The Cricket Thread 2016

[PaulWinch again]

A 70 lead is useful, but I think we should get Stokes out of there.

[Villan For Life]

Stokes looked to be in plenty of pain, particularly when he shouldered arms. That must be where instinct takes over before the pain of a damaged shoulder kicks in.

The lead is adequate, it's a pity we didn't get nearer to a 100 lead and now we really need the spinners to bowl well as a unit. They all bowled poorly in the first innings.

[PaulWinch again]

Not a great session that.

[PaulWinch again]

Two wickets in quick succession needed those.

[Villan For Life]

The test is beginning to drift away from us.

[tomd2103]

Taylor is what we've needed in the middle order for a long time.

Glad to see him get another chance Paul and he has taken it so far.  I don't think the experiment of Ali at opener has worked and would prefer to see him further down the order where he can play with a bit more freedom. 

We desperately need a new opening partner for Cook.

I would think Hales will be the next cab off the rank in that respect. 

[PaulWinch again]

Yep the spinners have let us down here.

[tomd2103]

The test is beginning to drift away from us.

Yep.  Need wickets fast.

[PaulWinch again]

Important wicket from Broad at the end. It's in Pakistan's favour, but a couple of quick wickets bring us back in.

[Villan For Life]

The third wicket was important but ultimately that was Pakistan's day which was disappointing from an English perspective.

146-3 lead of 74. The game is in the balance but we will need quick wickets tomorrow.

[olaftab]

Of the 9 sessions so far England have dominated 5 so they must cash in this marginal superiority. The lead of  only 74 for 3 down is good but to win this match it must not be allowed to go over 200.  200 to 250 is anyone's match and over 250 and it's Pakistan.

[Villan For Life]

Sad to learn of Tom Graveney's death. I never saw him bat live but in the clips I've seen he looked to be a fabulous strokemaker. I remember him more for his TV work and he always offered some interesting insights into the game at a time when the BBC studio was blessed with some strong and knowledgeable broadcasters like Arlott, Benaud and Laker. He also seemed to be universally popular at New Road.

RIP Tom

[PaulWinch again]

I actually England have played some pretty good cricket in this series and I think a draw would be a fair result for the series.

[PaulWinch again]

This game is very nearly gone.

[PaulWinch again]

Half a chance with Hafeez gone now. Need to get the rest very quickly though.