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[Browny]

I'm a big fan of Woakes, but the fact that I live near Edgbaston means I might not be an impartial observer.

Surprised by that good start from Rahat. just need Amir to get that length right before Cook breaks McCullum's record.

I should be more supportive I suppose - I'm in Kings Norton - but I grew up following Worcestershire. So clearly I'd prefer Joe Leach to be playing

 

[Zvonimir Boban]

First Moeen, now Browny. Is there no end to the Worcestershire poaching?

 

[Browny]

Vince had better make this innings count. People will be clammering for Borthwick if he doesn't get a decent score here.

Edit: THAT WASN'T MY FAULT

 

[Zvonimir Boban]

Every time I watch Yasir bowling I'm like

 

[Antiwhippy]

Yasir is soooooooooo good.

 

[Zvonimir Boban]

Holy shit Moeen, I'd be tempted to drop him for that shot alone.

 

[Zvonimir Boban]

How have these two survived this? Great spell from Wahab

 

[SlimySnake]

How have these two survived this? Great spell from Wahab

Why are the edges not making it to the slip courdon? Wahab is bowling around 87 mph. Is it always like this at lords?

But yeah amazing spell by wahab.

 

[kmag]

Pakistan really needed another 40 or 50, not just for the score but for the extra time it would have put in the match. This pitch has slowed but it's not yet really turning.

 

[Zvonimir Boban]

Why are the edges not making it to the slip courdon? Wahab is bowling around 87 mph. Is it always like this at lords?

But yeah amazing spell by wahab.

It's been like this from the first ball of the test, the pitch is just slow and low. Plays into Pakistan's hands because they've gone full UAE style here, in/out field and bowling a tight line. Dry up the runs and let the pressure build, wait for the batsmen to succumb to Yasir and reverse swing.

 

[Faceache]

Holy shit Moeen, I'd be tempted to drop him for that shot alone.

Can't bat, can't bowl, yet somehow gets selected for every test.

 

[Jezbollah]

Bairstow you mong.

 

[Zvonimir Boban]

Bairstow you mong.

I find it difficult to blame him. This is exactly how Pakistan have been winning tests under Misbah, it was a matter of when, not if, Bairstow would get out.

Broad needs to fuck off down to eleven as well, tired of his shit.

 

[Jezbollah]

It annoys me to fuck that we lost 5 years of seeing Amir after what happened.

Edit: 10 wickets for Yasir. Outstanding.

 

[crazy monkey]

pakistan bowling will always be the difference. GG congrats.

 

[hamchan]

Just saw the results and so happy to see it. Well done Pakistan.

 

[SlimySnake]

It annoys me to fuck that we lost 5 years of seeing Amir after what happened.

Edit: 10 wickets for Yasir. Outstanding.

it's aamir's fault for not admitting fault right away in front of the ICC panel and waiting until the criminal case to admit guilt. One of the ICC guys on the panel said if he had admitted guilt and apologized they wouldve given him a shorter ban. he couldve been back in two years.

Yasir has overtaken the #1 spot after this performance. first pakistani bowler to take the spot in 20 years. he's on pace to beat a 100 year old record too.

 

[Zvonimir Boban]

I honestly thought that Moeen was going to be dropped unless England went with two spinners, glad the selectors have kept faith in him.

As I type that, Amir strikes as Hales plays all around a jaffa.

 

[kmag]

After an hour of this test, I don't see England losing it. There's been a bit of swing but this looks a cracking pitch, and normally on a cracking pitch it's the toss which wins the match.

 

[kmag]

This is pretty dull, atm there's nowt in the pitch. It's basically a slow road.

 

[Zvonimir Boban]

That's a brilliant session for England, Pakistan need to get a bunch of wickets in the second session otherwise England will walk this.

If the ball swings like it did this morning then Anderson will rip the Pakistani batsmen a new one.

 

[Zvonimir Boban]

This partnership might win the game on the first day, really good and disciplined batting from these two. Hundred up for Captain Cook and Root looks certain to join him.

 

[Browny]

It's looking pretty good (no jinx). Fingers crossed we can put a big enough score on the board in good time - no point in scoring 600 in three days, no time to put any pressure on.

Does Old Trafford deteriorate on the 4th or 5th day to any degree?

