Re: Cricket
 

I agree with Geoff Boycott whatever you may think about him he calls it as he sees it great respect to him.

217-8 now.:erm:

Re: Cricket
 

Its all over bar the tailenders.:cleader::cleader::cleader:

Re: Cricket
 

"Samit Patel" is about to sing.:D

Re: Cricket
 

Perhaps Saaf can give us a ditty now.:D

Re: Cricket
 

A bit early with Gul in but clear your throat Saaf.;)

Re: Cricket
 

Well Gul did not last long did he.:)

Re: Cricket
 

Nope i suspect game over now denphone.

Re: Cricket
 

Well it was quite cosy in the end don't you agree Richard.:)

Re: Cricket
 

Game over England win.

Comiserations to Pakistan.

---------- Post added at 19:01 ---------- Previous post was at 18:59 ----------

Yes a good win denphone dare we hope for a one day series victory,a brave effort by Pakistan though well done to them.:)

Re: Cricket
 

Good game - much better than the 1st, but Pakisatan should have chased that down. #Gutted! Well done England.

Re: Cricket
 

You are as gracious in defeat as you are in victory.:tu:

Re: Cricket
 

Thanks Saaf but Pakistan gave us a fright and as i said well done to them.:)

I look forward to the next game.

Re: Cricket
 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/17056426

Re: Cricket
 

I'd have taken 3-0 in the test series, 2-2 in the 50 overs, and pakistan winning the T20s before the series even started so I'm still kind of happy. To be honest I thought England would cream Pakistan in the tests and the only chance we would really have would be in the T20s.

Re: Cricket
 

Yes the test series was very poor for England and l was surprised by Andy Flower's comments after the first test where he said England were undercooked but fair play to Pakistan for exposing England's flaws.

Re: Cricket
 

Englands record in one day matches has been ropey for a while and good in test matches i would have thought before the series test matches 2-1 to England, the 50 over one dayers 3-1 Pakistan and the 20/20 matches as you say even depending on the day.

In this series Saaf England have confounded me by losing all three tests and performing better in the one day matches.

As they say its a funny old game.:D

Re: Cricket
 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-16979759

Re: Cricket
 

Yes denphone Danish Kaneria supposedly set up the whole deal for Mervyn Westfield but he was arrested and never charged with anything very surprising.

Westfield has now been jailed very sadly for him how a £6,000 spot fix has now ruined a very promising cricket career with Essex and Possibly England a very silly boy,and Kaneria although our premier sipn bowler at Essex was sadly also a very bad influence and his career also lies in ruins,althogh in the Kaneria case he was never charged.

It has also to be said Tony Palladino a colleague and friend in the Essex side made a brave stance in reporting westfield to the authorities.

Re: Cricket
 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/17073679

Re: Cricket
 

Nice start by England this morning with Pakistan already in desparate trouble on 50-4.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/17080332

Re: Cricket
 

Looking ok for England denphone i am at work at the moment but am going to be switching sky sports on for the cricket at about 2.30pm when i get in just looked on my mobile Pakistan 102-5.

Re: Cricket
 

Yes Saaf must be crying into his glass with Pakistan's abysmal batting performance so far.:D

Re: Cricket
 

I have put my glass down for fear of hurling it at my TV!

I'm hoping we get to 230, but in all honesty I can't see England having to chase more than 185!

Re: Cricket
 

Well you never know what can happen when boom boom Afridi is at the crease.:)

Re: Cricket
 

Just turned on 210-9 they might get to 220.:erm:

Re: Cricket
 

Yes l think Pakistan are at least 50 short of what is a decent score on this pitch.

Re: Cricket
 

The 1st 10 overs will setthe scene for the response... If we can pick up 2 - 3 wickets before England get to 100 its going to be close.

Re: Cricket
 

It looks that way denphone,but England very often have the knack of getting the collywobbles chasing relatively small scores under lights,Englands batsmen need to start to perfom as a team as it is at the moment Cooks 100s are putting England ahead with Bopara in good support,if Cook fails with the bat another batsman will need to take up the challenge.

But all things being equal England should edge this one.:)

---------- Post added at 14:49 ---------- Previous post was at 14:48 ----------

It certainly will Pakistan will be after Cooks wicket early.

Re: Cricket
 

Well heres hoping for another Cook masterclass.:)

---------- Post added at 16:10 ---------- Previous post was at 15:02 ----------

l think its time for Saaf to come on to bowl his doosra's as its looking pretty bad for Pakistan now with England cruising on 67-0.

Re: Cricket
 

Yes time for Saff to get his arm turning over.:D

And England in Pietersen can play spin shocker.!:)

Tis looking good .:erm:

Re: Cricket
 

l am tempted to come out with that old singing chant for Saaf of you're not singing anymore.:D

Re: Cricket
 

His practising this one now denphone.:D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cTB7...eature=related

Re: Cricket
 

This has been a welcome surprise after the test debacle, glad for KP

Re: Cricket
 

Yes England are playing the one day game well this match for a one day series win.:)

Re: Cricket
 

l will second that Henke.:)

---------- Post added at 18:20 ---------- Previous post was at 16:52 ----------

Well at least you picked up one wicket Saaf and the game finished quite early with enough time for you to go to the bar with at least 10 overs left at the end of the match.:)

Re: Cricket
 

Go to thebar... I couldn't find it in myself to get to the kitchen!

Well done England... Well done KP..... A batting masterclass.

Bring on the T20s!

