England v Pakistan - Spoilers very welcome

[philk56]

I know it's the trend these days but don't really understand why they didn't enforce the follow-on. It's not showing much trust in the England bowlers, who have bowled very well so far, to think they can't bowl Pakistan out for under 400. I suppose there are a few England players who could do with some batting practice but it reduces the time they will have to win the game once they eventually put Pakistan in.

 

[Dayvo]

And it's pi$$ing down in Manchester (what a surprise) which might eventually make things difficult for England batting-wise. The Pakistanis won't be in any hurry to get through their overs, so they, effectively, will be in control of the tempo of this Test.

Nice one, Cook!

 

[nickyboy]

I know it's the trend these days but don't really understand why they didn't enforce the follow-on. It's not showing much trust in the England bowlers, who have bowled very well so far, to think they can't bowl Pakistan out for under 400. I suppose there are a few England players who could do with some batting practice but it reduces the time they will have to win the game once they eventually put Pakistan in.

Presumably the thinking was that it would give the England bowlers a rest. But Anderson and Broad haven't bowled since lunch and conditions are perfect now with heavy cloud cover. Old Trafford has historically been a turner on the 4/5th day so presumably that's something to do with it. But it seems an ultra-conservative decision. I would much rather have seen England trying to take a few wickets in the final session. If Pakistan had lost their top 3/4, day 4 would have just required England to go through the motions

 

[philk56]

And now it's raining again!

 

[psmiffy]

England regardless of the fact there is three days left have got to keep the pressure on.

BUT, despite this big lead, Cook has not enforced the follow-on

Yup - they should have just kept at them - need to absolutely ruthless - make them feel they are under the cosh - it is just not this match they need to win - but the next two as well

 

[AndyRM]

I could understand not enforcing the follow on if they'd put Vince and Ballance as openers.

 

[Dayvo]

Presumably the thinking was that it would give the England bowlers a rest. But Anderson and Broad haven't bowled since lunch and conditions are perfect now with heavy cloud cover. Old Trafford has historically been a turner on the 4/5th day so presumably that's something to do with it. But it seems an ultra-conservative decision. I would much rather have seen England trying to take a few wickets in the final session. If Pakistan had lost their top 3/4, day 4 would have just required England to go through the motions

I don't get this 'giving the bowlers a 'rest!' FFS, this is TEST cricket and they are professional cricketers and have been playing the game probably just after they started school.

Anderson and Broad have bowled 13 and 12 overs respectively. Woakes and Stokes 16 and 15. If Cook thinks by batting again, and possibly jeopardising a win to equal the series, is better than enforcing the follow-on to save Anderson and Broad, then, well, I don't know what to think.

Edited to add: by going through the motions, I think that refers to bodily actions when facing FAST or 'mystery' bowlers.

 

[Beebo]

England declare, we now have five sessions to get 10 wickets or Pakistan have an improbable 565 to win.

 

[AndyRM]

That's got to be the most pointless morning of cricket ever.

 

[Hugh Manatee]

Two down. Jimmy with both. Telephone support line busy this morning but I still have TMS quietly playing in the background.

 

[philk56]

Well at least they are giving the fourth day crowd some entertainment. I have tickets for the fourth day at the Oval so will hopefully see some cricket!

 

[psmiffy]

3rd Test - Edgbaston - one all - question is which England is going to turn up and for that matter which Pakistan - Stokes is out injured - Finn is back in - Englands fortunes seem to rely heavily on Cook and Root doing the business - would be nice if the significant others in the top order turned up as well. Choice of Moen or Adil? I would like to see Adil as he would seem to offer much more for the future.

 

[psmiffy]

Pakistan win the toss and bowl

 

[AndyRM]

Pretty much honours even at the close I reckon. Excellent innings for Ballance.

 

[psmiffy]

Pretty much honours even at the close I reckon.

I thought at the end of the day that Pakistan had just shaded it - but will wait and see them bat