…or you could say that the Pakistan lower order batsmen deserve praise. Batted smartly and seized the momentum. This match is nicely poised.
Bruce
2 Likes
…appears the straight-ish ball is our enemy.
Will it go into a 3rd day??
Once again, poor defensive technique against spin is scuppering them. Plus being outwitted by Pakistan, who have fought well.
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Different day, same direction of travel…and nobody look at Stokes’ end, as it gives hope to all Sunday 3rd XI players. The team batting psychologist has a lot to do.
Plus, England are missing a (true) ‘flight and guile’ off-spinner.
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Soham Sarkhel
CricViz analyst
“England have been bowled out on seven occasions within the first 40 overs of their innings in Tests in Asia, three of them have come in 2024.”
I think, as we all know, DRS has aided the spin brigade a great deal. Reading some other social media posts, some people out there must think Pakistan have batted & bowled on a different strip to England in this game!
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Well Pakistan responded to a shellacking in the 1st Test with a total change of plan and players. Then they made it work. England couldn’t adapt, they did. The two new Pakistan spinners were great, and Sajid Khan seems a fantastic character too.
A few hard questions for the England team (and coaches) about how to play spin, but also encouraging spinners to bowl with changes of pace and more variety. Stokes had a poor couple of matches as captain I reckon, and no runs of note. Is he actually fit to bowl-who knows? If he isn’t he better score some runs. Pope is very much on borrowed time, even in this very faithful setup (and as vice captain).
Smith emerges from the tour with credit, Carse and Atkinson too. Never forget those Brook/Root record breaking scores in the first Test but in general there are a few players who might be happy to have a break before playing their next Tests matches in lush NZ.
NZ are shredding India in Pune as we speak!
Bruce
4 Likes
Agger’s steps down today as BBC cricket correspondent. I understand he is not being replaced and but he will still present TMS.
I was trying to look this up and came across the article below. I laughed out loud, but tried not to.
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I managed about 3 paragraphs before his chuntering bored me too much.
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England to play WI today in an ODI.
England could play both Salt and Pepper. Headline writers get ready.
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Might be spicy.
Start of a new seasoning?
One to relish.
Bruce
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And if it goes wrong they will be in a pickle
Ian
1 Like
Lets hope the cricket is not a grind.
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June 23 to June 25.
Only the top 5 teams can still make the final. Poor from England unless I am missing something.
World Test Championship standings
As of 28 October
The World Test Championship table as of 28 October: India (62.82%), Australia (62.50%), Sri Lanka (55.56%), New Zealand (50%), South Africa (47.62%), England (40.79%), Pakistan (33.33%), Bangladesh (30.56%), West Indies (18.52%).
| Position | Team | Points | % points earned |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 98 | 62.82 |
| 2 | Australia | 90 | 62.50 |
| 3 | Sri Lanka | 60 | 55.56 |
| 4 | South Africa | 52 | 54.17 |
| 5 | New Zealand | 60 | 50.00 |
| 6 | England | 93 | 40.79 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 40 | 33.33 |
| 8 | Bangladesh | 33 | 30.56 |
| 9 | West Indies | 20 | 18.52 |
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A combination to savour
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Poor from or poor form ?
Bazball ain’t that successful with those figures.
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Not dull, but not successful it seems. But an improvement compared with the stuff Root’s captaincy served up.
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I don’t learn.
Looking forward to watching the cricket this evening. I don’t have BT Sport. Bo11ocks.
Ok, TMS, not on that either. Bo11ocks again.
Talk Sport 2 only, which I find irritating. But better than nothing.
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