Pakistan v England 2nd Test, Dubai, Oct 22-26

[sussexpob]

I guess the problems that run within the team after 2013 would have resulted in a motivational crisis for even the most carefree of characters in the squad. It just seems after (and during) that Ashes tour we seen a change in Bell overnight, that he could no longer summon up the energy and desire to bat long amounts of time.

I dont think its ODI cricket that did it, I think understandably being a senior member who has always remained resolutely professional and got on with his job, while his colleagues started tearing ten "bells" of shite out each other, he lost a bit of faith and currency in what it was to play cricket. He cuts a pretty isolated and understated character since, like he has lost a bit of fire.

I dont really blame him for that though, I think most people stopped caring as much at those times, and there were individuals all over the team and management who displayed far worse symptoms of the fall out of that disaster..... but he hasnt got out of the slump now after a while, so England have to think about moving on. Personally I would let him see out this winter and Id replace Bairstow for Taylor immediately.

[Aidan11]

Lucky for Cook there.

[backfootpunch]

looks like yasir bowls much quicker than rashid

which probably explains why he has a little more control, but not a lot more control

[backfootpunch]

Lucky for Cook there.

i reckon stump CAM saved him there, im assuming the middle stump is more sturdy than the others because of the camera in it or microphone or whatever it is

[sussexpob]

Lucky for Cook there.

i reckon stump CAM saved him there, im assuming the middle stump is more sturdy than the others because of the camera in it or microphone or whatever it is

I always thought that the rules should change to dismiss a batsman who's wicket has been hit, but no bail dislodges. Its clearly an error with the equipment when it happens, so as long as the ball clearly hits a stump or ball, the bowlers should be able to appeal and have the batsman out bowled.

[backfootpunch]

cook turns one round the corner straight to the fielder off yasir

would not be surprised if we collapsed in a heap now

[sussexpob]

Decent innings though, if you discount the fact he was out 30 runs ago. Good to see Cook finding some form

[Aidan11]

Watching some of the action in the last hour, I was a bit worried how Bairstow was coping with Yasir but he seems to be ok.

[Aidan11]

Shame Cookie got out.


He was doing very well.

[Aidan11]

Light intervenes with 10 overs left in the day.

[Aidan11]

Follow on saved.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Pretty good day for England. Should be an interesting morning tomorrow, with the match evenly balanced.

[Durhamfootman]

Pretty good day for England. Should be an interesting morning tomorrow, with the match evenly balanced.

Yes, it looks like it. Knocking off the last 5 wickets for a handful of runs, and then, after losing 2 early wickets, taking the score up to nearly 200 runs for the loss of only one more wicket, seems like a decent enough day to me.

hows the dodgy bowler looking? (seems odd that I don't mean Ajmal, for once...... only Pakistan would replace one dodge pot with another )

[Arthur Crabtree]

He wasn't picked.

[dan08]

I'm pretty sure Bilal Asif isn't a chucker anyway. Action looks fine from what I've seen. Test results will be out next week I think.