2nd Test England v Pakistan, Old Trafford, 22-26 July

[Aidan11]

Not had much chance to see the day's play due to work but managed to see 3 wickets.

[Aidan11]

The victory saved Cook's blushes regarding batting again.

[hopeforthebest]

If you want the job done go to Woakes. Took 70.3 overs so the idea it could hae been won yesterday is put in it's place. The most important aspect of this test might well be the way England batsmen played Yasir Shah and turned Pakistan into a 3 bowler attack. Now onto Edgbaston where spin often plays a role and where we shall see a replacement for Stokes.

[Aidan11]

Anyone know if Stokes is likely to miss the third test?

[Making_Splinters]

Well, either Ball, TRJ or Finn will have to come back in for Stokes. The main question lies over what happens to Vince, and will Rashid get a game at some stage.

[Dr Cricket]

4-4 it is.

[meninblue]

Huge win. England could have bowled one more innings to Pak and still won with few runs to spare.

Without professors bowling, Pak lose a handy spin bowling option. IMO Sohail will replace Rahat in next test.

[sussexpob]

Anyone know if Stokes is likely to miss the third test?

Judging solely on what you can see, it looks at least a grade 2, because he couldnt walk properly after he did it. Usually grade 1 tears might be painful but leave no mobility problems.

Lots of climbers get those types of injuries. Recovery time is usually a month or two. Pure guesswork, but I would assume his summer in tests is certainly over.

[captaincolly]

Anyone know if Stokes is likely to miss the third test?

Judging solely on what you can see, it looks at least a grade 2, because he couldnt walk properly after he did it. Usually grade 1 tears might be painful but leave no mobility problems.

Lots of climbers get those types of injuries. Recovery time is usually a month or two. Pure guesswork, but I would assume his summer in tests is certainly over.

That ties in with what other journalists are saying online - unless the scan shows a minor injury it could be at least 6 weeks layoff.

[braveneutral]

Can't catch a break at the moment.

Cookie is a captaincy genius and should be knighted yesterday.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Sir Steel.

[braveneutral]

Reckon that KP would be his guest to the ceremony too.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Probably banned.

I'm sure he'd be sympathetic if they spelt Alastair wrong on the gong.

[braveneutral]

Sympathetic or giggly perhaps.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Just wonder how much more Sir Steely might have achieved if he hadn't had to heroically overcome so much, y'know, um, outrageous fortune. So much grudging, envious antagonism. If the ECB had just backed him a little.