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

[yuppie]

One over short for the day yesterday. What was the hold up? Looks like 25 overs come from spin.

Did it rain at any point during the day?

[Aidan11]

One over short for the day yesterday. What was the hold up? Looks like 25 overs come from spin.

Did it rain at any point during the day?

Bumble was not happy about the start of play yesterday when Hales bat had to be cut by the umpire and the sightscreen still had an advertising logo from the bowlers end before a ball had even been bowled.

There was a caption on TV yesterday showing how rates have declined every decade since the 1920s. It was something like 22 overs per hour in the 1920s and 14 oph now.

[yuppie]

One over short for the day yesterday. What was the hold up? Looks like 25 overs come from spin.

Did it rain at any point during the day?

Bumble was not happy about the start of play yesterday when Hales bat had to be cut by the umpire and the sightscreen still had an advertising logo from the bowlers end before a ball had even been bowled.

There was a caption on TV yesterday showing how rates have declined every decade since the 1920s. It was something like 22 overs per hour in the 1920s and 14 oph now.

Got to wonder how you can stuff up the start of play

[Making_Splinters]

Really good chance for Woakes this morning to show that he can bat up the order and make runs. If Woakes makes a score today it will put Ali's place under even more pressure.

[alfie]

Could do without Woakes copping a hit on his bowling arm !

Started well this morning with a couple of boundaries but that looked to have hurt .

[Aidan11]

That was a good shot from Woakes. Got 6 for it too.

[Making_Splinters]

150 up for Root, been a little circumspect this morning but he needs to make hay now.

[Aidan11]

Five times he's passed 150 in tests.

[Aidan11]

And there were worries that he might not be as good at number 3.


Ian Bell can now start making the funeral arrangements for his test career.

[Making_Splinters]

And there were worries that he might not be as good at number 3.


Ian Bell can now start making the funeral arrangements for his test career.

Well, one innings doesn't quite settle the issue of if he will be a success at three. Bell hasn't been coming back for a while now regardless of if Root hadn't had a good series.

[alfie]

And there were worries that he might not be as good at number 3.


Ian Bell can now start making the funeral arrangements for his test career.

I don't expect Bell to return. But in truth , Root has effectively replaced KP , rather than Bell. We are still looking for the number five who can either lead a recovery or cash in on a good start with a big hundred.

Root has done a terrific job here. I'm still a little anxious with him at three on account of the weakness at four and five...but this innings has certainly done a lot to justify Bayliss and his push for Root to move up. Will see how it goes from here...

[hopeforthebest]

Why do these SKY idiots keep talking about silly point when quite obviously he's at silly mid-off.

[Making_Splinters]

Very good innings from Woakes, look far more composed and decisive in his shot selection that Vince or Ballance. Need to keep playing sensibly and push for 500 at Tea.

[hopeforthebest]

Pity he's gone and even more a pity that Shah has a wicket. Wonder which Stokes is about to turn up.

[KipperJohn]

Nobody should be surprised at Woakes ability with the bat. 7 100s for Warwicks and 2 for the Lions all in the lower order.