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

[hopeforthebest]

We won't really be able to judge the relative positions of the teams until around luch tomorrow. Early wickets cpuld change the complection of the game but they still have some fine batsmen to come.

[captaincolly]

Bob Willis on The Verdict: " We saw the rat Graeme Swann leave the sinking ship midway through the Ashes."

[Aidan11]

Bob Willis on The Verdict: " We saw the rat Graeme Swann leave the sinking ship midway through the Ashes."

Like it.

[yuppie]

Bob Willis on The Verdict: " We saw the rat Graeme Swann leave the sinking ship midway through the Ashes."

[greyblazer]

Anderson and Broad were getting it go rather late with the old ball. England need to strike early in the morning with that old ball as I don't see the spin trio doing much damage.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Superb first over by Rashid, turning the ball a long way, and a regulation stumping chance missed by the keeper, as well as the rather hopeful referral.

[Arthur Crabtree]

A little reverse swing gets the nightwatcher, England in the game from both ends.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Ton for Hafeez. Incredibly valuable innings. But the game still in the balance. I can't see England chasing 200, but if they make use of this swing and spin, 120 could be on.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Broad drops Hafeez off his own bowling. England not taking their chances. A little gentle swing for Broad, replacing Rashid after a short spell. 100 lead.

[hopeforthebest]

I think the stumping chance was less than regulation but Bairstow will feel pretty bad about it. It's one of those days so far for England, bowling well but not getting the rewards. The dropped c & b by Broad was a tough chance but adds to the frustration.

[hopeforthebest]

Boycott powering away behind the commentary on TMS, what's going on.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Morning Hope. Dunno. I didn't say an easy stumping because, between bat and pad, you will briefly lose sight of the ball. But it went over leg stump within reach and felt a standard opportunity. I thought the c&b was quite straightforward, as Broad's momentum took him towards the ball. I think both will feel they should have taken the chance.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Boycott powering away behind the commentary on TMS, what's going on.

Given up on Boycott. Athers said the stumping was easy. I imagine the Yorkshireman got a more sympathetic reading from Boycott. Back on TMS now.

[Aidan11]

A wicket this morning but still hard work.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Anderson out of the attack, economical but little reward. This was going to be a game defining first hour, and Pakistan still intact, save the nightwatcher.