absolute bull**** stat the biggest chases one is today?

It's a rubbish stat, if you're going to look at anything it has to be the list of fourth innings scores. Actually in this case it favours Pakistan, at least on recent evidence.

 

[StephenZA]

Absolute dross at the moment.... can`t see England losing this unless Shah takes 5...

 

[Howe_zat]

Wouldn't mind Hales playing an ODI style. If he gets a run a ball 50 could really get the chase off to a flying start.

He is out for single figures in ODIs a little too often for me to back that idea. Be worth it if they can get a few close fielders to shift I suppose.

Root was on TMS this morning and was pretty vague, as expected during a match, but I think the subtext was that there'd be no plan except every ball on its own merits.

The scoring rate so far is entirely down to wayward stuff for the seamers being put away properly.

 

[Compton]

Listening to TMS there, getting a little fed up with the idea that Hales is likely to blast a quick 50/100.

He's a gun one day player, but he's never really batted particularly quickly in red ball, has he?

 

[Jono]

First good ball for the morning by Pakistan, but it gets the wicket.

 

[91Jmay]

Urgh, was going so well. Cook's feet looking all over the place there, was way to far back.

 

[Howe_zat]

****'s sake. First good ball

 

[GIMH]

Balls