Eng Vs Pak at Old Trafford

[tiger76]

Bess gone cheaply now 166-7, still 160 adrift, unless Woakes and the tail can produce a miracle, England will be looking at a huge 1st innings deficit.

[DAVETHEVICAR]

170-8

[DAVETHEVICAR]

Up to Broad again

[claretonthecoast1882]

Love to see Englands record for the 1st test in a series over last few years. Seem to be slow starters to series

[matttheclaret]

This team is absolute textbook for another 5-0 down under in 18 months. Assuming no weather intervenes, I'd be shocked if the result is any different.

As for now, very impressed by Pakistan. Enjoyed watching WI play, but these lot are a class above. Our six year unbeaten run in home Test series I'd say is massively under threat

[Foulthrow]

Why do the commentators keep insisting that Archer can bat? He’s a classic number eleven.

[tiger76]

Love to see Englands record for the 1st test in a series over last few years. Seem to be slow starters to series

I haven't got the info to hand, but they mentioned on TMS, that England have lost the 1st test in 8 of their last 10 series, and so this would be 9 out of 11 assuming Pakistan go on to wrap up the victory, it's constantly an issue once the opposition post a total England usually collapse, and this innings hasn't been any different, can England really afford to go in with this line-up, it leaves the batting very exposed if early wickets fall.

Pakistan have played excellent cricket, and with the match in the balance this time yesterday at 176-5, Masood and Khan took the game away from England with a brilliant hour of batting, that century partnership is proving absolutely vital in the context of this game, without it England would be right in the contest.

[tiger76]

Why do the commentators keep insisting that Archer can bat? He’s a classic number eleven.

IDK about a number eleven, but he certainly shouldn't be above Broad on present form.

219 all out after that brief flurry at the end, a lead of 107 for Pakistan, unless one of the quicks can produce a magic spell, and England bowl Pakistan out today, the 4th innings is going to be virtually impossible, already the spinners are wrecking havoc, and it's only day 3.

The game completely changed when Root made that daft decision to bowl himself and Bess directly after lunch yesterday, and once Pakistan seized the initiative they've never let their hold on the match slip since, and i doubt they will from now onwards.

[claretonthecoast1882]

I haven't got the info to hand, but they mentioned on TMS, that England have lost the 1st test in 8 of their last 10 series, and so this would be 9 out of 11 assuming Pakistan go on to wrap up the victory, it's constantly an issue once the opposition post a total England usually collapse, and this innings hasn't been any different, can England really afford to go in with this line-up, it leaves the batting very exposed if early wickets fall.

Pakistan have played excellent cricket, and with the match in the balance this time yesterday at 176-5, Masood and Khan took the game away from England with a brilliant hour of batting, that century partnership is proving absolutely vital in the context of this game, without it England would be right in the contest.

Normally you hear the reason trotted out that they are under cooked and haven't had enough cricket, we have lost at home to West Indies who travelled over and didn't play a proper game, now look like losing this after playing a series while Pakistan had no games.

[tiger76]

Normally you hear the reason trotted out that they are under cooked and haven't had enough cricket, we have lost at home to West Indies who travelled over and didn't play a proper game, now look like losing this after playing a series while Pakistan had no games.

There's no excuses for England, they've had the 3 tests against the West Indies, and they've even had the advantage of playing at OT, admittedly not on this pitch, but it still should be an advantage being used to the surroundings, the honest truth is Pakistan have played the better and smarter cricket throughout most of the 3 days, England had a chance yesterday to knock the tourists over for around 250, which looks about a par score on this track, because it's not easy to bat on this with the quality in both bowling attacks, but they let it slip, and unlike the WI, this Pakistan team won't give you 2nd chances.

England will probably be facing a target of at least 300 batting 4th, i'll be surprised if we amass 150 batting last, this lot are top quality, they're not that far off the Aussie attack of last summer in depth, and England can't handle the spinners, especially the lower order players, hence why the tail didn't hang around for long.

[tiger76]

Early wicket for Broad sums this game up, Masood scores 156 1st innings, and then a duck 2nd time around, it's a funny old game as somebody famously said.

[tiger76]

If England could catch the bleeding ball they might still be in this game, Stokes dropping another, have they all got butterfingers in this game.

[Quickenthetempo]

Stokes drops another catch in slips.

He's a liability in there recently.

[tiger76]

If England are going to scramble their way back into this game every chance has to be held, despite that early wicket Pakistan are 20-1, already 127 ahead, even another 100 will make it tough for England, and another 150 will make it all but impossible.

