Cricket-Match-Special ... A forum for discussion

Missed the only interesting part of this test.

I see Shanky mentioned above that England could have done with a bowler like Panesar on that surface ; and that Ansari might have been well fitted to that role. I don't disagree ; but unfortunately Ansari isn't here , and I fear Patel is not in that mould so they will have to continue with the perhaps less than ideal pairing of Moeen and Rashid. At least both will be much more confident after that last day. Reckon they would be much more likely to succeed if England bat first ; but that is down to the luck of the toss.

Does mean though that England will probably want to keep a full book of fast bowlers ; so I can't see Taylor for Wood as an option. Wood might make way for Plunkett , perhaps.

I thought Taylor might have played in the First Test. But since he didn't , I'd be surprised if England were to choose him , either for Bairstow or Buttler , for the second.

Will Pakistan want an extra bowling option ? Or will they consider that Yasir gives them enough of an addition to their attack not top worry ? Assuming he comes up fit , that is. We will know soon enough - not long between games ; some tired bodies at the end on Saturday I should think.

I shall be surprised and disappointed if Taylor doesn't get at least one game on this tour as quite clearly he's seen as someone capable to play test cricket and especially so in these conditions. I see either Bell or Bairstow making room for him at some stage though probably not in Dubai.

hopeforthebest wrote:I shall be surprised and disappointed if Taylor doesn't get at least one game on this tour as quite clearly he's seen as someone capable to play test cricket and especially so in these conditions. I see either Bell or Bairstow making room for him at some stage though probably not in Dubai.

I tend to agree. If one or other of those two fail in Dubai he would probably get his chance. Though I guess if they both do all right there he may still be left waiting ; particularly if England win , or have another meritorious draw. Does seem odd that he's not yet had another chance despite England's batting frailties of the last couple of years.
Suspect his runs of impressive form have been unfortunately timed.

I see that England nearly managed to pull off what would have been a remarkable win. When I saw that Joe Root was talking up a final day victory push, I nearly wet 'em, yet they almost managed it. How bad was the light, at the end?

Durhamfootman wrote:I see that England nearly managed to pull off what would have been a remarkable win. When I saw that Joe Root was talking up a final day victory push, I nearly wet 'em, yet they almost managed it. How bad was the light, at the end?

the lights were on and both the fielders and batsmen could see the ball, it was very playable

had we not lost so many wickets which wasted 10 minutes, we would have only needed 10 at that point and the ump would have almost certainly stayed on

good to see Dilly sticking 2 fingers up at (I presume) the thousands of detractors who will (I have no doubt) have poured scorn and derision over his first innings figures, by recording what nearly became a match winning second innings 5 fer.