2nd Test: England v Pakistan, Old Trafford

[Eeyore]

I've just realised how far down England bat here.

 

[dazzer6666]

Root does very well scores well and then appears to have a lapse of concentration and loses his wicket to stupid stroke that he would not normally play or hadnt done previously in the innings so I can see the point about giving his wicket away cheaply.

It was YOUR point wasn't it ? Which no-one agrees with as far as I can see.

 

[joeinbrighton]

I am sure that if asked to help out Trescothick would come back for a test and do a job. Obviously not a long term solution but we had to win this test.

He's the most in-form opening batsman in county cricket for sure, but he will be 41 before the end of the year, he retired from test cricket 8 years ago and he now bats wearing spectacles.

Alex Hales was bang in form against Sri Lanka. If he had converted one of those knocks into a big hundred, he would be cashing in in this series too. If England persevere, he will make a big century before the end of this test series, I'm pretty sure of that.

 

[Eeyore]

Interesting stat. The last time both England openers were bowled by the same bowler was at The Oval in 2001, Shane Warne dismissing Trescothick and Atherton

 

[Eeyore]

He's the most in-form opening batsman in county cricket for sure, but he will be 41 before the end of the year, he retired from test cricket 8 years ago and he now bats wearing spectacles.

Alex Hales was bang in form against Sri Lanka. If he had converted one of those knocks into a big hundred, he would be cashing in in this series too. If England persevere, he will make a big century before the end of this test series, I'm pretty sure of that.

Oi, I'll 'ave you know that I bat wearing spectacles. Every single one of my 400 wickets was taken in me goggles too.

 

[Titanic]

'I shall not cease from mental fight...'

#excited

 

[Titanic]

Great chance for Chris Woakes to make a significant contribution here!

 

[pasty]

Gutted going to miss most of this today.

 

[Finchley Seagull]

Great chance for Chris Woakes to make a significant contribution here!

As they've been saying on the TV, must be the best 'nightwatchman' ever. Two fours already. Hope it continues.

 

[Titanic]

Wow... SIX over third man... lifted upper cut from Chris Woakes

England 344-4, Woakes 27* Root 145*

 

[Pavilionaire]

Lovely six from Woakes there, super start from him.

 

[dazzer6666]

Guided deliberately over the slips for 6, excellent stuff from Woakes [emoji122][emoji122][emoji122]

 

[Titanic]

Woakes slog-pulls a half-tracker from Shah to midwicket for four more...

England 352-4 (99.3 overs)

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Guided deliberately over the slips for 6, excellent stuff from Woakes [emoji122][emoji122][emoji122]

And after a very painful looking ball on the arm too.

This series seems as though it's being played in a much better spirit than many other England- Pakistan series over the years, doesn't it? I know the media tried to make something of the Pakistani press-up celebration at Lord's, but I don't think the England players had any issue with it. For all sorts of reasons, previous Tests have often had a bit of niggle about them. It's quite nice to see this one looks like it's being played with a good degree of mutual respect.

 

[Titanic]

Joe Root 150* (269 balls, 18 fours)

 

[jakarta]

Rooooooooooooooooot....

 

[Lady Whistledown]

[tweet]756798002325487616[/tweet]

The Saturday of any Test (apart from at Lord's, obviously) is always top notch fancy dress spotting territory. Lovely stuff.

 

[Titanic]

[tweet]756798002325487616[/tweet]

The Saturday of any Test (apart from at Lord's, obviously) is always top notch fancy dress spotting territory. Lovely stuff.

He was there yesterday (or the costume was at least)... probably why nobody is sitting anywhere near?

 

[Titanic]

I've just realised how far down England bat here.

Drinks

364-4 (103 overs)

Root 153* Woakes 38*

with Stokes, Bairstow and Ali to come

 

[dazzer6666]

And after a very painful looking ball on the arm too.

This series seems as though it's being played in a much better spirit than many other England- Pakistan series over the years, doesn't it? I know the media tried to make something of the Pakistani press-up celebration at Lord's, but I don't think the England players had any issue with it. For all sorts of reasons, previous Tests have often had a bit of niggle about them. It's quite nice to see this one looks like it's being played with a good degree of mutual respect.

Agreed....looks like quite a bit of friendly chatter going on, including with the umpires. Nice to see.