Print

[alexhilly1492]

yeah that was 2010? i remember the game against surrey where he hit a few quick runs and took a double wicket maiden late on i think

[rickjames]

At least the new Bond film is out today, a true bastion of English steel

[smilley792]

Atleast we can take heart in one thing!

The Aussies lost by more runs on this ground to Pakistan exactly 1 year ago(in losing the 2 match series 2-0)

[ppccopener]

Atleast we can take heart in one thing!

The Aussies lost by more runs on this ground to Pakistan exactly 1 year ago(in losing the 2 match series 2-0)

liking your style. England have actually played pretty well apart from a horror session. Pakistan are very firm favourites to win so there's no surprise

the frustrating thing is we were outstanding in the last match and only 2 overs from a victory......

[rich041187]

Isnt it light meter time yet??

[alexhilly1492]

i wonder if pakistan will be bowling at a rate of 12 overs an hour like abu dhabi now they're in with a chance of winning?

[csnew]

Time for monty and Anderson to save the game. Get those glove changes every over

[edge]

Rashid looking increasingly at home in test cricket, what chance of him displacing Moeen? Ali is in the process of proving that he's not a test batsman and still getting milked with the ball, his wicket taking record isn't bad but it's very rare he gets someone out rather than batsmen being too aggressive and making mistakes. Rashid not the most consistent but as a legspinner always more likely to get people out. Don't think it's likely but could happen if they get a run in the side together, Cook did seem to turn to Rashid over Ali in this game.

[Kulli]

Ali was one of our highest scorers this summer, not sure you can write him off as a test batsman on the basis of 4 innings in a position he's never batted in before.

[alexhilly1492]

i think hes batted really well in a no win situation just hope he can push on with wood and get a big score 30 overs left why not!!

[GoldenArm]

Rashid looking increasingly at home in test cricket, what chance of him displacing Moeen? Ali is in the process of proving that he's not a test batsman and still getting milked with the ball, his wicket taking record isn't bad but it's very rare he gets someone out rather than batsmen being too aggressive and making mistakes. Rashid not the most consistent but as a legspinner always more likely to get people out. Don't think it's likely but could happen if they get a run in the side together, Cook did seem to turn to Rashid over Ali in this game.

He's just batting 5 positions too high at the moment! Don't think rashids batting will ever be in the class of Mo's even though he's very good for a bowler.

[edge]

Ali was one of our highest scorers this summer, not sure you can write him off as a test batsman on the basis of 4 innings in a position he's never batted in before.

I didn't rate him as a batsman before this summer and didn't really change my opinion after it. Very good number 8, but never a test quality top 6. Test average of 30 tells you that - brilliant to have in your side as a no8, not going to be picked as a batsman based on those stats. No genuine test batsman gets caught in the slips droving at wide ones the amount he does!

[petehosk]

Ali is a far better batsman that Rashid!!!
But Ali should be batting at around 6-8 until he beds in and then see how he goes! Batting him at 2 at International level was never likely to work!
I am interested to see what changes are made for the 3rd Test! These series should have always been seen as a way of experimenting with the team order in readiness for the SA Test!! If the selectors don't make any changes for the 3rd Test then they really need a slap!
And if they drop a new number 2 bat in for the SA Test, then that is stupidly unfair against the best bowling attack in cricket!

[Seniorplayer]

Ali ihas shown he's at is best at no 8 he is not good enough for the top  six

[jgi751987]

Good to hear there is some resilience from the lower order on TMS. It would be great for Rashid to get a first 50 in tests to go along with his 5-for in the last game. Changes will be required for the next test, and then again for South Africa.

I'd go for the following line-up in the next test: Cook, Hales, Taylor, Root, Stokes, Bairstow (wk), Ali, Rashid, Broad, Wood, Anderson

However, further changes needed for South Africa: Cook, Hales, Taylor, Root, Hildreth, Bairstow (wk), Ali, Willey, Broad, Wood, Anderson - if need 2 spinners then throw Rashid in for Wood IMO.