England (281 & 275) defeat Pakistan (202 & 328) by 26 runs to win the 2nd Test, win series 2-0

[MenInG]

England (281 & 275) defeat Pakistan (202 & 328) by 26 runs to win the 2nd Test, win series 2-0

Pakistan fought back well on Day 3 but Imam's wicket towards the end of Day 3 has put pressure back on them

Can Pakistan win the 2nd Test?

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[MenInG]

'Pakistan have a chance but it's a lot of runs'

Stuart Broad, talking to Sky Sports...

"It shows that you have got to hang in there. It is not always going to go your way. After three jaffas by the seamers, Pakistan played really nicely and at a tempo that we are used to seeing in Test cricket.

"You have to stay focussed and wait for that one chance and fair play to Leach and Root. The catch looks simple on TV but the ball came so quick. It gives England a huge lift. Pakistan have a chance but it's a lot of runs."

 

[sweep_shot]

That Imam wicket at the end of Day 3 was a blow. He should've stayed. It is slightly advantage England currently.

 

[alone1213]

England should roll over Pakistan. Too many runs to score.

That saud shakeel guy is next coming of Asad Shafiq. He will score lots of these soft runs which will have no impact on the outcome of the match.

Salman Agha is right down pathetic. Nawaz and faheem are not good enough.

 

[Adi_62945]

Saud shakeel is a decent batsmen. He can end the run for 5th position if he can score a solid ton today

 

[mon858]

Our biggest positive is that we have 3 lefties left. Saud Nawaz Faheem. They can negate the right armers reverse which was dangerous against righties. They need to make it count by doing bulk of scoring. 30 to 40 from each will do it. 10 to 30 from agha and tail.

 

[pratiktc]

Need to bring target below 100 without losing another wkt. Only then there is some slim chance

 

[Kianig89]

should be gettable if they play to their potential

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Anderson bowling in the 120's.

 

[adi_62941]

Rana sahab has to show today that he can bat also

 

[pratiktc]

Target below 150 now.
Steady on

 

[jnaveen1980]

Pakistan's match to lose here. Absolutely nothing on the pitch. Bowling has no penetration.

 

[Devadwal]

Good batting so far by both batsman

 

[jnaveen1980]

what do you know Root has become their main bowler lol

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Faheem gone to Root

 

[Devadwal]

Root strike

 

[Savak]

This is what happens when you give too much respect to the bowlers. Badly need a counter attacking Risabh Pant type knock

 

[jnaveen1980]

This is what happens if you are in defensive mindset. They should have banished Root. This is not a sharp turning wicket. Very slow turner

 

[shah_1]

We should have played proper batsmen here, poor selections has cost us the game

 

[amvbfm]

Ok so Salman who is supposed to be playing as pretty much a specialist batsman is being shielded by Nawaz.

 

[Ahmed216]

Rana Sahab go back to your farms

 

[Ahmed216]

We should have played proper batsmen here, poor selections has cost us the game

Yes.We are playing 2 batsmen short

 

[Hitman]

We should have played proper batsmen here, poor selections has cost us the game

The game isn't over yet.

 

[wrongun]

Ok so Salman who is supposed to be playing as pretty much a specialist batsman is being shielded by Nawaz.

They seem to want left handers at the crease currently...

I'm not 100% sure why? Do they think Leach is the bigger threat as a bowler so try to negate that somewhat ith left handers at the crease?

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Ok so Salman who is supposed to be playing as pretty much a specialist batsman is being shielded by Nawaz.

Working theory is that English bowlers are less effective against left handed batsmen . Atlesst I think that's the logic.

 

[shah_1]

They seem to want left handers at the crease currently...

I'm not 100% sure why? Do they think Leach is the bigger threat as a bowler so try to negate that somewhat ith left handers at the crease?

I think it is do with crack when the fast bowlers are bowling against right handers(first three wickets)

 

[Kianig89]

the insipid display continues

 

[amvbfm]

They seem to want left handers at the crease currently...

I'm not 100% sure why? Do they think Leach is the bigger threat as a bowler so try to negate that somewhat ith left handers at the crease?

Most probably that's the logic but for me it negates the basic principle of having your best batsmen out at the crease. As a specialist bat its Salman's job. No point in picking someone who needs to be shielded.

 

[Kianig89]

new ball due in 5 overs

 

[wrongun]

I think it is do with crack when the fast bowlers are bowling against right handers(first three wickets)

Fair enough. Kind of a long way out from the new ball that makes that crack dangerous though... and then a single wicket with the new ball negates that tactic as well...

Anyway it's good to see Babar being flexible with the batting order and putting his own logic to it, even if I might not fully understand it or agree with it.

 

[Devadwal]

Nawaz is playing a clutch inning

 

[wrongun]

Most probably that's the logic but for me it negates the basic principle of having your best batsmen out at the crease. As a specialist bat its Salman's job. No point in picking someone who needs to be shielded.

