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

[Arthur Crabtree]

But the second innings at AD is also the only time England really threatened the Pakistan batters, and took control of the game. So that balances things towards the spinners, who have been generally disappointing. Though to be fair, the England seamers have been more attritional than threatening, and haven't siezed the initiative as Wahab has for Pakistan, however disciplined they've been.

I'm a little unsure of the point you're making here , AC ? Are you talking down the England seamers' performances ? Because I'd have said they have been generally rather good , somewhat undermined by inability of the spin twins to keep any sort of control. Certainly Rashid and Ali came to the party in that second innings ; which is indeed the only time England really rattled Pakistan - but you could say much the same of Pakistan . The only time they (through Wahab) took control was on day three in Dubai. The second innings there they were in an invincible position and barely got over the line...

In truth this series has been as expected , one for the batsmen.

Probably trying to be too balanced. The seamers have done most of what can be expected of them, but haven't really exploited the panic and sudden changes in fortune that can be created with good reverse swing. The spin has been generally disappointing, but underwhelming as it has been , they created England's only realistic chance of winning, almost out of nothing.

[Aidan11]

Just what we didn't need.

[Making_Splinters]

Stokes has just dislocated his shoulder. Excellent news.

[shankycricket]

Even on this pitch, the seamers have comfortably outbowled the spinners. Moeen and Rashid being outbowled by Patel is interesting.

[sussexpob]

Stokes has just dislocated his shoulder. Excellent news.

At least he has an excuse for not getting any runs now

[backfootpunch]

So we lost the toss
The pitch is a bunsen burner
and stokes is injured

We have no hope, unless one of root or cook can make a big score

[Aidan11]

We should forfeit the game.

[Aidan11]

Another 50 for Misbah.

[dan08]

This knock from Misbah is probably better than both of his big scores in the last match.

[sussexpob]

Might be a bizarre question.... but say when Hales came onto field as sub, had he taken a catch would he have an official test record that recording him making that catch?

[shankycricket]

So we lost the toss
The pitch is a bunsen burner
and stokes is injured

We have no hope, unless one of root or cook can make a big score

Root or Taylor to play a KP at Mumbai innings. #clutchingatstraws

[shankycricket]

Might be a bizarre question.... but say when Hales came onto field as sub, had he taken a catch would he have an official test record that recording him making that catch?

No.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Even on this pitch, the seamers have comfortably outbowled the spinners. Moeen and Rashid being outbowled by Patel is interesting.

Selvey was touting for England to pick five seamers and one spinner in this game.

Wicket for Mo!

[Making_Splinters]

Typical Ali wicket, batsman playing a completely daft shot.

[Aidan11]

I think we bored the batsman into that shot.