England Test Cricket Thread - Summer 2016

[NormalWisdom]

NormalWisdom said:

600 in the 154th over giving us around 20 overs to get at 'em

Got the 20 overs right due to a miscalculation!

[spikeyhead]

Now we'll see how Pakistan bat with some scoreboard pressure on after a couple of hard days in the field.

[Murph7355]

I'd have racked a few more runs on to force a higher follow on score.

Still think it'll be a tough one for Pakistan, but we could hit the vagaries of the weather or a dogged batting stand from the visitors...

[FiF]

Think Cook's hand was forced when Bairstow went, how long would Broad have hung on based on recent history. At least him and Jimmy are fresh. Yes it would have been nice to have seen in excess of 600 but let's see Pakistan make a fist of it. Suspect we will know by lunch/tea tomorrow if we're heading one way or to other.

[FourWheelDrift]

Good start so far.

[spikeyhead]

Nothing can go wrong from here

[Smollet]

Not going well for Pakistan.

[Murph7355]

Great start, and Pakistan are struggling. Follow on looking dead set (making the follow on score with 2 innings could be tough for them at this stage)...weather permitting - could still play a part looking at the forecast.

[spikeyhead]

and did those feet, in ancient times. ...

C'mon England

[spikeyhead]

I'm glad I don't have a ticket for tomorrow

[FiF]

Christ can they get to follow on score with two Innings?

[Murph7355]

FiF said:

Christ can they get to follow on score with two Innings?

Not looking likely at the moment is it?

Fingers crossed

[zygalski]

Erm... I assume we're batting again to rest our bowlers for an hour or two???

[Smollet]

Makes little sense to me not to enforce the follow on.

[spikeyhead]

Hal;es, Vince and Balance need to find some form, and it's a perfect opportunity for them here. I'd move Root down the order, and possibly Cook too.

[RichB]

zygalski said:

Erm... I assume we're batting again to rest our bowlers for an hour or two???

I guess so, let them have a shower and a cold drink then bring them back out for the last hour.

[FiF]

spikeyhead said:

Hal;es, Vince and Balance need to find some form, and it's a perfect opportunity for them here. I'd move Root down the order, and possibly Cook too.

Tend to agree, certainly move Root down, the three you mention certainly seems to suffer in tests from tendency to play limited over shots. In one sense what's needed in England's second innings is hitting it as if it's limited overs, BUT the field placing isn't going to be the same, I think. So if they try to move it on and fail again that could be bad for the mental aspect of the game. All these guys have the technical ability, i.e. they have the shots, but it's the mental / attitude bit they're lacking.

The decision is made now, but if the bowlers had been in the field a long time in extreme conditions and had a real grinding time, or some were carrying minor injuries then could understand, but think I'd have enforced the follow on tbh.

[Smollet]

Rain has stopped play so if it lasts the rest of the day will they declare first thing?

[Black can man]

Smollet said:

Rain has stopped play so if it lasts the rest of the day will they declare first thing?

I'm sure Cook & co will know exactly whats happening weather wise & as said already a few of our lads could do with a bit more time in the middle as well as giving the oppo's 4 pronged attack even more punishment as well as give our quickies a rest.

Cook just needs to make sure he gets time for at least 3 new balls, not that i think he'll need it .


Of course i could be totally wrong, but if we don't win then questions will have to be asked.

[Black can man]

Play to resume in 5 minutes