Cricket

And he struggles at Test (and FC) level as a batsman against the red ball. He’s developed a technique of defending, and does so for 10s of overs, when he tries to accelerate he nearly always gets out. We keep being told he has “so much talent”, but in his 45th Test he averages under 32 with one ton. (And at FC level he averages just over 32.) He needs to show he can do against the red ball what he does so well against the white ball, dominate the bowlers and score runs, but he doesn’t, he goes into his shell. How long before we accept he’s a failed experiment?

I think the theory is/was that by the time he gets to the wicket the ball should be old and hittable. Thing is, he’s batting too high at #6 (really a Test #8) and getting there far too early, with the (red) ball still moving about and/or spinning far more than on the concrete-prepared ODI wickets.

I would always play my best 'keeper on the basis they can also hold a bat - i.e. neither Buttler or Bairstow.

England are relying on that 12th man called ‘Extras’ to get a few runs in this game.

As I’ve said before I’m happy with batsmen converted to keepers, the best 2 sides I’ve ever seen had Dujon and Gilchrist, both batsmen who became competent keepers. But when your batsman keeper is also not good enough with the bat you’ve got the worst of all worlds. Remember that recently they picked Buttler as a specialist bat at 7!

I’ve always been a big fan of Buttler but even I’m beginning to think a change is necessary. Strangely Foakes is not only a better keeper but averages over forty in tests.

Ten innings and two n.o. so not a great deal to go on, but his first class average is 38 so he’s no rabbit. Would bat no lower than Buttler.

Bruce

Makes you wonder who he has pissed off…

I don’t think it’s Foakes. Buttler was Ed Smith’s first big bet as selector. He had a good first series averaging 80 (admittedly 161 from 3 innings, so not a huge number of knocks). He had 2 OK series after that, then has struggled against good pace attacks ever since. I read an good article by George Dobell on cricinfo which summed up my view, Buttler was Smith stamping his style on the England selection, and Smith isn’t accepting it hasn’t worked. He has had to move away from packing the Test top order with white ball specialists, so Buttler is the last of Smith’s early decisions.

I think there’s a case to be made for Buttler. He made a couple of errors yesterday but in the past 2 series - SA and Windies - he has kept very well and virtually error free. When he bats he at least takes account of the situation and plays for the team. If his batting in the last two tests is not good enough then there should be 3 or 4 others for the chop as well.
I think that the main problem with the team is Root’s captaincy - he adds a whole new dimension to the concept of lacklustre. I would give Stokes a run and hope that Root can recover his batting form.

Well England have a sniff of a chance as the day ends. Good fight back. Can they finish off the innings and then put some pressure on the Pakistan bowlers tomorrow ? Probably not but a good contest again I hope.

Spin to win it most likely.

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Bit of mayhem for three overs, England will need 277. Surely not…

Bruce

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Question is will Old Trafford conditions give them a chance.
24’C, becoming overcast this pm & a bit of a breeze from the north (down the line)
I suspect some movement in the air, will the openers dig in & hold their nerve (this time)

This will be interesting, what’s the chances.

I’m not betting, my monies going on cool dark amber stuff prior to this evenings hot peri peri chicken braai.

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I think it may be interesting if they can apply some pressure to a fairly inexperienced Pakistan team. Yasir Shah can be erratic and expensive for example.

Test cricket. Love it.

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Will England last the day?
I would like to see England dig in and show some mettle, but I fear mystery spin and reverse swing will undo them.

You spoke too soon soon Camphuw, 22-1 after 11, Burns lbw.
Its a pity they couldn’t hold out 'till lunch, if nothing else its a physiological milestone

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55-1 at Lunch
Sibley 26
Root 18
Steady - but we need the classic captains knock from Root today

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99 to win. Five wickets left. Pakistan still favourites, but Woakes and Buttler playing controlled positive cricket.

New ball might come when it is getting close?

A match that deserves a partisan crowd.

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Looking like we can get there!

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Not yet done. Runs slowing and Buttler out.
New ball time.

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