Stokes hasn't had a great game, he's spilled catches, out for a duck, and he can't bowl, TBF he does have plenty of credit in the bank, and everybody has to have off day now and again, but another wicket there, and 20-2 the nerves might have started to jangle in the Pakistan dressing room, like England they've got a long tail.

[tiger76]

Stokes drops another catch in slips.

He's a liability in there recently.

The stats back you up Quickenthetempo, Since the start of the 2018 English summer, Ben Stokes has dropped 16 out of 52 chances.That's roughly 1 in 3 he's putting down, at test level that's costly.

Another wicket for England, but i fear it's too little too late for this game, the leads nearly 150, and still 8 wickets in hand.

[Bertiebeehead]

A liability.

[tiger76]

Another wicket for Woakes he's one of the few England players who've played well in this match, the England bowlers are doing their best to make this a contest, but you just feel they're still chasing the game, and however much they strain it'll still be out of reach.

Would you put your money on this England batting line-up making 250 or so to win, because i wouldn't.

[tiger76]

63-4 the skipper gone now, lead of 170 still a good position for Pakistan, but England are inching back into this, another 2/3 wickets tonight, and who knows. Woakes again he goes under the radar but in English conditions he's a handful.

[tiger76]

Welcome back Ben Stokes, this test match suddenly got interesting lead of 244 and 2 wickets to get for England.

The bowlers have somehow hauled England off the canvas, now can the batsman deliver the knockout blow tomorrow.

[Quickenthetempo]

There's some very good cricketers in this team/squad that are going about it the hard way but always put themselves in with a shout.

Lots to improve on but could win the game from here.

[NewClaret]

Would still put Pakistan as favourites but if England can rattle off the last two wickets tomorrow quickly, then bat defensively, they can work their way back in to the game. Looking forward to watching tomorrow.

[tiger76]

Would still put Pakistan as favourites but if England can rattle off the last two wickets tomorrow quickly, then bat defensively, they can work their way back in to the game. Looking forward to watching tomorrow.

I'd still make Pakistan favourites, but if England are only chasing 250, then it will stop Pakistan setting very attacking fields, which if the target had been 350 they would have been able to do, it's all set up for an intriguing day tomorrow, assuming the weather holds fair then there will be a result one way or the other on day 4.

You'd think Stokes is due a score as well, he's been relatively quiet in this test until late on day 3, and then he suddenly sprang to life, it's hard to keep him out of the game for long, and he always seems to make things happen, that's the mark of a great competitor and winner.

[mdd2]

Jimmy not amongst the wickets again. Is this going to be his swan song? This is his sixth test innings and he has taken just 6 wickets. Most unlike Sir James in England

[DAVETHEVICAR]

He has suffered with dropped catches from his bowling

[tiger76]

He has suffered with dropped catches from his bowling

Yes and unsurprisingly he wasn't impressed, he's bowled well in this test but sometimes you don't get your rewards. I hope he doesn't call it a day this summer he deserves a decent send-off in front of a full house as Cook got in his final series, i have my doubts as to whether he will tour India this winter, but in England he's still the most dangerous threat England possess, and he'll surely be eyeing up 600 wickets before he hangs up his bowling shoes.

[Quickenthetempo]

Would still put Pakistan as favourites but if England can rattle off the last two wickets tomorrow quickly, then bat defensively, they can work their way back in to the game. Looking forward to watching tomorrow.

I think batting defensively is our down fall. They haven't got the technique to be counting on their defensive game.
Be positive, knock em off their line and length.

[mdd2]

I would love him to get to 600 but he has another 10 to get him there and thought he would do it this summer but not looking like it now.

[TheFamilyCat]

I'm just relieved Jimmy is coming to the end when we are well stocked with seamers. There was a worry for a while about the loss of him and Broad but that is much less of an issue now.

[tiger76]

I think batting defensively is our down fall. They haven't got the technique to be counting on their defensive game.
Be positive, knock em off their line and length.

I agree if the target's only about 250-260 then we need to bat with positive intent, it only takes a couple of decent innings and we'll get them.

[Cubanclaret]

Good fightback. All to play for.

[Stayingup]

We haven't got a wrist spinner in the class of the two Pakistan spinners. They have a better keeper ss well and as mentioned earlier on this thread.

Jimmy looked old? That according to Michael Vaughan. Also commented that Jimmys been at the Grecian. Didnt mention his own hair transplant though. Maybe a bit jealous.

