England 2012 Cricket Thread

[PaulWinch again]

Morgan isn't a test batsman. He'd be my first pick in ODI's because of his incredible strokeplay, but he just hasn't got the patience to play a test innings when it's needed.

Yeah or he isn't at the moment in any case, he's still young. Problem today was I had no belief that Morgan, Bell and Pietersen would be up to it. Two of those three have gone and it's up to Bell to prove me wrong tomorrow. The match is on a knife edge now and we need big runs tomorrow.

[Villan For Life]

I agree with you about Morgan. He's had plenty of chances at test level and hasn't yet produced the goods. I want to see him succeed because when he's in form his unorthodoxy makes him wonderful to watch and more importantly, difficult to bowl to.

Will they will stick with Morgan like they did will Ian Bell? He made his debut in 2004 and had countless chances and was dropped on a couple of occasions. Since the 2009/10 South African tour he's really cemented his place in the side and has gone from strength to strength. Will Morgan get a similar number of chances?

[PaulWinch again]

Morgan has time to come back, but at the moment we can't carry him.

[Villan For Life]

Morgan has time to come back, but at the moment we can't carry him.

We carried Bell for long enough and he came good.

[OzVilla]

I think with Bell though is he had great technique and had proved at County level that he had the levels of concentration to bat long.  With these attributes, they knew that there was a good Test Match Cricketer in there somewhere if they stuck with him.  Unfortunatley Morgan's not that type of player so needs runs to stay in the side.  I think it's time to start looking for an alternative at 6.

Pietersen nees runs badly but unless someone else seriously starts making big runs when the County season opens, someone who is attacking, takes on the quicks and has great self confidence i'd be sticking with him - he'll rise to the occasion against the Saffas.

England ahead in this game still right now, a lead of 100+ is target from here.
 

[PaulWinch again]

I think with Bell though is he had great technique and had proved at County level that he had the levels of concentration to bat long.  With these attributes, they knew that there was a good Test Match Cricketer in there somewhere if they stuck with him.  Unfortunatley Morgan's not that type of player so needs runs to stay in the side.  I think it's time to start looking for an alternative at 6.

Pietersen nees runs badly but unless someone else seriously starts making big runs when the County season opens, someone who is attacking, takes on the quicks and has great self confidence i'd be sticking with him - he'll rise to the occasion against the Saffas.

England ahead in this game still right now, a lead of 100+ is target from here.
 

I think 100 lead is very optimistic but I'd be very happy with that. I think KP can come good but needs to think about his game more. Morgan needs to work on his technique.

[TheTimVilla]

These extra runs must be hurting Pakistan. 319 for 8, 62 runs ahead. They'll be a lot easier to score first innings than batting last, so long may it continue!

[PaulWinch again]

That has been a super effort by the lower order and obviously Broad. That 70 run lead could be invaluable, now we need to get into them.

[PaulWinch again]

Not a great start from the bowlers here.

[PaulWinch again]

Go on Monty!

[Villan For Life]

Not a great start from the bowlers here.

Good to see your commentators curse striking in a positive way, Paul!

[PaulWinch again]

Not a great start from the bowlers here.

Good to see your commentators curse striking in a positive way, Paul!

Yes it's about time! 2 down!

[Villan For Life]

Not a great start from the bowlers here.

Good to see your commentators curse striking in a positive way, Paul!

Yes it's about time! 2 down!

Now it's 3!

[PaulWinch again]

Monty you absolute beauty!

[rutski]

been watching this morning, well done england, but i am sure he has been discussed before on here, Ajmal is throwing the ball more often than not. I am a level2 cricket coach and i wouldnt be allowed to let a kid carry on with an action like that! he bowled(loosely termed) 2 balls in succession this morning with same run up, approach and till shoulder height same action, then he let the first go and it was 69mph and the second 47mph. you just cannot do it in a normal bowling action. Are the authorities scared to go after this man as for the recent previous misdemeanours of pakistan?