Pakistan v England 1st test, Abu Dhabi Oct 13-17

[Arthur Crabtree]

Still relevant to point out that Pietersen would have been useful in every Test England have played this year. Strauss rather opportunistically said England have moved on, in the flush of the Ashes win, but really, the batting hasn't. It's full of holes.

[hopeforthebest]

Still relevant to point out that Pietersen would have been useful in every Test England have played this year. Strauss rather opportunistically said England have moved on, in the flush of the Ashes win, but really, the batting hasn't. It's full of holes.

Pietersen is hardly likely to last a single 5 day test never mind a series of 5 day tests.

[Aidan11]

What time does this match start (UK TIme)?

[hopeforthebest]

What time does this match start (UK TIme)?

7am.

[Aidan11]

What time does this match start (UK TIme)?

7am.

Not too bad then. I can watch an hour before going to work.

[Gingerfinch]

What time does this match start (UK TIme)?

7am.

Not too bad then. I can watch an hour before going to work.

We could be five down by then.

[Aidan11]

What time does this match start (UK TIme)?

7am.

Not too bad then. I can watch an hour before going to work.

We could be five down by then.

I hope not. Just heard my local B&Q is closing down.

[Arthur Crabtree]

The last two days of the second Test and the whole of the third Test, start at 6am, GMT. :(

[Aidan11]

Shame they don't put their clocks back at the same time in the UAE.

[alfie]

Still relevant to point out that Pietersen would have been useful in every Test England have played this year. Strauss rather opportunistically said England have moved on, in the flush of the Ashes win, but really, the batting hasn't. It's full of holes.

I'm not sure that "relevant" is the appropriate term to use , given that Pietersen seems to be irrevocably detached now from the England system. It is certainly not untrue to suggest he might have been handy in any of those home Tests ; but I suppose one should also consider which players would have been left out had he still been around , no ? Would Ballance have played in Cardiff , say ? Bell, at Edgbaston ? - or Bairstow at Trent Bridge ?

Granted the batting remains ...unsettled , to be charitable. But one might argue that "moving on" from Pietersen (albeit ,arguably, slightly premature) was a necessary step towards building the next solid batting lineup. A 2005 version of KP , mind , would be a very nice addition...

[hopeforthebest]

England lose the toss and Pakistan bat, a bad start for England.

[Aidan11]

England team as expected. Yasir Shah misses out for Pakistan.

[hopeforthebest]

Anderson takes an early wicket, lets hope that is not the last this session. Off his helmet onto the stumps.

[Aidan11]

Yes Jimmy.

Nice early breakthrough.

[Dr Cricket]

For that dropped catch alone Bell should be dropped from the test team.