England v Pakistan 3rd Test thread

[chewyuk]

I heard there was a right screw up with tickets this morning?

[Shaggy]

I'm basking in my predictive prowess having dismissed the "nailed on draw" claims and also my prediction that we could bowl Pakistan out in 2 sessions on a last day pitch.

I know my Headingley pitches

As every true Yorkshireman should!

Good call anyway. It's unreal that pitch. Two 500+ innings' racked up, followed by England being bowled out inside a day and Pakistan then duly being bowled out in barely half a day.

[G_Man]

I heard there was a right screw up with tickets this morning?

Not really, just a ****-load of congestion. Fortunately I live a couple of miles away so I got my tickets nice and early

[chewyuk]

Tidy, Can't wait for International cricket to appear at Sofia Gardens

[G_Man]

As every true Yorkshireman should!

Good call anyway. It's unreal that pitch. Two 500+ innings' racked up, followed by England being bowled out inside a day and Pakistan then duly being bowled out in barely half a day.

I think that's the sign of a good Test wicket, equal contest between bat and ball. Pakistan could have batted out that day if they wanted too, there were no devils in that pitch, but they threw it away with a daft run out. That pitch had enough in it for the bowlers but Pakistan lacked the mental application to bat out a draw. That was great news for spectators but I just feel Boycott would have loved batting on that track.

[6sheep]

Although he`s now 28 & unlikely to ever get an England call up
the Nottinghamshire bowler Charles Shreck is on fire in the County Championship at the mo`

[G_Man]

Although he`s now 28 & unlikely to ever get an England call up
the Nottinghamshire bowler Charles Shreck is on fire in the County Championship at the mo`

There are SO many bowlers who are there or thereabouts without being quite good enough:

Lewis
Mahmood
Anderson
Plunkett
Tremlett (had a bad season)

Then there's S.Jones who may be fit for the last 2 Tests.
Can't see any bowler breaking into the squad from nowhere.

[chewyuk]

Saw Jones in a local round the corner from my house, had a driver and a few mates, drinking seriously large quantities of Magners...Doubt he'll be fit.

[TheStig]

I love Monty, the bloke is a ledge. Great to see the crowds taking him to their hearts.

Correct.

I guess him playing for Northants helps though .

I'm going to the 4th day of the 4th test.

I went to the 4th day of the 5th test last year too!

EDIT: Anyone got a video of his "super" wicket today? I don't have Sky unfortunately.

Cannot believe the ECB were so stupid. This summer was absolutely crucial for cricket IMO, they could have built on last year and it would have taken away some interest from the WC, as it is, the WC got ALL of the coverage and the cricket came up very very much 2nd best.

I guess I could watch it on Five but I forgot today and it would also "justify" the ECBs decision which I can't do.

[6sheep]

EDIT: Anyone got a video of his "super" wicket today? I don't have Sky unfortunately

You Tube of the Pakistan 2nd Innings

Monty`s Wonder Wicket is about 2:45 in, stunning bowling to Khan..one of the best players of spin.

[kopdan]

I doubt we will see Giles play as the lone spinner again. I reckon Dalrymple is the future as all rounder.

[dww]

Correct.

Cannot believe the ECB were so stupid. This summer was absolutely crucial for cricket IMO, they could have built on last year and it would have taken away some interest from the WC, as it is, the WC got ALL of the coverage and the cricket came up very very much 2nd best.

I guess I could watch it on Five but I forgot today and it would also "justify" the ECBs decision which I can't do.

I think it is not just the ECB who are to blame, the terrestrial broadcasters all put in low bids as they find it hard to schedule and can't guarentee viewers. It is a shame that some sort of shared agreement couldn't be reached. I think at least the Ashes series should be protected like the WC finals and other major sporting activities.

I actually think that the BBC should use their digital channels to play more cricket (and other sports). They have nothing on during the day and I suspect it could be done relatively cheaply.

Also the ECB they have encouraged a lot of people to come to the grounds. Meaning that almost every day has had a good crowd.

[TheStig]

The reason they have nothing on is there's no space on freeview!

[TheStig]

You Tube of the Pakistan 2nd Innings

Monty`s Wonder Wicket is about 2:45 in, stunning bowling to Khan..one of the best players of spin.

Link doesn't seem to be working for me.

[dww]

The reason they have nothing on is there's no space on freeview!

In what sense, I'm intrigued. They have stuff on in the evening but not during the day - so presumably the capacity is there to do it and the free air time is there.