Pakistan v England 1st test, Abu Dhabi Oct 13-17

[Arthur Crabtree]

In a game like this, it's up to the batter's to keep England in the game. Maybe there will be more for the bowlers on day four.

[Aidan11]

Had to leave early this morning.


Disappointed that I didn't come in to at least one more wicket down.

[Aidan11]

Four sessions, four wickets.

Timeless tests anyone?

[Arthur Crabtree]

Disciplined batting from Pakistan. England to bat for an hour tonight?

[Aidan11]

Pakistan will get at least 550 as they seem to do here.

[Dr Cricket]

Did say the UAE will be a tough place for the spinners especially if they are not that good.

Tough for all the bowlers. Medium fast looking a bit limited.

yeah although the medium fast gives control.
Most of the time *modded* spinners gives no control and no wickets.

be interesting to see how Pakistan go here since they also don't really have a good attack for the conditions.

[Aidan11]

We'll panic and be all out for 180.

[Dr Cricket]

god sky showing the 72 all out game again.

[Aidan11]

Now my internet connection is slow.


No good if I need to have an instant rant.

[budgetmeansbudget]

I can't decide what's more boring, my job or this test match.

[Aidan11]

I can't decide what's more boring, my job or this test match.

There's always the SL V WIs test on Eurosport.

[budgetmeansbudget]

I can't decide what's more boring, my job or this test match.

There's always the SL V WIs test on Eurosport.

No telly at work!

[Aidan11]

I can't decide what's more boring, my job or this test match.

There's always the SL V WIs test on Eurosport.

No telly at work!

Same here. I'll be watching on my mobile phone during the lunch hour.

[sussexpob]

Did say the UAE will be a tough place for the spinners especially if they are not that good.

Tough for all the bowlers. Medium fast looking a bit limited.

yeah although the medium fast gives control.
Most of the time *modded* spinners gives no control and no wickets

England should have never come to Pakistan in this position, Rashid should have gotten his test debut out the way in the 5th test or even in the Windies.

Its asking a lot of a player to have them debut on a surface like this and lead the attack. In fact, its asking way too much

[sussexpob]

Did say the UAE will be a tough place for the spinners especially if they are not that good.

Tough for all the bowlers. Medium fast looking a bit limited.

England's best bowlers have been their medium-fast ones. I will say it again, but these conditions require you to plod along and make batsman force the issue. Broad and Anderson have done that to a large extent, they are being let down by the rest.

I think the way to take wickets on these pitches is to not even try. Focus on maidens and restricting the score, the batsman needs to make the error in these conditions. You aren't going to get any magic balls going