2nd Test: England v Pakistan, Old Trafford

[Pavilionaire]

Drinks. A productive first hour for England, looking ominous for Pakistan.

I hope the likes of Hales and Vince are paying attention to how Root is batting, he's putting on a masterclass, they couldn't wish to see a better example of how to approaching your batting at test level.

 

[Eeyore]

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

I've believed for quite a few years that he had a future as a steady all-rounder at the highest level. For some reason the selectors wouldn't bite. Then he got dropped after one uninspiring opening Test. Pleased to see they have reached their senses. He is more capable and disciplined than Stokes. Although it may still be a Capital offence to say that among cricket's current thrill seeking obsessives.

 

[Pavilionaire]

Woakes is doing the job of two men in this side, papering over the cracks of a fragile middle order.

 

[dazzer6666]

I've believed for quite a few years that he had a future as a steady all-rounder at the highest level. For some reason the selectors wouldn't bite. Then he got dropped after one uninspiring opening Test. Pleased to see they have reached their senses. He is more capable and disciplined than Stokes. Although it may still be a Capital offence to say that among cricket's current thrill seeking obsessives.

Tend to agree, but having both of them in the team is brilliant - brings so much depth to batting and bowling. This is set up for Stokes to have a real go when he gets in, with Woakes or Root at the other end carrying on as they are.

 

[Titanic]

Root gets a life on 155, difficult chance low down to Younis at slip off Yasir.

376-4

 

[Eeyore]

Woakes is doing the job of two men in this side, papering over the cracks of a fragile middle order.

Not sure about that. Our number ten has a Test match hundred to his name. The problem has been the top three in recent times (although not this match).

 

[Eeyore]

Root gets a life on 155, difficult chance low down to Younis at slip off Yasir.

376-4

I felt for him. He fell down on it like I do on Sundays (only got nearer). He is 38 yer know !

 

[Titanic]

Chris Woakes 50* (88 balls, 8 fours, 1 six)

His 2nd fifty in 10 Tests, only beaten by his 66 at Lord's v Sri Lanka.

England 398-4, Root 170*

 

[Titanic]

England 400-4 (109 overs, RR3.66)

Root 171* Woakes 52*

#thebeautifulgame

 

[Mackenzie]

Bat all day, make 700, then everyone around the bat.

 

[Eeyore]

Bat all day, make 700, then everyone around the bat.

They'll need more than three days, as things stand, to bowl Pakistan out twice. The wicket is still playing well.

They will push beyond 500 and hope that the lower order can bang a few out. But Pakistan will have a good few overs later on today.

 

[Titanic]

100 partnership for Joe Root 177* (contribution 37) and nightwatchman Chris Woakes 56*, from 168 balls

England 411-4 (112.4 overs)

 

[Titanic]

Woakes out c&b Yasir 58 (104 balls, 8 fours, 1 six)

Short'ish ball, somehow just punched it straight back to the bowler.

Woakes and Root added 100 runs this morning in 24.4 overs.

England 414-5

 

[Papa Lazarou]

And in comes Ben Stokes,

 

[Pavilionaire]

Not sure about that. Our number ten has a Test match hundred to his name. The problem has been the top three in recent times (although not this match).

You think Vince and Ballance at 4 and 5 in the order are up to the job then?

 

[Titanic]

Lunch, Day 2

England 427-5 (117 overs), Root 185* Stokes 6*

26 overs, 113 runs, 1 wicket... great session for England, Woakes and Root.

 

[Pavilionaire]

427/5 at lunch. The target has to be get 600 and get them in for half an hour before the close.

 

[Eeyore]

You think Vince and Ballance at 4 and 5 in the order are up to the job then?

Root has been batting later. Bairstow would be at 5, but is playing in the WKB roll now. So 4 and 5 is a new problem. Vince has talent, he needs time and patience. For Ballance it's an issue of technique. This first movement across his stumps business, what's that all about ? Steve Smith he is not. Remember, Ballance has made a lot of runs at this level.

 

[joeinbrighton]

You think Vince and Ballance at 4 and 5 in the order are up to the job then?

Vince no, but Ballance has 4 centuries in his first 10 test matches, so clearly he has talent, but he seems bereft of confidence at the moment.

 

[joeinbrighton]

England now have a couple of very genuine all-rounders in Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes at their disposal. Woakes has come on a bundle during the English summer. A very good knock this morning, while Joe Root has been at his imperious best.