3rd Test England v Pakistan, Edgbaston, Aug 3-7.

[Gingerfinch]

It's nice to have something different, like a left armer for instance, but if Finn is the next best option, then he should play.

[backfootpunch]

Been very overcast here

I'm sure the England bowlers would love it to stay that way

[hopeforthebest]

Been very overcast here

I'm sure the England bowlers would love it to stay that way

.....and the Pakistan bowlers.

[backfootpunch]

Been very overcast here

I'm sure the England bowlers would love it to stay that way

.....and the Pakistan bowlers.

True

But wahab doesn't get conventional swing and rahat will have to bowl a lot better than he has

Amir will be a massive threat though if the slips decide to stop dropping everything off his bowling

[andy]

So Steve Finn re-called over Jake Ball.. Im not against the decision completely, however I would like to see Ball given more of a chance..Finn must be running out of chances to put in a good performance

[bigfluffylemon]

How often do players perform at their best on their home grounds I wonder. I know Bairstow did at Headingley I think Root may have done once but often they don't shine so brightly. Hype before the game raises expectations and adds pressure. Woakes appears a calm feet on the ground sort but it will be a big test.

Broad's record at Trent Bridge and Anderson's at Old Trafford are both extremely good, well above their career records.

[andy]

Anyone else think that Asad Shafiq should be batting up the order? His technique is far more solid than Hafeez, Masood and even Younus at this stage...IMO wasted at 6

[bigfluffylemon]

Anyone else think that Asad Shafiq should be batting up the order? His technique is far more solid than Hafeez, Masood and even Younus at this stage...IMO wasted at 6

I guess it's to protect him - at the moment, 1-3 aren't providing much protection, so if you move him to 3 or 4 he's likely to face Anderson and Broad with the new ball.

Amazing stats on cricinfo about Edgbaston being the best place in the world to be bowling on day 1 of a test.

[DiligentDefence]

Amazing stats on cricinfo about Edgbaston being the best place in the world to be bowling on day 1 of a test.

How far back do those records go? I certainly remember some very short tests at Edgbaston.

[Aidan11]

Amazing stats on cricinfo about Edgbaston being the best place in the world to be bowling on day 1 of a test.

How far back do those records go? I certainly remember some very short tests at Edgbaston.

I don't think the Aussies in 2005 would agree,

[Gingerfinch]

I went to see India a few years back. They got skittled on the first day, before Cook hit his 294.

[Aidan11]

I don't think Cook will be worried about the toss. He's a hard man.

I could imagine the scenario....

Athers: "Al, you've just lost the toss. Are you worried?"

Cook: " Piece of p*ss. And dont call me Al. Don't even call me Alastair. It's Mr Cook to you"

Athers then goes shakes Cook's hand but Cook's iron grip puts him on the ground and his squeals are so loud they can be heard all around Edgbaston.

[budgetmeansbudget]

I went to see India a few years back

Did you take a strikingly tall woman with you, father was a banker?!

[Aidan11]

It appears this is England's 500th test match.

[Gingerfinch]

I went to see India a few years back

Did you take a strikingly tall woman with you, father was a banker?!

yeah, she took my wallet!