England 2012 Cricket Thread

[hipkiss92]

I think it will depend on how the pitch goes. If it stays as it is we'll probably see 400 plays 400 in the second innings. If it deteriorates then both sides have a chance of victory.

[PaulWinch again]

The critical thing is knocking them over quickly tomorrow and then us batting long in our second innings. If we don't do those two things I don't think it will matter how much the pitch deteriorates.

[Villan For Life]

So Pakistan are 96 ahead with 3 wickets remaining, it's crucial we knock them over early tomorrow. No more than an 120 run deficit and then score 450 + in our second innings.

The second innings will be the key. Yes this squad is resilient but are they likely to bat any better second time around? I fear that the lack of pre-test practice will influence this.

[Dave Cooper please]

We'll be fine, one or more of Strauss, Cook, Bell or even Pietersen will fill their boots on this pitch.

[PaulWinch again]

I think they'll have learned their lesson, but most importantly we'll need to get them out quick in the morning. No more than 20 or 30 runs. I think it's abundantly clear that on this pitch you don't play across the line.

[TheTimVilla]

We'll be fine, one or more of Strauss, Cook, Bell or even Pietersen will fill their boots on this pitch.

I agree, but it will be one of the first three. Or, if you're looking for an obdurate batsman to play all day long, it's got to be Trott.

[olaftab]

England have done well. From 45-5 to being only about 120 behind at the start of the second innings is good.

[PaulWinch again]

Well they got 20 too many, and both openers have managed to get out so we are essentially buried.

[Chris Smith]

KP is such a brainless twat at times.

[mj]

This really isn't going very well is it??

[Dave Cooper please]

Err...

Bell has had two absolute beauties, he's the only top order batsman that could be deemed unlucky, the rest have just been brainless in this test.
Time to drop Pietersen I reckon.

[PaulWinch again]

This is truly appalling.

[PaulWinch again]

Thing is I agree Pietersen has been daft, but his form over the last year is a lot better than Strauss's. What it comes down to is responsibility, and this has been atrocious. We now need the remaining 6 wickets to muster at least another 350-400. But obviously that is extremely unlikely as most of our top order have gashed it.

[PaulWinch again]

Morgan embarrassing as well. He's been in worse form than Pietersen as well.

[PaulWinch again]

This is really like bad old England from a batting perspective. They are now staring down the barrel in this series.