I think if Pakistan are going to win this I'd expect ALL those guys (Nawaz, Aghar + Shakeel) to have to bat and contribute something of substance anyway. So I'm ok if Babar thinks he has an optimal way to use them all in mind. The W or L will go against his name either way so if Babar has a strategy, good for him.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

This series been an embarrassment

 

[amvbfm]

Working theory is that English bowlers are less effective against left handed batsmen . Atlesst I think that's the logic.

Yeah sounds like a plausible explanation. But questionable given Nawaz and Salman's respective roles in the team.

 

[jnaveen1980]

England needs Foakes. Pope's anticipation, gathering look iffy.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Because England scores quickly, English bowlers hardly had any rest. Eventually burn out will start happening.

 

[alone1213]

So no one is crying about the pitch now.LOL.

Indians were hogging the thread on the first day now they have gone to hiding.

 

[Ahmed216]

He’s played each n every ball on its merit has Shakeel

 

[sindhiboy]

Pakistan should be favorites

But the inevitable collapse is bound to happen

 

[daytrader]

New ball taken, crucial period of play

 

[Adnan_Ilyas]

New ball taken

 

[Robert]

Once the target is into double from gyres that will be a psychological marker for PKN.

 

[Robert]

England needs Foakes. Pope's anticipation, gathering look iffy.

Drop Basement who brings little and reinstate Foakes who brings much.

 

[wrongun]

is Shakeel going to play a shot today? Going to be excruciating trying to chase 155 and only scoring from the one end.

 

[jnaveen1980]

is Shakeel going to play a shot today? Going to be excruciating trying to chase 155 and only scoring from the one end.

Definitely a master of borefest. As boring as Spain's football lol

 

[Adnan_Ilyas]

Nice shot by Nawaz showing positive intent

 

[Devadwal]

Wow very good batting by Nawaz .now England is feeling pressure . as i said earlier England bowling is pathetic and leach is such a halua spinner even on spinning track

 

[Devadwal]

Poor captioncy by stokes .his real test will come when they tour india and australia

 

[Amjid Javed]

97 needed, england still favourites. It's still a lot of runs to get.

 

[daytrader]

Nawaz going for it, less then a 100 needed now

 

[pratiktc]

Loving the intent from Nawaz. Whatever result, he's played a small gem here

 

[Adnan_Ilyas]

Please destroy the pacers

 

[Desi Don]

this is excellent chance for Pakistan to win

 

[Seen Sheen]

is Shakeel going to play a shot today? Going to be excruciating trying to chase 155 and only scoring from the one end.

He was never known as a player who strikes at a higher rate but his approach today has been a bit too defensive; he is literally blocking half-volleys from Root and allowing him to land them where he wants. He was playing pretty normally yesterday, and charging down the track every now and then to keep spinners second-guessing.

Not sure if this altered approach today is his own decision or from team management to not lose his wicket at any cost.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Because England scores quickly, English bowlers hardly had any rest. Eventually burn out will start happening.

This. Also, , the difference between the 2 sides has been seam bowling . England got 36% more swing on average in this series. Considering that was skewed towards periods when England got it to hoop massively that's a staggering difference.

Pakistan just didn't work the ball the same way and despite England having won 2 tosses, PAK could have been 2-0 up today. .

 

[wrongun]

Wow very good batting by Nawaz .now England is feeling pressure . as i said earlier England bowling is pathetic and leach is such a halua spinner even on spinning track

Lol it's an absolutely top drawer attack.

One seamer is an ATG.
One seamer is averaging <20 in Tests with an avg <25 in Oz, India, SA & Pakistan (all around the world)
One atg all rounder
And a just decent spinner in Leach. He's not too bad, avg about 35 in Oz and about 3o vs Indians/in India and that's not something poor spinners do.

 

[SamNJ]

Bazball exposed. If England batted sensibly they would have asked Pakistan to chase 450 in 4th innings.

 

[wrongun]

Bazball exposed. If England batted sensibly they would have asked Pakistan to chase 450 in 4th innings.

The last 4 wickets will tumble for about 20 runs in 20 minutes so I still think England in the box seat.

Exciting finish building though!

 

[pratiktc]

Real test will come when Eng go into the hard length and bouncer tactic to dry up run scoring. Shakeel has got to atleast rotate strike there else will get stuck

 

[Ahmed216]

Skip down the track and creamed through the covers from Nawaz.
Still a long long way to go. Last 3 wickets can't add more than 10-15

 

[Seen Sheen]

Nawaz' minimal foot work always makes him more vulnerable than most outside the off-stump. He hardly gets to the pitch of the ball with his front foot, only thing that goes in his favor is that he has a good balance while playing shots.

 

[Maliq_Mudasir]

We still have 90+ run needed. Can't see Pak getting over the line. Nawaz, Agha and Shakeel expected to crumble under pressure when target is nearer.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Bazball exposed. If England batted sensibly they would have asked Pakistan to chase 450 in 4th innings.

Also, would have given their bowlers and Pope bit more of a rest.

