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

[pompeymeowth]

I was at the game in 2001. I had to leave before the last session, which (I think) was the one where the umpire missed six or seven wicket taking no balls for Pakistan. Given the squad, I reckon I'd go with Anderson and Stokes/Rashid for Finn and Ball, the latter depending on conditions.

Good intro bfl.

Was that Shep? I read his Bio years ago and there was one test, where he missed some no balls. He was devastated about it, which really came through in the book.

There are some great photos of him in his playing days in there.

[backfootpunch]

Surely Moeen's role as a batsman, as any other, is to play in a manner consistent with the state of the game, the conditions and the strength and form of the opposition - one should expect nothing less from an international player batting anywhere from 1-7.

As an example, it was clear in the last Test that England needed to bat well into the final day to have any real chance of winning - the chances of anyone coming in and blasting it around like Gilchrist for 20 overs was minimal.

You would hope that would be the case

Nobody should have a role, this is a test match not limited overs they should bat to the situation to the best of there abilities

And if you are going to try and counter attack at least give yourself 20 balls to get in

[braveneutral]

Ball and Finn out. Rashid still in play.

[Arthur Crabtree]

I was at the game in 2001. I had to leave before the last session, which (I think) was the one where the umpire missed six or seven wicket taking no balls for Pakistan. Given the squad, I reckon I'd go with Anderson and Stokes/Rashid for Finn and Ball, the latter depending on conditions.

Good intro bfl.

Was that Shep? I read his Bio years ago and there was one test, where he missed some no balls. He was devastated about it, which really came through in the book.

There are some great photos of him in his playing days in there.

That's the one.

[Arthur Crabtree]

So if Rashid plays, will Mo or Stokes be left out?

[Dr Cricket]

So if Rashid plays, will Mo or Stokes be left out?

could be vince/ballance as well.

[captaincolly]

So if Rashid plays, will Mo or Stokes be left out?

could be vince/ballance as well.

Yep. If he plays Vince will probably get left out according to Lawrence Booth.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Four seamers and two spinners. Stokes at five I presume, and Ballance up to four... Can't see that. That feels like they have been unable to come to a decision over what attack they need, and that Vince has little credibility as a top order bat if he can make way for a surfeit of bowlers.

It sort of works if Stokes is just in as a better batter than Vince and his bowling is an afterthought. If so, Stokes should bat at four. Ballance has come back as a five, away from his role as a top order bat, and now he's going to get moved up without actually proving himself. Feels a bit cockamamy.

[hopeforthebest]

Ball and Finn released to return to their counties and Cook says Moeen will play so it's 4 quicks plus Moeen or 3 quicks plus Moeen and Adil, or 4 quicks and Moeen and Adil.

[backfootpunch]

So if Rashid plays, will Mo or Stokes be left out?

Mo I would think

Adding an extra bowler when it was our batting that was the problem would be an odd call

[Dr Cricket]

It would be pathetic if Ali plays again and Rashid is left out.

[Aidan11]

I think Ali will keep his place.

Stokes & Anderson replacing Ball & Finn.

[hopeforthebest]

I think Ali will keep his place.

Stokes & Anderson replacing Ball & Finn.

I've already posted Cook saying Moeen plays.

[hopeforthebest]

I think Ali will keep his place.

Stokes & Anderson replacing Ball & Finn.

I've already posted Cook saying Moeen plays.

Cook did not reveal who would make way if Rashid is selected but said the only way the Yorkshire bowler would be included would be as a second spinner, meaning Moeen Ali's place is assured.

[braveneutral]

Could Ali be being made into a batter (again) and Vince drops out?

Stokes could then be in as another all rounder.

Someone referenced bits and pieces ('multi discipline') and it starts to get that feel unless there is clarity of roles. For me the phrase second spinner wouldn't apply to Rashid if he ended up at 9.