Edit: FUCK'S SAKE

 

[Browny]

Oooooh Vinny Vinny Vinny. You'd better hope you don't have to bat again, otherwise you might be back in county cricket soon...

 

[Mindwipe]

Vince had better make this innings count. People will be clammering for Borthwick if he doesn't get a decent score here.

Edit: THAT WASN'T MY FAULT

Honestly I read this post about then minutes ago. You managed to hoodoo him two tests n a row!

 

[Jezbollah]

How many more failed innings is it going to take for the selectors to realise that Alex Hales is not cut out for test cricket?

 

[Browny]

Honestly I read this post about then minutes ago. You managed to hoodoo him two tests n a row!

I got Cook this time - I was honestly expecting Vince to fuck up again, so I won't take the credit for that one

To have 3 of your top 5 not in form is very concerning. I kinda enjoyed having Trott and Bell as dependables; the newbies need to step up to the plate sharpish, as the winter tours coming up are going to be very tough.

 

[Faceache]

How many more failed innings is it going to take for the selectors to realise that Alex Hales is not cut out for test cricket?

The problem is, we've been through so many openers since Strauss retired that sooner or later we just have to stick to one. I can sort of understand the selectors keeping faith given the lack of options.

The middle order is a different story though. Nothing from Vince has suggested he's worth sticking with, and I have no idea why Ballance was recalled when even his county form has been average at best. Would have loved to see Bairstow moved up with Roy and Buttler brought in, but hey ho.

 

[Zvonimir Boban]

Glad I was playing cricket today instead of watching this on TV...

 

[Gunslinger]

England will close this match out by day 4 I think. Same with the India vs West Indies. India will probably finish the match tomorrow.

 

[Zvonimir Boban]

*sighs*

Every fucking time...

 

[Antiwhippy]

I wonder how many time that headline has appeared haha.

 

[Zvonimir Boban]

It might appear again today :/

Nice to see Moeen back amongst the wickets

 

[Browny]

Moeen
Moeen Moeen
Moeen Moeen
Moeen Moeen Ali

(If he's in for his bowling, then good job he's taking wickets.)

Sucks for Stokes though - he's looked good with the ball. Hopefully a rest will do the job, but he looked in a lot of pain.

 

[phisheep]

The problem is, we've been through so many openers since Strauss retired that sooner or later we just have to stick to one. I can sort of understand the selectors keeping faith given the lack of options.

At this stage I'd be happy if they just put Anderson in to open. At least that way we'd expect to lose an early wicket, rather than being continually disappointed.

 

[Zvonimir Boban]

Moeen and Woakes making Birmingham proud :*)

 

[bobnowhere]

Starc and Hazelwood are both looking very lean and fit.

 

[Antiwhippy]

Kinda dreading this series honestly. The sri lankan squad just seems pretty weak.

 

[bobnowhere]

Kinda dreading this series honestly. The sri lankan squad just seems pretty weak.

Yeah, Sri Lanka are barely looking competitive here. Australia batting in the 2nd session, set 450+ and win by an innings and.

 

[hamchan]

Boy, SL looking so damn weak.

 

[bomma_man]

I recognise no one but Matthews in their batting order.

 

[bomma_man]

Yep, Australia's still terrible at playing spin.

 

[bobnowhere]

Australia better pull their fingers out here or Mendis is going to take this game into uncomfortable territory in the 4th innings.

 

[War Peaceman]

Only Kusal Mendis' second first class century!

Hopefully SLC can steady itself and cultivate some of the talents they have (they won't).

 

[hamchan]

Feels like SL are ahead now because Australia chasing on day 4 against spin sounds like a bloodbath.

 

[bomma_man]

Yep, unless it flattens out this is already over.

 

[bobnowhere]

Well at least you lasted 2 balls against spin Warner.

So'K going home injuried and Jon Holland his replacement,

 

[War Peaceman]

Good to see Bradman 2, aka Adam Voges, really performing in tough conditions.

Also, this Mendis innings must go down as an all time great innings, right?

 

[Antiwhippy]

I see that we're still shit against spin.

That's good though. I want our batsmen challenged.

 

[DeSo]

I see that we're still shit against spin.

We're shit against any ball movement. That's what we get for rolling out flat decks at home.

Praying for bad light now.