The summer of cricket 2020

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A very strong position for England with runs on the board and a series lead in hand.

Pakistan going to have to produce something special from here to rescue the series

Duty281 wrote:Pakistani openers will be delighted at England continuing to bat. Particularly with the light starting to fade and the shadows getting noticeably longer.

Can't fathom Root not wanting 20 or so overs at Pakistan tonight.

Maybe they just want to annoy us

Broad out and that's it ...thankfully !

13 overs to bowl. Hope they prove worth waiting up for...

Probably meandered a bit too long but plenty of time to force a result.

Gooseberry wrote:Fawad Alam two wickets, not what he was picked for but at least he can feel hes made a token contribution for his recall now

Fawad definitely the pick of the bowlers

Just look in the scorebook.

At last. Two tonight and England will be laughing.

Yeah do feel that the openers woudlve been more happy if england had declared at tea when conditions were at their easiest but they couldve had another 5 or so overs at Pakistan this evening. The early morning conditions could be the trickiest though, so having fresh bowlers are a new ball for that may well turn out to be the key as to whether Paksitans top order is blown away or gets the opportunity to grind the draw into contention.
Anything England can now get tonight is a nice bonus, and no wicket could feel like theyve handed a bit of momentum and hope back to Pakistan. Lets hope the bowlers are switched on after sitting around doing nothing for two days.

alfie wrote:

Gooseberry wrote:Fawad Alam two wickets, not what he was picked for but at least he can feel hes made a token contribution for his recall now

Fawad definitely the pick of the bowlers

Just look in the scorebook.

Pity England didnt pick their left arm spinner eh

Well outside the line. Even Broad didn't think it was out!

Think he's gone this time though...

Yes that's dead ...Jimmy gets his bunny.

Now that's out. Anderson continues his hold over Shan Masood and moves to 594 test wickets.

Why would you review that?

No saving him this time, England in the box seat

Excellent by Anderson, poor by Shan Masood.

That's what England needed, get at the skipper as early as possible.

Not a bad little session then!

Two for Jimmy

Nice low catch for Sibley. Both openers gone and England having a great start...

Is that 600 wickets in sight in this match , I wonder ?

Two down, Pakistan need to dig deep here or it could get ugly

England are laughing. Anderson's on song.

Great finish to the day for England...Jimmy on fire tonight and gets the big wicket of Babar...

Only ended up getting 11 overs at them but I think we can forgive that now

I think any of us would've settled for 3 down and Babar among them, so the extra runs are a bonus

As good as it could be. Just need the weather to behave now.

Pakistan look like a beaten team. Crawley and Buttler have ground them into the dirt. Really down to how much time is available now

Perfect little session in the end, this could end very quickly. That 150 from Masood looking like a massive bit of luck rather than any real ability.

Wow 3 is as good as ever could have been hoped for. Englands patience paying dividends. Come back in the damp morning with a ball thats still new and a Jimmy Anderson with fresh legs. It would take some rotten luck with the weather or one a rearguard action of Woakes Crawely Buttler proportion to bail Pakistan out of this hole.

Feels like a shadow of the side that fronted up for tests one, even more so than the decline we saw from the West Indies. I can now see why Australia made absolute mincemeat of them. Its also been a good example of why it is that England now consider 5 proper bowlers a minimum rather than a luxury, and just how much having so many all rounders bring balance to their side. Pakistan are a full bowler short and also have a tests weak batting line up. They also seem t have lost the discipline, specific technique, and application that they bought to the first test
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As India are playing Aus next up a win here would mean a good performance in India would firmly cement them in the top two and in with a  a genuine shout at the test final if/when that ever happens. Theres a big "if " there about the winter tours of course but they were so far off the pace after the NZ series it was ridiculous. Still slightly ironic that Crawley is only a thing because everyone got ill and likely would've just making his debut sometime this summer had things "gone to plan" rather than fully coming of age.

So many epic performances from individuals in the england side this summer. Does make you feel that the building blocks are there for these players to become more consistent. Also that the team has a much better way of dealing with internal pressures and helping guys like Buttler overcome the lows. Hope they can do the same with Archer whos had a rough summer off the field and with the internet more so than on the pitch. Stokes was already the grandstand player, but after he kind of led the way we have seen most other players in the squad have their day and match if not outdo his feats.

Impressed by the way England have handled the big name threat players. The internet was absolutely terrified of Shah, especially when it looked like the first would be a spinners paradise. As has been the case with many visiting spinners in recent years after success in the first test England have got on top of them in later ones. Babar Azam turned up with a fanfare of being up there with Smith and Kholi Labuschange as the best batsman in the world currently. Both of them have been dealt with pretty well on the whole through the series so far, not treated with awe and made to look mortal.  

