Pakistan v England 3rd Test, Sharjah, Nov 1-5

[Arthur Crabtree]

Two for Mo! Some goldenarm.

But it's a review.

[backfootpunch]

that could be going down leg

hopefully it is just clipping

[Arthur Crabtree]

NO! wOULD HAVE MISSED ANOTHER SET! Sorry. Spun a mile.

[alfie]

Pretty good start for England after once again losing the toss...

And nearly even better : Malik surviving with an astute referall .

Plenty of turn ; Patel has bowled rather impressively ...Pakistan under a bit of pressure.

[Gingerfinch]

Sounds like we might struggle to bat on this surface?

[meninblue]

Hafeez could not hit in the zone where he intended. Went straight to the fielder. 54-2 at Sharjah is a good scorecard for England. With Moeen, Rashid and Samit they do not have to worry about the workload of big bowling innings on this wicket.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Read about when Salisbury was playing, Russell couldn't pick the googly, so the spinner had to turn the other way to start his run up, when he was going to bowl one.

Got to remember that for the next time Russell v Stewart comes up.

[Gingerfinch]

Read about when Salisbury was playing, Russell couldn't pick the googly, so the spinner had to turn the other way to start his run up, when he was going to bowl one.

Got to remember that for the next time Russell v Stewart comes up.

I read that as well. 1-0 to Stewart!

[alfie]

Younus just looks a class above the other bats. Pakistan settling a bit now.

Time to see what the leggie can do...

[Arthur Crabtree]

What would complicate selection for SA is if Samit makes a ton...

[Gingerfinch]

What would complicate selection for SA is if Samit makes a ton...

Our new opener.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Adil should cause mayhem here if he bowls well, but currently can't land the ball in the right place.

Interesting morning though.

[alfie]

By the end of the session Pakistan have somewhat wrested back the initiative at 87/2

Remind me not to say nice things about England spinners. Too many loose balls in the later overs , Patel - having started well - showing that he can serve up pies as well as Moeen and Rashid.

At least there is enough happening to suggest a breakthrough after lunch might see England working their way through this batting order - which does include a longish tail. One more wicket in that session would have left them fairly satisfied , but still a decent effort. Anderson again impressive on a pitch not doing him any great favours.

[meninblue]

imo this is England's session. The bowlers have done a good job.

[budgetmeansbudget]

England not getting the option three times in a row away from home isn't right. One of my big bugbears about the game of cricket, too big a factor in the game for luck and not skill to be the deciding factor.

I'm either up for a bowl off before the game or the away side gets the option in every game, that way you can level out the home team fixing the pitch beforehand.