3rd Test England v Pakistan, Edgbaston, Aug 3-7.

[pompeymeowth]

Bairstow goes out and gets a chance for his ton, then put 'em in.

[DiligentDefence]

I can't see England giving Pakistan the remotest chance to win. There is nothing in Cook's history to suggest that he will. I'm expecting a draw.

[backfootpunch]

I can't see England giving Pakistan the remotest chance to win. There is nothing in Cook's history to suggest that he will. I'm expecting a draw.

Pakistan's bowling plans today suggests they aren't gonna try and win

[alfie]

Bat for half an hour, get 40 runs, then lob them in, is what I would do. Not sure what Cook will.

That is what I would do. Think that would be enough to make the game safe ...and on a more positive note , would allow England to attack without too much concern over leaking a few early boundaries.

Plus ( and I know some might laugh at this , but still) : a good cushion of runs would allow Moeen to bowl his fair ration of the overs . If Pakistan dig in - as I suspect they will - he may turn out to be important in maybe teasing out a break or two ; and also enduring the fast bowlers can all stay relatively fresh throughout.

Pitch is good enough that giving them all day to get just over 300 might have been a slight risk ; though the scoring rates throughout the match suggest only slight. And of course running them around for half an hour and giving the openers just ten minutes to prepare might also outweigh a few spare overs.

Forcing a win won't be easy. But if England can nip out the openers quickly I think a result could be on.

[hopeforthebest]

I don't think Pakistan will believe they can score 350 in 85 overs to win so they do all they can to slow down the rate of scoring this morning. England should go hell for leather as been said and declare at 340-350 run lead. Four an over is not possible for Pakistan to achieve over a whole days play. Woakes should open the bowling with Jimmy as Broad has been ineffective with the new ball this series.

[Dr Cricket]

Doubt Cook will set an attacking or possible chase for pakistan.

[ianp1970]

Having been up against it for most of the match, England will probably be happy to bat Pakistan out of the game then try to win in 80 overs or so.

Their best chance of winning however is to declare overnight, so they have 10 overs with the new ball later to nip out the tail. The obvious downside to this theory, is that it gives the opposition the outside chance of forcing a won themselves.

I think most on here will know which path the skipper will choose....

[bigfluffylemon]

Highest ever successful chase at Edgbaston is 283 with Graeme Smith playing the innings of his career to get there. No team has ever scored more than that 283 in the fourth innings, even in a draw or a loss, and only three teams have scored more than 250 batting fourth here. History suggests that a lead of 310 is plenty. It's not unassailable, but if Pakistan make it in 90 overs they will be playing out of their skin.

Should declare now.

[ianp1970]

The bookies have the draw at 4-7 and England 13-8. Pakistan are as big as 28-1...

[hopeforthebest]

The bookies have the draw at 4-7 and England 13-8. Pakistan are as big as 28-1...

I think 13-8 is quite generous. I fancy England to win or come very close. Their batsmen will be jittery and good bowling will add to the pressure. Woakes to open bowling.

[Dr Cricket]

TBH if england don't get any wickets for like 20-30 overs they will just play for the draw.
Reckon both team would agree to the draw before the last hour of play.

if anything think the 4-7 is quite generous since it would probably be hard work to take 10 wickets around 70 overs.
if England struggle to take 3-4 wickets in the first 40-50 overs it is a guaranteed draw.

Think many journo reckon england would be 10 overs short and would be ironic if it did happen considering england were about 10 overs short 2 days ago in bowling the overs.

[Aidan11]

What are the ticket prices for today?

Day 5 is usually cheap but only because there is usually a little bit of play expected.

Today is likely to be quite near a full day's play.

[Dr Cricket]

15 pounds for adults and 5 pounds for children.
doubt many would turn up.
guessing maybe 4-5K would be at the ground today.

[Aidan11]

15 pounds for adults and 5 pounds for children.
doubt many would turn up.
guessing maybe 4-5K would be at the ground today.

Shame if true as that's an absolute bargain.

[ianp1970]

15 pounds for adults and 5 pounds for children.
doubt many would turn up.
guessing maybe 4-5K would be at the ground today.

Shame if true as that's an absolute bargain.

If I didn't have other plans, I'd be going again today.