Eng Test tour of Pak, Dec 1-21

[Arthur Crabtree]

Must be a very risky declaration, made less credible by then going on the defensive.

It's brought a result into view though.

[sussexpob]

Azhar Ali retiring hurt, so are Pakistan 2 down or is he just going to get patched up?

[Arthur Crabtree]

Injured finger, so maybe depends on x-ray. BBC online commentary says 'he can come back' but I can't see how she'd know.

[sussexpob]

2 down....Pakistan swinging at the short balls, and not very well

[sussexpob]

I think Stokes has got lucky with that Babar Wicket. The ball before was a proper half tracker, and the ball before that also shoulder height....

Two bouncers followed by a bouncer......should be a no ball, shouldn't it?

[sussexpob]

I think Stokes has got lucky with that Babar Wicket. The ball before was a proper half tracker, and the ball before that also shoulder height....

Two bouncers followed by a bouncer......should be a no ball, shouldn't it?

BBC saying every ball Stokes has bowled has been head height.

Did the rules change?

[sussexpob]

On a completely separate note, one has to ask who is responsible the scheduling of this test match. Another 20 overs lost again, but how does anyone think a day's full play can be completed when sunset is just after 1700 hours, so inevitably you have to finish approximately 30 before that in the twilight.

6 and a half hours is not enough time to complete 90 overs a day, so why when sunrise is at 0650 hours, are they starting at 1000?

Even if you could get a historical rate of 15 overs in, with the two breaks, its not possible. Any use of DRS is basically a lost over.

[Arthur Crabtree]

There used to be plan to play 5hrs x six days.

Pakistan surely big favourites here.

[Durhamfootman]

IIRC from 17 years ago, they can't start earlier because of the dew. I can still remember umpire Bucknor calling for a drinks break and then taking the players off for the light a couple of overs later. He did that every day of the test that I have in mind. It always seemed ludicrous to me. 6 day tests in Pakistan always seemed to me to be the way to go.

This match is definitely alive, because of England's SR. Over 6 an over in the first innings and over 7's in the second. Under normal circumstances, Pakistan's 4 an over would be decent, but it looks pedestrian by comparison.

[bigfluffylemon]

If Pakistan score 265 or more, this will be the highest match aggregate ever for a 5 day test. If they chase the target down, will be the second highest aggregate for any test ever, behind only that infamous timeless test in Durban...
https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/conte ... 84002.html

[alfie]

This really has been an extraordinary Test Match. Pitch has indeed been absurdly flat and not the sort we want to see very often but the game has been rescued as a watchable contest by the admirably positive intent of the New England under Stokes and McCullum. From being a nailed on draw after two days we now see that one side or other is likely to triumph - probably around tea time on this last day !

I have actually watched a great deal of it (at times wondering why , I have to admit !) and will certainly be tuned in for this last act. Uncertain what will happen :
England will be hoping we see a bit of misbehaviour from the surface - and a few balls have looked to stay lower than expected , so maybe - but with Pakistan not needing to hurry they might feel reasonably hopeful of reeling in the target. Credit to Shakeel and Imam for not going into their shell after the loss of those early wickets : the quick runs they added against some admittedly rather inviting bowling and very aggressive field placings last night have helped to keep the RRR down and put England under a bit more pressure. If they can get away again this afternoon Stokes and co will have a real problem as I don't think you can contain on this.

On the other hand , I reckon one or two wickets might have the Pakistan dressing room in two minds about playing shots or stone walling - which could play into England's hands. Getting those early wickets the key : hasn't been much help for Leach and Jacks but one sharp chance to Jennings dropped late yesterday shows that any little lapse can be fatal - and the added pressure of a last day chase might also tell. Might see some reverse too. Honestly think it is about 50-50.

If England were to lose , after basically dominating most of the game , and gifting Pakistan a serious chance with a very bold declaration , I imagine Stokes will come in for a lot of criticism. Yet (precise details of runs/time calculations apart) what he has done is exactly what he said he would : back his team to win , not fearing a loss. They really "don't do draws". Which is why I fervently hope England do win this : Pakistan would deserve honour if they get this ; but I want this kind of brave decision making in Test Cricket to be rewarded as it just might catch on...

[Arthur Crabtree]

Not a supporter of not doing draws. If that's the best you can hope for, then a draw is a great result.

[bigfluffylemon]

Not a supporter of not doing draws. If that's the best you can hope for, then a draw is a great result.

I agree. Draws are part of test cricket, and the threat of one for the team in front, the need to manage the timing left in the game, the fact that the team behind always has something to scrap for even if a win is out of the question, is part of the appeal for me. Plus there is something compelling in itself about the last day battle to win/save a game.

[bigfluffylemon]

Chipping away, but the target is within sight. Could still go either way.

[sussexpob]

Chipping away, but the target is within sight. Could still go either way.

Nah, got to take away 20 overs that are going to be lost for the light, so I'd imagine Pakistan drop anchor now