England vs Pakistan

[dww]

I suspect that will be what they will do. Still think that he would benefit from at least being dropped a bit further down the order.

[-V-]

Atleast pak's bowlers/lower order batsman have managed to make this slightly competitive. If Pak can grab a couple of quick wickets now then it could get interesting

[-V-]

On the subject of Cook. Its amazing how in Cricket it doesn't matter how experienced or skilled you are as a batsman you can always have lose your way for a period of time. Batsmen have the hardest job, you can lose your technique completely at any time and then really struggle to get it back. I know how that feels Sleepless nights for sure

[Zapater]

Cook dismissed early again, helps back up my post earlier. Good Boy Alastiar.

[Shaggy]

Cook is the golden boy and I'll be amazed if he's dropped.

[Reece]

From Mike in Harrogate, TMS inbox: "This won't be posted . Why is BBC website's Live Text Commentary so often infantile, purile, smug nonsense, with no understanding of cricket beyond that of a couple of drunken yobs sitting in a jacuzzi at their first 20-20 game? As a license-payer, who spends time abroad working, and the audio is too expensive to stream, this is my only option to tap into 'live commentary' to get a feel of the game, but it aint possible within this laddish playground. Maybe the subject should be 'For Mark Thompson' then perhaps it'll go the same way as other parts of the website and the Asian Network - le's hope."

From Peter Meachem, TMS inbox: "Mike in Harrogate: it should be puerile, ain't has an apostrophe and license payer is two words."

[Reece]

From Dominic in Milton Keynes, TMS inbox: "RE: Mike in Harrogate. You are right Mike, as a license payer you are entitled to a completely tailored service which meets your specific situation and requirements. It doesn't matter how many people love the BBC Cricket text commentary (and the sport commentary in general) you should get the exact service that only you require. Puerile and childish? What do you mean anyway? Stop talking rubbish you smelly silly-head."

[Hollowman]

I never understood all the talk about Cook changing his technique a few years ago. He always looked awkward at times, but his numbers were good. Now he has over-thought his game and looks completely bewildered. He doesn't know where the stumps are, he can't decide what to leave, and any natural fluidity in his game has been squeezed out. I think he'd be a liability in Australia. I like the idea of Trott opening. He's calm at the crease, and his endless ****ing about will wind the Aussies up. And you can't put a price on that.

That said, as much as I like Morgan, Bangladesh and this Pakistan side are no bellwethers for an Ashes tour down under. He still looks a bit short-formy, and I wonder about his ability to put innings-saving knocks together against a decent pace attack at this point. But, on the flipside, the ball won't move much in the southern hemisphere, and against line and length you'd fancy his wristy shots to get runs. I don't know if the selectors will back his improvisation against Cook's numbers and experience though.

[Shaggy]

I never understood all the talk about Cook changing his technique a few years ago. He always looked awkward at times, but his numbers were good. Now he has over-thought his game and looks completely bewildered. He doesn't know where the stumps are, he can't decide what to leave, and any natural fluidity in his game has been squeezed out. I think he'd be a liability in Australia. I like the idea of Trott opening. He's calm at the crease, and his endless ****ing about will wind the Aussies up. And you can't put a price on that.

That said, as much as I like Morgan, Bangladesh and this Pakistan side are no bellwethers for an Ashes tour down under. He still looks a bit short-formy, and I wonder about his ability to put innings-saving knocks together against a decent pace attack at this point. But, on the flipside, the ball won't move much in the southern hemisphere, and against line and length you'd fancy his wristy shots to get runs. I don't know if the selectors will back his improvisation against Cook's numbers and experience though.

Completely agree with most of this, especially the bit in bold.

[Reece]

Thanks Mike Gatting

[Alex]

I thought this would have been over on Sunday lunch!

[PTP]

would have been but for the big weather delay

[Alex]

would have been but for the big weather delay

Ha ha yea, i suppose! Didn't it absolutely **** it down for 20 minutes. I thought it was the end of the world!

[PTP]

yeah - it's a bit of hazy memory as I was ruined all day saturday after a heavy friday night but i'm sure iirc it seemed to be rained off for a good period saturday,

[Shaggy]

Go away Alastair Cook FFS. 9-1.