Another positive that Vaughn has been talking up is that this side is looking like one that could cope better on the flatter pitches seen in Asia and Aus. Theres been occasions where the batsmen have struggled to make the best of flat decks, but Vaughn was pointing to some specifics in Crawleys play that seem to come from his time in Aus that really helped him score easily inb a low risk way off the quicks when he wasn't having to account for the kind of seam and swing we've seen elsewhere in the summer. Buttlers confidence and patience shows he can dig in and just bat all day, which is a novelty for him. Sibley we know doesnt really do anything else. They also have the firepower to really cut loose if they need to, but seemed to find a very nice balance between risk and reward here that was lacking in the all guns blazing Bayliss era and often saw them turn flat pitches and good starts into disasters. Getting the quicks on rhythm is the next piece, having the ability to field 5 proper bowlers who arent all just county pace right arm dukes ball specialists means they can have an attack to cope with attritional tests. Spin as discussed at length last night is still a bit of a problem, but they have lots of options with some test pedigree now and are in a better place than the days of Mo on a meltdown or recalling Gareth Batty. Just could do with Leach playing some cricket and Mo finding his best self again. I do feel like this is an England team on a positive trajectory and exceeding expectations, they had every right to loose in SA when almost not being able to field a fit XI at all.

All in a very memorable summer of tests, one of those that will make great highlights viewing on a wet day in a decades time. Just really hope this one doesnt fizzle out like the previous test to the weather.

Tomorrow should be a full or near full lengthened day. Monday a bit sketchier but good chance of a near full day. Tuesday looks very ropey but maybe play let on if its not too waterlogged.  Overall we should be good for well over 150 overs to take 18 wickets. the worry for me is that England dont enforce the follow on with an over optimistic view of the weather. Obviously thats getting a bit ahead , theres still 7 wickets to take albeit only half of those possessing any significant talent, but its hard to see Pakistan making enough to force England to bat again. They just might choose to do so which will send the impatient crew into meltdown, especially if its Burns scratching around trying "save his test career".

Vintage spell from Anderson. Should get to 600 wickets in this test!

Worse case scenario, weather-wise, is we only get 90 overs in with Monday and Tuesday completely rained off. But we should get at least 135 overs in, which should be enough to take 17 wickets, unless England bat on instead of enforcing the follow-on, which will throw everything into doubt.

Watched the highlights just now - looks about as perfect a day for England as they could’ve had. Buttler/Crawley saw off the final real challenge in the morning session from Abbas with a newish ball, and then cashed in after lunch and England ground them into the dirt in the final session - before some beautiful bowling from all, particularly Anderson this evening, and still a new-ish ball to go with again tomorrow morning!

Let’s hope the weather gods allow us enough time to get the game finished...

(A scorecard here reminiscent of when you wake up and check a scorecard after day 2 of say a 3rd ashes test in Perth, good to be on the other end of it!).

Team has come a long way than twelve months ago - three extremely promising young batsmen all have made a century now, and look well set for decent to very good international careers hopefully...(and dare I say it, some praise for Ed Smith and co )

Current Test Championship standings (for those interested):

India - 360 (nine games left: four in Australia where it's 30 points for a win and 10 for a draw; five at home to England where it's 24 points for a win and 8 for a draw)
Australia - 296 (nine games left: the aforementioned four at home to India; two away to Bangladesh where it's 60 points for a win and 20 for a draw; three away to South Africa where it's 40 points for a win and 13 for a draw)
England - 279* (eight games left: this one against Pakistan where it's 40 points for a win and 13 for a draw; the aforementioned five against India; and two away to Sri Lanka where it's 60 points for a win and 20 for a draw)

Top two go through to the one-off final at Lord's next year (if that's still happening then!). England basically need a favour from Australia against India, and to win the current game and both against Sri Lanka. It's crucial to win both against Sri Lanka to stay in the hunt, then England have to emulate 2012 in India...or maybe a narrow defeat would do if India do poorly against the Aussies.

*The rest are pretty much out of the hunt. NZ have 180, Pakistan 153, Sri Lanka 80, West Indies 40, South Africa 24, Bangladesh 0.

Id assumed we were starting early this morning but thanks to a surprisingly decent over rate, given the context and early disruption yesterday, they arent running behind. Frustrating, if undersdtandble, that they wont use the half hour in anticipation of bad weather Tuesday.

Forecasts not changed much, good today, could go either way monday, small window of late play at best Tuesday. England cant afford one of those extended periods of drifting through the game after 40 overs, but conditions could be good for batting after the first couple of hours this morning.

They decided not to start half-an-hour earlier because of the rain that was around. They will be trying to make up time at the end of the day (so 98 overs today, play until 7).

Well that didnt take long. Andersons killing it!

..and its raining. Sigh.

Nice start from England and Anderson, but this could be the type of frustrating drizzle that keeps them off for an hour or two while not dispensing much rain.

Restart at 11:35. Hopefully this little burst of rain will encourage Root to enforce the follow-on...provided Pakistan don't produce a 5th wicket partnership like England did.

Alam gets a ball at last!

Some terrible reviews in this test, there's another. England down to 1.

Quite entertaining to watch Fawad Alam bat, for however long it lasts.

