Cricket

[Chris O'Connor]

It looks as though stormy weather is predicted (possibly they've borrowed Manchester's rain magnet for the duration). An increasing chance of thunderstorms storms and rain later in the day, today, tomorrow and Sunday with the chance of a far wider disruption greatest on Saturday.

While Moeen has enjoyed success at Southampton it's rarely been with such weather around, stormy humid weather usually suits seamers while there's no actual rain and a heavily disrupted and shortened test even more. It could well be the one to leave Bess in the dressing room preparing the drinks tray, spare kit and towels ready to dry the rain off.

Wood was thought to be carrying a slight injury but after bowling very fast in the nets could well be included. It looks like two from Bess, Archer, Wood and Curran. Bess and Archer are more probable, but when batting is clearly their problem area it seems perverse to react to Stokes' absence by weakening it even further, no doubt that's what they'll do then.

 

[summerisle]

No Archer.

 

[Chris O'Connor]

It seems the correct team but another poor start for England at the toss. Great toss to win and bat, two in two now from Azhar Ali - his calling has been first class and in both tests given them the perfect start. Possibly his biggest contribution in the first test and crucial here too. It feels like a big setback for Root, he's not proving a particularly lucky captain

 

[Connor]

Don’t like the dropping of Archer, even though it does get Curran in the squad

 

[JimmyJeffers]

It seems the correct team but another poor start for England at the toss. Great toss to win and bat, two in two now from Azhar Ali - his calling has been first class and in both tests given them the perfect start. Possibly his biggest contribution in the first test and crucial here too. It feels like a big setback for Root, he's not proving a particularly lucky captain

Think the toss is a fairly antiquated tradition. Should be the visiting team gets to choose or they just alternate choices.

 

[ToffeeTim]

Bat toss to lose again

 

[Chris O'Connor]

Think the toss is a fairly antiquated tradition. Should be the visiting team gets to choose or they just alternate choices.

England seem to lose it wherever and whenever they play.

I make it 1 toss won from 8 so far this summer.

And then Stokes did the wrong thing when he won it.

Morgan is 0 from 3 and Root is 0 from 3.

It's one part of the game you can't practice (lol) but they say a good captain is often a lucky captain, well Joe hasn't been very lucky at all and England seem to have to try and win against the odds every test.

 

[JimmyJeffers]

England seem to lose it wherever and whenever they play.

I make it 1 toss won from 8 so far this summer.

And then Stokes did the wrong thing when he won it.

Morgan is 0 from 3 and Root is 0 from 3.

It's one part of the game you can't practice (lol) but they say a good captain is often a lucky captain, well Joe hasn't been very lucky at all and England seem to have to try a win against the odds every test.

The advantage of home conditions and ball etc surely should negate that if you’re a half decent team.

 

[Chris O'Connor]

The advantage of home conditions and ball etc surely should negate that if you’re a half decent team.

Home advantage is always a massive factor but isn't linked to the toss, it's a bad toss to lose.

 

[summerisle]

Pakistan 6-1, Anderson with the wicket.

 

[ToffeeTim]

Got to sort these catches out

 

[JimmyJeffers]

Got to sort these catches out

It’s a funny one as we’ve largely been excellent up until fairly recently. No idea why they’re so close together like

 

[summerisle]

 

[ToffeeTim]

It’s a funny one as we’ve largely been excellent up until fairly recently. No idea why they’re so close together like

Not a sitter by any means, but the England side of around 10 years ago would snaffle those sort of chances.

They definitely aren't comfortable knowing who's catch it is.

 

[JimmyJeffers]

Not a sitter by any means, but the England side of around 10 years ago would snaffle those sort of chances.

They definitely aren't comfortable knowing who's catch it is.

Can’t remember Cook dropping many to be fair.