Pakistan v England 1st test

[TeaCider]

Surely a Pakistan win here.

I'm getting a lot of predictions wrong lately, hopefully this is another one.

 

[NormanbyRed77]

25-2, and an injured player also back in the hut

 

[Chris_Boro]

Suddenly 320 more runs looks very very far away.

 

[TheBoroBuzzard]

See..never doubt Stokesy..although I think he might have miscalculated what day it was

 

[Cardiffdaffs]

England desperately need a breakthrough. Pakistan need less than 200 runs to win this now.

 

[Abel Tasman]

Admire England for giving Pakistan a fighting chance to win the game. Sadly I think Pakistan are going to take that opportunity with glee.

 

[Cardiffdaffs]

This would be the highest first innings score to result in a loss in the history of first class cricket. Essex scored 642 against Glamorgan in 2004 and lost by 4 wickets.

 

[Zoophonic]

This would be the highest first innings score to result in a loss in the history of first class cricket. Essex scored 642 against Glamorgan in 2004 and lost by 4 wickets.

We're surely not favourites now. I struggle to see how an extra 50 runs off 5 overs wasn't worth, would mean we couldn't have lost, but would have only marginally reduced our chances of winning. Maybe a loss might help in the long run, Stokes might be getting carried away.

 

[Cardiffdaffs]

We're surely not favourites now. I struggle to see how an extra 50 runs off 5 overs wasn't worth, would mean we couldn't have lost, but would have only marginally reduced our chances of winning. Maybe a loss might help in the long run, Stokes might be getting carried away.

Its a risky strategy and ethos this England team have taken. If this was against Australia Id be very miffed but as it is only Pakistan hope they as you say learn.

 

[Cardiffdaffs]

 

[Zoophonic]

My major worry is the workload on the seamers. Not watched much this morning but seems that the spinners are utterly pointless and going at 4s. 3 seamers having to bang it in having had 3 hours off the pitch is going to take its toll.

 

[breakthewallsdown]

Fair play to Stokes for having the balls to try win the game

 

[Zoophonic]

Fair play to Stokes for having the balls to try win the game

I guess these days getting beat doesn't matter. Draws are nothing. I guess us oldies have to get used to this new brand of cricket with lots more 3 day results.

 

[On The Bob]

Its a risky strategy and ethos this England team have taken. If this was against Australia Id be very miffed but as it is only Pakistan hope they as you say learn.

I agree. The “approach” is still a work in progress.

It feels strange because we’ve always been so risk-averse over the years. Unfortunately, It will occasionally find us out.

Pitch is as flat anything. A bit of express pace would have helped. We are also desperate for a decent spinner. Leach is solid but average at best.

All that said though, it’s a bold approach and no doubt we will some and lose some along the way. It’s a massive improvement on years gone by though.

Early wickets in this session key. Think Pakistan will do it though.

 

[TeaCider]

Not looking good.

 

[Abel Tasman]

Rrizwan gone. Chink of light.

 

[TeaCider]

Get in!

 

[TeaCider]

Still seems like it'll be a struggle to win this, but you never know.

 

[Zoophonic]

Its going to get dark in less than 3 hours. Have they got time? Draw?

 

[TeaCider]

Running out of runs.

England are losing this.