England start 3rd Test against Pakistan badly
You have no idea how much pleasure it gave me to write that headline. They must win the 3rd Test at Lahore to avoid losing the series and while they began Day 1 slowly but steadily, their good start was squandered when England's top order fell to poor strokes to finish the day at 6 for 248. Their batsmen fell to agressive strokes, looking to score well and dominate the bowling. It looks like England really have become the new Australia. England started the 2nd day not much better, as Collingwood fell for 96, just 4 short of a maiden Test century. Usually I feel for a batsmen when they just miss out on the century milestone but I bear the Englishman's anguish with great fortitude. Sami mopped the last 2 wickets in 2 balls and is now on a hattrick when he bowls in the 2nd innings. But as you'd expect in this seesawing series (try saying that 10 times quickly), England took early wickets and it took a partnership between Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam-ul-Haq to consolidate the innings. Inzy has been a rock for Pakistan this series and it was a big setback when he had to retire hurt after being struck on the arm from Harmison. Surprisingly, it was from a legitimate delivery, not a gratuitious peg at the stumps. And unlike the Ashes, this time it was England who paid dearly for a dropped chance when Flintoff spilled a slips catch off Yousuf on 16. He was 84 not out at stumps with Pakistan at 4 for 185 so let's hope he can go on to really hurt England. The match is still poised to go either way and based on recent history, the series will probably be decided late in the 5th day in a nail-biting thriller. The pitch shows signs of wearing so any total of substance will be tough for Pakistan to chase in the 4th innings. It's a sign of good cricket when you're constantly thinking "the next session is crucial". During the Ashes, the SBS commentators were repeatedly gushing "the Ashes will be decided in this next session" and at the time, it felt like it was true. Equally, it's vital Pakistan build a big first innings lead today so how Yousuf bats in the first session may go a long way in deciding the series.
| Posted by JC on Wed 30 Nov |  10 comments |
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