Eng Test tour of Pak, Dec 1-21

[bigfluffylemon]

The turn in the pitch is slow, and watching earlier I didn't get the impression the pitch was that bad.

Then you watch duckett get bowled by one that skips along the floor, and you think England surely have plenty to win the game. No pressure of time either, just grind out a few more, and I can't see Pakistan making kt

[alfie]

Pretty good second day for the tourists. Mopped up Pakistan rather more cheaply than any of us really expected (good to see Leach getting among the wickets !) ; and then appeared to have slightly modified the "full speed ahead" game plan in the second innings in light of the situation - apart from two rather careless run outs. Like the way Brook is playing in this innings.

Not quite all done yet. So much time left ; and Pakistan have sometimes managed to bat more effectively second time around (Karachi , back in March : 148 all out first innings ; then 443/7 chasing the 506 target Australia set them) Of course that was played on a total road and this one is doing a lot more ; but we can't assume they will just fold again so might as well make sure by extending this lead today - even if that requires being a little more watchful than sometimes of late.

Generally feel pretty comfortable when the side batting last is required to make the highest innings total of the match to get a win...which is already the case. And Anderson and Robinson weren't overworked in the first innings ; for which they might be grateful only a few days after a busy last day in Rawalpindi. They might have a part to play again with a bit of reverse.

If England do take this out as expected , it will represent quite an achievement : after only two matches ever won in Pakistan in all the years of their history , to win two in a row...

[bigfluffylemon]

Brook

Wickets falling, but the lead is up to 350. It ought to be enough - never say never in cricket, but it'll take something pretty special from Pakistan given the history of 4th innings chases in Pakistan.

[alfie]

Still a lot to do - but you have to admit Pakistan have really bounced back into the game today. Last five England wickets collected for just 15 - and a very brisk . and mostly alarm free , 64 rattled up already. They must surely be feeling they have a chance now...and confidence is a bit of an asset when chasing in a fourth innings. Probably fair to say England left a few runs out there ; which they might be regretting if these two get going again on resumption.

Test will be when a wicket or two go down. The way they folded up in the first innings (and indeed the late England wicket clatter) suggest things can happen quickly on this. But for now , we have a game...

[sussexpob]

Interesting tactic to send Rizwan up to open, guessing the plan is to be positive.

Have to agree though, that 350 is looking a tad smaller after that session. But still pretty big

[sussexpob]

Bigger now

[Durhamfootman]

Brook's hundred stands out from the scorecard. Well done him

Santiago and Robbo have taken 2 wickets in quick succession, both snorters seemingly, with Pakistan still needing 288

[bigfluffylemon]

Huge wicket getting Babar cheaply.

[Durhamfootman]

Woody joins the party 83-3

every wicket bowled. Each batter seems to have been left feeling bamboozled.... disbelief is the word I'm seeing quite a lot

[Arthur Crabtree]

Hundred partnership making the game more easily balanced. And Pakistan don't have a day 5 pitch to bat on.

[Durhamfootman]

189-3 need 166

Pakistan clawing their way back into this game. My guess is that England could do with finding a bit of reverse swing quite soon from this 60 over ball.

[Durhamfootman]

That helps

[Durhamfootman]

going to be an intriguing day tomorrow.

One team is going to win this

[alfie]

Fascinating prospect for the last day. Trescothick reckons it is about 50/50. Think I'd have England still edging it after that late wicket , but unless they get an early scalp or two early on , it could get quite tight.

Pitch indeed looked pretty sound for batting late yesterday : turn for the spinners - but very slow.. And no bounce for the pace men with a soft older ball. Didn't think Leach bowled very well : they put him under early pressure and it seemed to spook him a bit - too many bad balls. Think Pakistan were wise to take a very positive approach , despite the risks involved : the period where they were "going nowhere" in the first innings led to a collapse. This time around they have put a bit of pressure back on England. Promoting Faheem Ashraf as (sort of) a night watchman suggests they may intend similar tactics today , ahead of the new ball.

In a game in which spinners have taken the vast majority of wickets , it seems counter intuitive that pace bowlers may hold the key to the last innings : but I have a hunch that England's pace men may well have a big part to play today. Those three victims of excellent deliveries by Anderson , Robinson and Wood may not be the last to cop balls that are just a bit too good...

Should be worth watching.

[bigfluffylemon]

Not going well now. Pakistan definitely favourites, but a quick wicket or two can change it still