 

[Seen Sheen]

I really think Saud's change of approach today might be due to team management's instruction to hold one end up completely and not lose the wicket. The runs will basically come from other end (Nawaz, Agha)

Not sure it's the right approach though. The pressure to score from the other end becomes too much.

You cant be stopping half-volleys from the spinners!

 

[Robert]

PKN should win from here. Stokes was guilty of hubris yesterday. He could have batted well past 400 lead.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

81 needed. Good stuff from Pakistan. Record 4th innings chase in Pakistan coming up.

 

[Maliq_Mudasir]

I really think Saud's change of approach today might be due to team management's instruction to hold one end up completely and not lose the wicket. The runs will basically come from other end (Nawaz, Agha)

Not sure it's the right approach though. The pressure to score from the other end becomes too much.

You cant be stopping half-volleys from the spinners!

There should be no pressure, they have plenty of time left and can wait for the bad balls to put away. They dont have to play BAZBALL, they can do it even with their nature of play.

 

[alone1213]

This is a wonderful pitch. Not much turn but still very good for spinners and good for fast bowlers as well

 

[Super Santi]

Very surprised no Stokes yet.

Listening on the radio atm and missed the poening 1 hour and 15 mins.

Pakistan in a much stronger position than expected.

Have England created any chances or are Pakistan looking good>

Saud Shakeel has been excellent in this series, really mature, has not batted like someone in his debut series.

Seems incredible he is already 27 and had not debuted prior to this series.

 

[Robert]

Lol it's an absolutely top drawer attack.

One seamer is an ATG.
One seamer is averaging <20 in Tests with an avg <25 in Oz, India, SA & Pakistan (all around the world)
One atg all rounder
And a just decent spinner in Leach. He's not too bad, avg about 35 in Oz and about 3o vs Indians/in India and that's not something poor spinners do.

I’d say Leach is decent.

The two swingers are very good.

Wood is extremely quick.

Stokes doesn’t bowl much any more, and Basement is a passenger.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Ollie Pope is usually short leg...

PKN should win from here. Stokes was guilty of hubris yesterday. He could have batted well past 400 lead.

England have shown nothing but disdain and arrogance because this Pakistan is fragile.

No way he'd try that against India in India. Anywhere at that.

Edgbaston was a chase on a similar road tbh

 

[Seen Sheen]

Finally Saud decides to do the natural thing; comes down and belts one through covers.

 

[jnaveen1980]

PKN should win from here. Stokes was guilty of hubris yesterday. He could have batted well past 400 lead.

If they continue this this will become more frequent. He is gambling on bowlers being motivated and top of their game in every match. In reality it won't happen. You need to give them enough rest. And also his strategy of not giving new ball to the likes of Anderson is baffling.

 

[Ramsay]

Pakistan is in the driver seat now. Should win it from here..

 

[Devadwal]

Lol it's an absolutely top drawer attack.

One seamer is an ATG.
One seamer is averaging <20 in Tests with an avg <25 in Oz, India, SA & Pakistan (all around the world)
One atg all rounder
And a just decent spinner in Leach. He's not too bad, avg about 35 in Oz and about 3o vs Indians/in India and that's not something poor spinners do.

Leach average is misleading .he was destroyed by india but get cheap tail wicket to negotiate how pathetic he is . Anderson average looks good becouse he get 1-2 wicket with low economy rate but impact is missing here ( subcontinent condition) . Now with second new Ball when England needed him most but he is clueless even against nawaz . sometimes look at the condition rather than stats which matters most .

 

[MHN1293]

Very surprised no Stokes yet.

Listening on the radio atm and missed the poening 1 hour and 15 mins.

Pakistan in a much stronger position than expected.

Have England created any chances or are Pakistan looking good>

Saud Shakeel has been excellent in this series, really mature, has not batted like someone in his debut series.

Seems incredible he is already 27 and had not debuted prior to this series.

Nawaz has had a couple of lucky edges while saud has been extremely tight in his defense. Overall both are playing good however the real test will be against the pacers

 

[Seen Sheen]

There should be no pressure, they have plenty of time left and can wait for the bad balls to put away. They dont have to play BAZBALL, they can do it even with their nature of play.

Constantly blocking never helps, even if there is no time pressure. A bowler always feels like he is in the game and can land them consistently where he wants. One ball will misbehave and that might be it for you. You have to put bad balls away and Saud was being too defensive against Root; it seemed he didnt want to score at all.

Scoring off half-volleys and bad balls isn't Bazball; this is how cricket has been played since its inception.

 

[Desi Don]

its pakistan game to lose

 

[SpiritOf1903]

I’d say Leach is decent.

The two swingers are very good.

Wood is extremely quick.

Stokes doesn’t bowl much any more, and Basement is a passenger.

Leach going at 5 with one wicket on a conducive track. It that his rai·son d'être?.

 

[Seen Sheen]

Saud suddenly has woken up! More proactive now with his shots.