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[Sitonit]

that would be VERY brave. think 300 needed at minimum - so pak has no option but to play for a draw

Misbah's all time favorite outcome of a match. ^^^


He is always more scared of defeat than having the belly fire to win - so draw is what he absolutely loves to have regardless of how close to victory Pak team is.

[rickjames]

Which is what Cook is like, playing it safe. Imagine he'll want at least 300 before even considering declaring...

[SOULMAN1012]

Was at the game today and what a great day to watch, watching cook bat was class and he just nails that cut shot every time; such a cracking sound off the bat as well just awesome. Hales was ok got going a bit better in the late evening but just needs that first test ton so he feels like he belongs then I think we will see a more aggressive but defencivmy tight Hales

[ElPerro]

How good is England's slip corden do we reckon? I haven't got the stats but they seem to drop a surprising amount , probably around like 35% dropped wouldn't surprise me

For me cook always looks so tense whenever taking a catch at slip

[Wills]

How good is England's slip corden do we reckon? I haven't got the stats but they seem to drop a surprising amount , probably around like 35% dropped wouldn't surprise me

For me cook always looks so tense whenever taking a catch at slip

And to think, a few years ago, you would've laughed at the thought of England dropping more catches than Pakistan during a match.

[dcullen8]

I believe i saw we drop around 28% of catches, the best teams were around 20-21% if my memory serves me right

[WalkingWicket37]

I believe i saw we drop around 28% of catches, the best teams were around 20-21% if my memory serves me right

That still seems a high number, that would mean the "best" teams drop one in five.

[sanredrose]

Very good comeback by England ! Two more days to go ... lets see if we can get a result ....

[dcullen8]

@WalkingWicket37 sky sports had the stats up at somepoint during the test, but i dont think they were too far away from that.

Can only imagine our numbers would be lower with a proper glovesman and keeping stokes fit

[brokenbat]

Which is what Cook is like, playing it safe. Imagine he'll want at least 300 before even considering declaring...

Bob Willis thinks draw most likely outcome.

Unless eng score at 5 an over (in which case they can declare around Tea), they may not have enough time to bowl pak out.

[brokenbat]

Misbah's all time favorite outcome of a match. ^^^


He is always more scared of defeat than having the belly fire to win - so draw is what he absolutely loves to have regardless of how close to victory Pak team is.

The man is a legend. If he wins this series (yes, it's a big if), his team will be ranked 1. And that will be one of the more remarkable turnarounds in the sport - especially given all the crap he has had to deal with, and given his age.

I am pretty sure most of England will be happy for him,  if that is indeed the case.

Anyway, no interest in stirring up another pointless debate (haters gotta hate, trolls gotta troll)...looking forward to more excellent test match cricket.

[csnew]

The Saturday debate should be interesting, current world 11. Athers side with no AbD??
 

[GoodLeave]

The Saturday debate should be interesting, current world 11. Athers side with no AbD??

I don't like where this is going...

Nobody has mentioned Woakes in the all rounder slot...
I know he's only been hot for a few months, but right now? I think he's better than Stokes. Almost as talented with the bat, but much more consistent with the ball.

Lots of talk about Ashwin's 100's on home pitches in dead matches...

[csnew]

Amazing that Williamson was not selected! Runs in all conditions.
Kohli as captain??

[ppccopener]

The man is a legend. If he wins this series (yes, it's a big if), his team will be ranked 1. And that will be one of the more remarkable turnarounds in the sport - especially given all the crap he has had to deal with, and given his age.

I am pretty sure most of England will be happy for him,  if that is indeed the case.

Anyway, no interest in stirring up another pointless debate (haters gotta hate, trolls gotta troll)...looking forward to more excellent test match cricket.

Worth remembering as the Aussies are getting mullered by Sri Lanka, Pakistan are playing here in just as alien conditions. They don't tour here very often and have played a huge amount of cricket in the uae.

On whatever league table there is for test cricket away wins surely count for more?

Pakistan have been excellent here and misbah is a credit to them.