[Foulthrow]

Burns gone. Marginal lbw goes in Pakistan’s favour. Disappointing as England need all these tight calls to go in their favour if they are going to have a sniff of getting close.

[Foulthrow]

We haven't got a wrist spinner in the class of the two Pakistan spinners. They have a better keeper ss well and as mentioned earlier on this thread.

Jimmy looked old? That according to Michael Vaughan. Also commented that Jimmys been at the Grecian. Didnt mention his own hair transplant though. Maybe a bit jealous.

Vaughan has had a problem with both Broad and Anderson for a while now. As Broad has started taking wickets for fun he’s been forced to turn on Anderson. Not much Jimmy can do if they keep dropping the chances he keeps creating.

[tiger76]

Could have done with getting those 2 wickets for less than 30, but 277 is possible on a 4th day pitch, England will have to play well though, and have a stroke or two of fortune against this bowling attack. Time for a captain's knock Joe.

[Quickenthetempo]

Vaughan has had a problem with both Broad and Anderson for a while now. As Broad has started taking wickets for fun he’s been forced to turn on Anderson. Not much Jimmy can do if they keep dropping the chances he keeps creating.

Vaughan didn't pick Jimmy for England while captain I don't think.

Always been an arrogant prick as well.

[tiger76]

Solid start by England 55-1 at lunch, we're giving ourselves a chance at least, 222 more to win, this could be a thriller. Nice to see the England batsman being positive against the bowlers, that's the best method of combating them, and if the board keeps ticking the pressure will grow on them, and they'll start hunting wickets instead of sticking to their original plans, and that will lead to more scoring chances for England.

[Quickenthetempo]

Sibley given out caught behind when he missed it by 2 inches.
Luckily he could review and overturn.

It's one nation you need the review system for. They claim for everything, very loudly. Some call it enthusiasm, others cheating.

[ClaretTony]

Sibley given out caught behind when he missed it by 2 inches.
Luckily he could review and overturn.

It's one nation you need the review system for. They claim for everything, very loudly. Some call it enthusiasm, others cheating.

It’s not cheating; you are entitled to appeal and I’d suggest Sri Lanka are possibly the most enthusiastic appealers.

As for this one, hard to believe the umpire ever gave it.

[Quickenthetempo]

It’s not cheating; you are entitled to appeal and I’d suggest Sri Lanka are possibly the most enthusiastic appealers.

As for this one, hard to believe the umpire ever gave it.

It hasn't gone over board yet as it has in previous years.

Maybe the the review system has dampened it, as you look silly going up for everything and bot reviewing?

[ClaretTony]

It hasn't gone over board yet as it has in previous years.

Maybe the the review system has dampened it, as you look silly going up for everything and bot reviewing?

I’m not suggesting they don’t over appeal but SL have always been more so for me. Test umpires are usually outstanding but thankfully we do have a review system for decisions as poor as that one with Sibley.

[tiger76]

Sibley gone for 36, 86-2 another 191 needed, a lot of the shoulders of Root & Stokes now.

[Ashingtonclaret46]

Well, we were ticking along quite nicely there until Sibley fell for the bait. Still a lot of runs needed to win this one and I do not have a lot of faith in a few of our batsmen on a pitch which is spinning and bouncing. Fingers crossed.

[Quickenthetempo]

Root gone now

[tiger76]

Well, we were ticking along quite nicely there until Sibley fell for the bait. Still a lot of runs needed to win this one and I do not have a lot of faith in a few of our batsmen on a pitch which is spinning and bouncing. Fingers crossed.

That's true but equally there's pressure on the bowlers, as they're expected to bowl England out on a wearing pitch, so if England can keep ticking the total down, then they'll feel the heat as well.

Root gone he played nicely, but he needed to bat for longer 100-3, England up against it now.

[ClaretTony]

Very much in their favour with those two wickets

[ClaretTony]

Stokes gone. We are 106/4.

Thought it was that over appealing again but a good review from Pakistan.

[tiger76]

That 277 is looking a long way away right now, these two need a good partnership, they had one in the 1st innings, so both are in decent nick. But there's not a huge amount of batting after these two. so a lot of pressure on them to perform.

[ClaretTony]

Pope gone - 117/5

[tiger76]

There was nothing Pope could have done about that, that's just brilliant bowling he's had 2 pearls to dismiss him in this test. Good game for England to win from here.

[Bertiebeehead]

Need Buttler to go big