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[ProCricketer1982]

To be fair there wasn't a lot of risk in that shot. Also if you watch Ali play then you would realise he favours that shot a lot to bowlers who come around the wicket to him.

So because he favours it it's a sensible option? Remind me how well he's done the last few games?

[petehosk]

I think they are excellent bowlers, but as for Anderson being on par with Dale Steyn? Steyn's average of 22.5 vs Anderson's of 29.2. Steyn's SR of one wicket every 41.4 balls vs Anderson's 57.6. Steyn 24 5WI vs Anderson's 18. Sure Anderson has 20 more wickets but he has bowled in 55 more innings.

Don't get me wrong, I think Anderson is fantastic and certainly world class, but he isn't on par with Dale Steyn. I would say Broad and Anderson are second behind Steyn and Philander though as a pace attack.

Nobody can argue that Anderson and Broad (when he is firing) are World Class.
But I must agree with you that Steyn is a level above! Come to think of it, Steyn is a level above any other bowler in the World anyway!

[Seniorplayer]

Brilliant stuff from us even Aussie in England will be praising the poms
Patel I thought did well but no control from the others

Bet he won't praise from an Aussie most unlikely.

[tate035]

So because he favours it it's a sensible option? Remind me how well he's done the last few games?

Fair point but I think most people would agree that batting is a confidence thing. No better way to regain confidence than playing one of your favourite shots. I would also point out that many including myself do not see Ali as an opener at test match level. So therefore I for one have NOT been surprised by his failures. Very hard to change your natural game unless you are extremely talented. In my opinion Ali is not extremely talented. 

[ProCricketer1982]

I normally slate broad but he and Anderson bowled really well today. Bowled with discipline and good lines/lengths. Fair play to both

[edge]

I think they are excellent bowlers, but as for Anderson being on par with Dale Steyn? Steyn's average of 22.5 vs Anderson's of 29.2. Steyn's SR of one wicket every 41.4 balls vs Anderson's 57.6. Steyn 24 5WI vs Anderson's 18. Sure Anderson has 20 more wickets but he has bowled in 55 more innings.

Don't get me wrong, I think Anderson is fantastic and certainly world class, but he isn't on par with Dale Steyn. I would say Broad and Anderson are second behind Steyn and Philander though as a pace attack.

Steyn has had a much better career yeah, Anderson v2 after he got in the test side consistently and went back to his original action is much much closer on stats though.

[brokenbat]

Huge day coming up - I don't think a draw is possible given how quickly the first innings got wrapped up. My gut feel says England all out for 280-300, setting up yet another exciting finish.

[smilley792]

Up and ready! Come on boys. 300 plus please.

[smilley792]

5 overs this Morning and we are back to spin!!

[rickjames]

Moeen and these stupid bloody shots

[jezza39]

I wonder how many more failures it will take before England realise Ali is no more than a slogging #7 or #8

[brokenbat]

Not a real batsman.

[smilley792]

Nick, Sam, Michael, Jonathan and Adam please come back, all is forgiven!




Begining to think even Ali doesn't want to open and is doing his best to get dropped.!

[smilley792]

First session done, and only the hapless night watchmen has fell.........


Pakistan not looking overly threatening.

[Aussie In England]

This should finally end any comments about Anderson or Broad not being world class. The pair have 632 combined wickets as a combo and both been match winners in every continent on earth that cricket is played. Superb and Anderson as a bowler must be on a par with steyn. A few months time should confirm that statement.
Really hope the batters think about there innings and compile a 400 odd score and give us a great chance of levelling the series as I feel a draw is a fair result for both sides

Anderson on par with Steyn? Delusional.

Steyn is a first ballot hall of famer. Anderson will be relying on pity to ever get near the ICC hall of fame.