just read mccallum is new red ball coach, appointed by 'cricket chief' rob key who appointed captain stokes

now, i get that i must be asleep and never see a paper, but fucking hell, ive missed all this happening

Great result. 

Anderson is unique. 

20 minutes ago, Tonge moor green jacket said:

Great result. 

Anderson is unique. 

To think that his body broke in India on such pitches, 6 years ago. A phenomenal athlete and a bowling genius, and a Lancastrian. Long may he continue.

The forthcoming test might be shortened by fog and light, so Ben Stokes saying that they might have to be more adventurous!

1 hour ago, globaldiver said:

The forthcoming test might be shortened by fog and light, so Ben Stokes saying that they might have to be more adventurous!

Wood is available for this one and if the wicket is as flat as the last one it may be risky inasmuch that whilst his pace increases the chances of getting 20 wickets, he can be costly which ain't great if the match is shortened.

Somewhat different pitch, always interesting 

Just watched a BBC report and they made it seem like we'd had a bit of a disaster. Then they said the score.

Doesn't seem that bad, and until they've batted we can't properly judge.

Lost last five wickets for about 60. Another 50 runs and it would have been a decent score.

Not currently watching but why has Jimmy only bowled 2 overs?

1 minute ago, Traf said:

Lost last five wickets for about 60. Another 50 runs and it would have been a decent score.

Not currently watching but why has Jimmy only bowled 2 overs?

Don’t know, seemed strange straight after taking a wicket, but Stokes has different ways of doing things!

They're 56-1 since Jimmy's spell ended.

Edited December 9, 20223 yr by Traf

The pitch is perfect for spinners and Ahmad ripped through our top order with a superb bowling performance - helped by England's bazball approach when a bit of caution and careful shot selection was in order. Sure JImmy and Wood gave them a few scares but it's not their pitch although they may get a bit of swing later on in the innings - but by that time Pakistan will have runs on the board.

Question is whether or not we made a mistake in selection as Pakistan packed their side with front line spinners and we didn't,

21 minutes ago, Wanderlust said:

Question is whether or not we made a mistake in selection as Pakistan packed their side with front line spinners and we didn't,

We only have the young lad in the squad, all other available spinners (in the squad) are playing.

4 hours ago, Wanderlust said:

The pitch is perfect for spinners and Ahmad ripped through our top order with a superb bowling performance - helped by England's bazball approach when a bit of caution and careful shot selection was in order. Sure JImmy and Wood gave them a few scares but it's not their pitch although they may get a bit of swing later on in the innings - but by that time Pakistan will have runs on the board.

Question is whether or not we made a mistake in selection as Pakistan packed their side with front line spinners and we didn't,

There'll always be this question of bazball. 

Stokes does my head in at times with his personal crusades and low scores, but then he also plays well, and scores runs at times. Always positive as a captain. 

Entertaining times for sure.

Some morning, quite unexpected.

But that seems to be the norm!

Reverted to “proper” batting, for now

England rebranded;

Ben Crawley

Ben Duckett

Ben Pope

Ben Brook

etc

Plenty of time so no need for undue risks, and a generous declaration. 

Build a bit more then push.

The must fancy their chances of bowling Pakistan out for under 350 ish.

4 minutes ago, Tonge moor green jacket said:

Plenty of time so no need for undue risks, and a generous declaration. 

Build a bit more then push.

The must fancy their chances of bowling Pakistan out for under 350 ish.

Just bat until we are all out.

That should be plenty.

For only the 3rd series win in Pakistan.

wonderful times 

Bat as long as we can.

19 minutes ago, globaldiver said:

Just bat until we are all out.

That should be plenty.

For only the 3rd series win in Pakistan.

wonderful times 

Absolutely. When the tail comes in though, may as well have a go.

Goodness

Shane Wayne said if it can seam, then it can spin. Presumably it works the other way as well.

Hope so.

Jimmy has bowled just 10 overs in the game, but he's 2-23.

Really flat pitch now, still a way to go, but Pakistan favourites. 
 

Are they balls

43 minutes ago, Casino said:

Are they balls

Very handy late wicket