First Test: England v Pakistan, Lord's.

[Arthur Crabtree]

England's middle order should cash in against the older ball, lack of practice or not.

Though it's disconcerting to see Wood down to bat at eight after they are used to Mo at eight and Woakes at nine!

[backfootpunch]

yeah the troubles are deeper but not sure Bayliss got the best out of the group he was given.
with the players he got I still expect better results from him.
England can't even claim their home record good considering In the last 20 test at england they lost 7 and drew 1.

We are going to be in big trouble when Jimmy Anderson and broad retire

Big trouble

[sussexpob]

It's also confusing how ramprakash is still batting coach

Not sure I'd want a guy who failed miserably in test cricket coaching the national team in the first place

He at least knows how to comfort someone whos just been bowled out cheaply.....

[sussexpob]

England's middle order should cash in against the older ball, lack of practice or not.

Though it's disconcerting to see Wood down to bat at eight after they are used to Mo at eight and Woakes at nine!

Tbf, after say the first 10 overs, the pitch and ball hasnt done that much. Last 10 overs its really starting to look like maybe 350-400 might be a par score if you bat well.

[backfootpunch]

I actually feel a bit sorry for bairstow, stokes and moeen

Their entire career they have been coming in at 50/3 or 60/4

Compare that to the comparative luxury bell, colly and prior had you can see why their averages aren't great

Most batsmen who bat 5-7 get the chance to make plenty of easy runs following a good start by the top order, that literally never happens for these guys they are constantly having to rebuild after a terrible start not coming in with 300 on the board against a tiring attack

[sussexpob]

Ben smashed that Shadab ball so hard, the police might want to talk to him again for crimes against the ball

[sussexpob]

Amir castles Cook just as England seize the initiative....... Thorough well done for a brilliant contribution from Steely.

Nothing much you can do with those balls.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Yes, good knock for ex Captain Steely. Bit surprised he didn't go on as he usually does once set and the track has settled.

Just Stokes, Buttler and the tail. The Pakistanis will be pinching themselves.

Still, overs 50-80 should offer England a chance to rebuild. Should take some work even to get the tail out on a good pitch in England with an old ball on the first day.

[sussexpob]

Buttler must be on the train after Bairstow, because he has clearly not come to hang around

[Arthur Crabtree]

Buttler's SR is currently 160!

[Arthur Crabtree]

Buttler's being called a 'luxury player' by the press as if that's a good thing, a blue sky thinking moment of genius from the selector. A luxury player used to be an insult.

[sussexpob]

Buttler's being called a 'luxury player' by the press as if that's a good thing, a blue sky thinking moment of genius from the selector. A luxury player used to be an insult.

Its a bit like taking a box of after eight mints to the home of a starving family....

[Durhamfootman]

5 mins to tea

9 overs to bowl

don't worry we can add on half an hour later.... (by which time we'll be 15 overs shy... but that don't matter)

[Dr Cricket]

who knows they may fin anally fine an English player for the offence.

[Arthur Crabtree]

who knows they may fin anally fine an English player for the offence.

For Pakistan's slow over rate?