I don't really see the point of Alam starting so square when he moves so early.

Working for Fawad so far...he's lasted longer than some of his mates

Who said the weather today was going to be good ? I presume that meant "better as the day goes on".

Archer on now. He was pretty lively last night , though he didn't make them play enough. Should appreciate a chance to bowl at a left hander...

And here's the blasted rain again

Oh dear, more rain. Hopefully they take lunch now.

Azhar Ali's looked pretty solid, though Anderson nearly cleaned him up in his last over.

In better news, Hameed has hit his third 50 of the season in the Bob Willis Trophy.

Was supposed to be clear today but ooks like one of those days where small cloud just turns into enoughblight rain to bring them off. the forecast has got a little worse for tomorrow and is stil abysmal for Tuesday so its going to take a monumental effort for England to force a result.

If Pakistan's first innings can last through today, perhaps aided by bad light and rain, I would make the draw favourite. But if England can take the final six by stumps today, they still have a decent to good chance of winning the match.

Azhar Ali's doing well so far. Leaving the ball well, something which couldn't be said of some of Pakistan's top order.

Another wasted review

Archer's cranked it up after a wayward start. Nearly got Azhar Ali, but shoulder not glove.

Excellent call from the umpire. England out of reviews after 28 overs which, starting from three, is criminal.

Time for Bess.

Not a lot of threat since lunch.

Archer's early stuff not as rapid as last night. But he's worked up some rhythm now...looks to have stepped up a gear this over...serious speed .. And a review ...unwise I think : yes , another wasted review

After the early wicket , the rain and some defiant batting from these two has taken a bit of the menace out of the attack. Ball is 28 overs old now do they'll want to grab one soon or they might have to resort to Bess - provided he can remember how to bowl

And here he is

alfie wrote:Not a lot of threat since lunch.

Archer's early stuff not as rapid as last night. But he's worked up some rhythm now...looks to have stepped up a gear this over...serious speed .. And a review ...unwise I think : yes , another wasted review

After the early wicket , the rain and some defiant batting from these two has taken a bit of the menace out of the attack. Ball is 28 overs old now do they'll want to grab one soon or they might have to resort to Bess - provided he can remember how to bowl

And here he is

Not sure Bess is looking much of a threat either!

Archer was hitting the batsmen a lot and causing problems, Woakes very loose though. Don't think either has ever looked comfortable so the threats there, but does already feel to be drifting with the reviews having being burnt. Frustrating but equally its easy to forget that having a team 4 down off 28 overs is very good. Think the lack of patience from us comes from knowing the weathers likely to rob England of a chance. Feel they need to be into Pakistans second inning after tea to force this, the rain today and yesterday when none was forecast makes me very pessimistic.

I think Pakistan will be delighted to see Bess on, the two batters should be able to manage him very comfortably.

Archer's sharp burst didn't yield anything. Time for Woakes to try from a different end.

Was good to see Archer decided to bend his back today...first time since the first West Indies match that he's really cranked it up. Think that was a sensible way to use him - a short burst , full pace . No result today , but probably the best role for him in a four man pace attack.

The wasted reviews are annoying. I thought they were all pretty silly to be honest so if they need one later Root will be kicking himself.

A wicket will still have Pakistan struggling so no huge concern yet ; but it looks a different game from the Anderson with the new ball period... Might see a bit of juggling of the bowlers.

Hope Woakes has a happier time from the other end now...

Apparently Archers fastest since last year and some 5th and 6th fastest of his career. Just goes to show he does vary his pace by choice to conditions as much as form.

Do wish someone would tell the pundits/commentators that the reason Alam was left out for so long, by his own admission, was his involvement in corruption. It shouldnt take a genius to have figured that out even if they didnt know given when it happened.

And there he goes to the ever present threat of Bess to the brilliant keeping of Buttler
(Noting that he did exactly what Tuffers was saying he needed to do and flighted it more and bowled with less pace)

And Bess has the breakthrough...nice piece of bowling

And to everyone's relief , Buttler managed to hang on to that catch

Pressure back on Pskistan...

At last. And it's Bess who delivers.

One more and Yasir's at the crease.

alfie wrote:And Bess has the breakthrough...nice piece of bowling

And to everyone's relief , Buttler managed to hang on to that catch

Pressure back on Pskistan...

Before Guilford gets on and mentions it Foakes took 3 catches for Surrey

Gooseberry wrote:Apparently Archers fastest since last year and some 5th and 6th fastest of his career. Just goes to show he does vary his pace by choice to conditions as much as form.

Not to be a nit picker but it doesn't really show anything ; since we don't actually know when he is actively choosing to bowl fast or slow , when he can't be arsed , or when he just hasn't got his rhythm right

But I hope he will bowl a few more of these brisk spells - and also that Root will encourage him to do so by deploying all his bowlers in their optimum roles. One thing they aren't short of these days is bowling options.

Time for Bess to follow up that first wicket. It is a nice situation for him , even if they are not likely to take risks against him.