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

[sussexpob]

It's nothing to do with fitness, England will win having not enforced the follow on and would have won had they enforced the follow on. They sensibly chose the easiest way to win rather than risk the bowlers having to toil for another 48 overs on a docile pitch and turn up this morning with an old ball 48 overs old. The arrival of the rain made the decision look foolish but that is hindsight.

And if Pakistan bat for two days?

They either didnt feel the conditions were suitable to bowl and Pakistan could have batted long, which does suggest they can bat long enough to draw, or they didint and it makes less sense to bat again.

The "easiest" way to win is to bowl the team out again for under 400.

[hopeforthebest]

Pakistan must be loving this. Three overs less to bat out the draw so far.

Their faces will be wreathed in smiles. Ha, ha. No chance, the pain will increase with every extra run.

[sussexpob]

Pakistan must be loving this. Three overs less to bat out the draw so far.

Their faces will be wreathed in smiles. Ha, ha. No chance, the pain will increase with every extra run.

The target in runs is now academic. The target in balls to face is the real one, and it goes down with every run scored.

[sussexpob]

In fact, Pakistan might encourage a few boundaries.... Cook might fancy sticking out longer to get anouther 100.

[Dr Cricket]

Pakistan must be loving this. Three overs less to bat out the draw so far.

Their faces will be wreathed in smiles. Ha, ha. No chance, the pain will increase with every extra run.

Do you seriously believe Pakistan would care if they chase 600 or 535 no chance they just wanna bowl as much as they can.

[sussexpob]

England currently batting on..... Pakistan would need 100 runs more than has ever been scored in a 5 day test in the 4th innings.

[Dr Cricket]

Both going for their century.

[Dr Cricket]

Where is the crowd, didn't England supposedly like test cricket.

[sussexpob]

Coach sends out Cook a drink... probably with a message saying "what the hell is going on"

[budgetmeansbudget]

Where is the crowd, didn't England supposedly like test cricket.

You have to take venue, opposition and being a working day into account.

[hopeforthebest]

The discombobulation on this thread and the Media about Cook's decision is fascinating.

[sussexpob]

Apparently England are now past the 541 record for a chase in all FC history.....

[budgetmeansbudget]

Where is the crowd, didn't England supposedly like test cricket.

You have to take venue, opposition and being a working day into account.

[Dr Cricket]

Where is the crowd, didn't England supposedly like test cricket.

You have to take venue, opposition and being a working day into account.

Well this is Manchester so should be able to get a good crowd in, plus summer holidays, Pakistan are a good opposition winning one nil so again no excuses.
Working day is no excuse considering it was no issue before in England.

[sussexpob]

Declaration come.