Eng in Pak, Oct 7-28

[andy]

Time for Potts maybe?

[sussexpob]

That looks like a lot of runs on a day 8 pitch. Still, chasing 250+ isn't what it was

The pitch is not all that bad imo. There is some turn for the spinners, but it mostly turns slow and the ball stands up from the pitch instead of really skidding on.

There are balls turning sharply, but it only seems to be when the bowlers pitch up really fall, almost at half volley length. On the stumps line, particularly at Leach's end, when the ball is pushed that far up it has rocketed out of the rough patches and is verging on unplayable, but a good batsman can negate that completely by using their feet and getting to the pitch of the ball.

Of course, it depends how the pitch develops, but right now 275 looks entirely gettable.

That can change. If shorter lengths start to turn similar to those pitched up ones, then its going to be horrendous to bat on it. England tend to reverse and sweep well, so they need to stick to that plan.

[sussexpob]

Do wides not exist anymore? That Leach ball barely bounced on the cut strip... how is that not a wide.

[andy]

Is Crawley only out of the slips because of his finger? If he is fit surely he belongs at slip over root, who is becoming a liability in there?!

[sussexpob]

Do wides not exist anymore? That Leach ball barely bounced on the cut strip... how is that not a wide.

Think that is a 6 too.... Duckett makes a good catch, but realises hes carrying it over the boundary and dumps it... for me his foot hits the rope though, and thats a 6

[sussexpob]

Going to be intersting that... I think thats out, and hes playing left handed.

Maybe just outside the line.....

England will not like seeing that though. Another one of those slightly fuller balls, pitches and just rolls along the floor..... Batsman has no chance in hell of hitting that.

[andy]

Do wides not exist anymore? That Leach ball barely bounced on the cut strip... how is that not a wide.

Think that is a 6 too.... Duckett makes a good catch, but realises hes carrying it over the boundary and dumps it... for me his foot hits the rope though, and thats a 6

Incredible effort from duckett!! Saved 5 runs could be important

[sussexpob]

Incredible effort from duckett!! Saved 5 runs could be important

Yeah, not even a chance really. If you take that its all time best catch stuff...

Not sure if Dharmasena was blagged into that appeal by Potts continuing to scream for 10 seconds, but it looked like it was missing leg, and the ball hitting the bat made a very loud sound.

[sussexpob]

England seem to have a time honoured tradition of letting 9th and 10th wicket partnerships make runs.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Big partnership at just the right time for Pakistan. Really should be enough.

[sussexpob]

Carse with the breakthrough.... lead 296

[meninblue]

This Pakistan bowling attack are new to test cricket, however they do have lot fo experience playing the QEA and departments matches. Finally a situation where Pakistan are also in the match. Bowling last on Day 4 will help. If England survive day 4 then England wins.

[sussexpob]

297 is the mark...

Big 10 or so overs upcoming

[meninblue]

Pakistan spinners (Sajid, Noman and Zahid) bowl so many overs in domestic cricket. With so many spinners plus couple of more part time options, Pakistan have got their bowling approach correct, aided by they won the toss after goign spin heavy.

[sussexpob]

Brain dead from Duckett.. terrible shot, terrible idea, gone