Strange tactics by England on the 5th Day vs Pakistan

[marlonbrowndo]

Regardless of what happens, this is awful from England. They still have a chance to win but no chance to lose yet not enough close in fielders. Weird, defensive strategies. What are they thinking?

 

[Varun]

The lack of a killer instinct is why they've never been #1 for any significant period in their history.

And they're playing at home too. If this was Australia or India at home they'd be bouncing or spinning the opposition out in the hope of getting the remaining wickets, even if there are only 40 overs left in the day.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Still expect our batsmen to make a mess of it

 

[Runner Up]

The know it is Pakistan no need to put extra effort.

 

[Buffet]

35 overs can produce 7 wickets. It has happened many times. Not sure why Eng thinks it can not happen. Probably they are tired.

 

[Ab Fan]

England are disinterested. The purpose of getting some play today seems to have served now. Better they shake hands before Shafiq haults Pakistani fans party by playing a 50*.

 

[Slog]

They are relying on Pakistan pulling a Pakistan. If Babar Azam gets out we are likely to lose.

 

[Varun]

They are relying on Pakistan pulling a Pakistan. If Babar Azam gets out we are likely to lose.

They can still rely on Pakistan collapsing while also trying their hardest to win it off their own steam.

But no, they're bowling Joe Root as I type...

 

[sweep_shot]

They threw in the towel too early.

Good for Pakistan though.

 

[Omer2002]

Rooty gets asad so i think its justified

 

[jiduguravindra]

Really pathetic from England..Seems like they came here only for Andersons 600 wicket..

 

[JaDed]

Only team that plays defensive cricket even at home.

 

[Hasan123]

They were awful tactics. I get saving Anderson for the new ball, but why not use Woakes instead of Bess or Root? There was no need to use both at the same time for that long.

 

[angrypathan]

Root needs to be relieved of the captaincy. Will probably improve his batting too

 

[Firebat]

As soon as the wicket of Azhar fell, there were still 30+ overs to play and 7 wickets to take. They could have gone on the full offensive and really pushed for wickets. Instead, as soon as Anderson got his 600, they lost complete motivation. Completely sat back, let batsmen take easy quick singles, let Babar absolutely whack Bess all around the park to the point where the batsmen were comfortable and in, then they gave up completely and put Root on.

Had the chance to inject some impetus and excitement into their final Test session of the year, and give it a bit more of a thrilling finish going for a win, which would've helped them in the WTC. Instead, they all looked like they'd rather be sitting at home.

 

[Robert]

Only team that plays defensive cricket even at home.

Yet they have won six out of their last ten tests (with two losses and two draws) so they must be attacking some of the time.

 

[angrypathan]

Yet they have won six out of their last ten tests (with two losses and two draws) so they must be attacking some of the time.

Misbah won tests by the dozen in the UAE without attacking.

 

[Abid Z]

I think they realised that as the ball went more and more into the outfield it became wetter and heavier. It was like bowling with an orange Wouldn’t spin or spin plus there’s an injury risk for players sliding around for a series they’ve already one.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

They were awful tactics. I get saving Anderson for the new ball, but why not use Woakes instead of Bess or Root? There was no need to use both at the same time for that long.

Looked like Root was being deliberately generous to Pakistan. Maybe as a thank you for coming.

That's about the only explanation I could offer watching that pantomime unfold.

Even a bottom ranked team would have gone for a win against Pakistan's very fragile team - one wicket away from a very long tail.