2nd Test England v Pakistan, Old Trafford, 22-26 July

[Aidan11]

Pitchforks and torches optional.

[backfootpunch]

The rest of the day being rained off suits England's purpose just as well. They have enough runs, they just want the bowlers not to be bowling.

It's bad for the image of the game though. There's nothing duller than a third innings spent resting the bowlers. With maybe the opposition slowing the game down.

How about a rule where the follow on has to be enforced?

How does rain suit England since they lose time because of the rain and then time batting
If they didn't bat again then they would have more time to bowl the opposition since they wouldn't bat unless they needed to.
Any time England bat now is wastage, doesn't matter if the weather good but the weather dodgy for the next few days so make the decision look weird.

He's suggesting the only reason we are batting is to rest the bowlers

So the rain doesn't matter at all as we already have enough runs

[Arthur Crabtree]

I think the follow on rule is actually fair enough, and the side that is so far ahead should have control of the game going into the second half. England have tended to be inclined to use the follow on recently. Under Flower/Strauss they were more wary of it. I think England are more aware of making the game better for spectators (so bowl your bloody overs on time...). Maybe it's the recent injuries to bowlers this time. Hard to believe England are nervous about batting last, as they are so far ahead, and sportspeople with that much self doubt surely couldn't function.

[Aidan11]

Inspection in 15 minutes so looks like we wont get on before 5 O Clock at least.

[Aidan11]

I stand corrected. Back on at 4.55pm.

[braveneutral]

Looking at that thread that Aidan posted I saw Albondiga. Haven't seen him on for a while. Has anyone else?

[Aidan11]

Looking at that thread that Aidan posted I saw Albondiga. Haven't seen him on for a while. Has anyone else?

Not been on here for a year. His profile says he was retired so maybe he just decided there were better things to do than post on a message board. As long as he is in good health, wherever he is.

[Dr Cricket]

be jokes if England declare now and then Pakistan chase the total lol.

[Aidan11]

I think Beefy said 293 i the highest successful chase on this ground.

With hindsight Cook might have enforced the follow on as it looks like our bowlers would have bowled next to nothing tonight.

[Making_Splinters]

Well the weather has made a complete mockery of Cook's decision to bat again. We've had less than 4 overs, England are going to have to bat on tomorrow if they want to set 500 for the 4th innings. Complete joke, surely the weather can't have taken England by surprise?

[backfootpunch]

Ridiculous decision really

[Aidan11]

The general consensus seems to be that Cook has made the wrong call.

[hopeforthebest]

Can anyone shut Warne up, his repetitious GOB is appauling.

[hopeforthebest]

Can anyone shut Warne up, his repetitious GOB is appauling.

That's probably the first time in my life I've used that word but I coudn't find a word more appropriate for that dreadful whining voice.

[Aidan11]

Assuming rain doesn't interrupt, England should have a lead of 480-500 at stumps.