Re: Cricket
 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/17089500

Re: Cricket
 

Big day today can England make it a 4-0 one day whitewash.:shocked::)


India not going that well in the one day commonwealth Bank series game v Sri Lanka at presnt.

Re: Cricket
 

Yes it would be nice to have a whitewash Richard ands lets hope Saaf turns out to bowl all his variations.:)

Re: Cricket
 

Yes denphone Saaf will need to produce his best ever figures today.:D

Re: Cricket
 

And you never know that by the end of the day a new world star is born.:D

Re: Cricket
 

I have a new delivery all lined up for today. It's called the IfItsLookingLikeAWhiteWashLetsLegItOoooosra.


But seriously I think Pakistan will win today. I don't think England will get the Whitewash, I can see KP back to his old self, and Cook being bowled much earlier this match!

Re: Cricket
 

Pakistan now 1-1 do you want to revise that prediction Saaf.;)

Like the name of your new ball though.:D:D

Re: Cricket
 

Well theres hope and then there is Saaf's hope and l know which one l prefer.:D

Re: Cricket
 

England do not look like they are interested in a 4-0 series win Kevin Pietersen bowling this early.:shocked:

Plus the fact they have tinkered around with a winning combination.

Re: Cricket
 

You are sounding a tad pessimistic at the moment Richard.:)

Re: Cricket
 

Yes denphone i am a bit if you want to go for the biggie in my view never tamper with a team that has won 3 on the trot,unless there is good reason mate.:)

---------- Post added at 12:55 ---------- Previous post was at 12:06 ----------

135-3 now Umar Akmal caught.:)

Re: Cricket
 

Even better now as its 144-4 and il bet Saaf is having his collywobbles again.:D

Re: Cricket
 

144-4 am a little less pessimistic now.:D

---------- Post added at 13:10 ---------- Previous post was at 13:08 ----------

Yes denphone our posts must have crossed mate Saaf is thinking about taking his consolation bubbly off chill now.:D:D

---------- Post added at 14:13 ---------- Previous post was at 13:10 ----------

220-7 a stumping farce.:D

---------- Post added at 14:21 ---------- Previous post was at 14:13 ----------

233-8 Game on.:)

---------- Post added at 14:26 ---------- Previous post was at 14:21 ----------

Pietersen just fluffed easy catch.:erm:

---------- Post added at 14:30 ---------- Previous post was at 14:26 ----------

Pakistan bowled out for 237.:)

---------- Post added at 14:33 ---------- Previous post was at 14:30 ----------

Saaf where are you mate.:confused:

Re: Cricket
 

l think he is drowning his sorrows again Richard.:):beer::drunk::beer::drunk:

Re: Cricket
 

Looking forward to Saafs.

IfItsLookingLikeAWhiteWashLetsLegItOoooosra

In Englands innings.:D

Re: Cricket
 

Not quite the start l had in mind with Cook going early.:(

Re: Cricket
 

191-5 47 runs required for an England win.:)

Re: Cricket
 

And Pietersen has made another fine century.

Re: Cricket
 

He has denphone its Englands to lose from here on in.

Saaf is now with his hands in his head refusing even to put the sports news bulletins on.;)

Re: Cricket
 

Well there are always the morning papers for him to perouse.:D

Re: Cricket
 

:D:D Headlines "How Pakistan threw the one day series"

Re: Cricket
 

Are you doing interviews tonight Saaf as it will be very interesting to listen to your comments.:D

Re: Cricket
 

The only comments i have are "The best team won" Saaf.:D

Re: Cricket
 

Indeed - England were the best team in the one day series. Pakistan batted extremely poor in all 4 matches, not enough players fulfilling their potential. I think they got carried away from the test series win.

Anyway let's bring on the T20s. At the start of the series I thought this would be the only format Pakistan had a chance in against England, so I'm not too sad.

Re: Cricket
 

Come on PAkistan!

Re: Cricket
 

Come on England and another whitewash methinks.:D:cleader::cleader:

Re: Cricket
 

It's all about the test matches though isn't it. Real cricket ;)

Re: Cricket
 

Yes l do agree with you on that but just remember what comes round usually comes round on the other foot in the end and England and its shores awaits for your test heroes down the road and l suspect a heavy defeat awaits as well.:)

---------- Post added at 16:54 ---------- Previous post was at 16:38 ----------

Well Pakistan are up to their old tricks again as they lose a 5th wicket and are now 77-5.:D

Re: Cricket
 

They thought they'd make the game interesting..... ;)

Re: Cricket
 

Well give praise where praise is due and well we have got to give you a chance here or there.:)

Re: Cricket
 

:D:D not going to denegrate 20/20 stuff but i prefer the Test and 50 over games! to me i have just started to get into the game when its over.!

Horses for courses though i must be indeed i am one of the old guard.:shocked:;)

Re: Cricket
 

I love 20/20. I wish they were showing both remaining games over the weekend though, as opposed to the 3rd next week.

Did you notice the significant increase in supporters and a much better world cup-esque atmosphere in the ground.

Re: Cricket
 

Yep i agree with you about showing the remaining games over the weekend that would have made much more sense IMO.

I certainly noticed the increased number of supporters and atmosphere and i know 20/20 is very popular in the sub continent /middle east as well as at my own county Essex and i do go to matches, we had a double header at chelmsford last year Englands Ladies take on New Zealand ladies and afterwards we watched Essex v Hampshire.

I guess i just prefer a full days play rather then a few hours though.

The 20/20 game has certainly bought increased attendances though.:)

Re: Cricket
 

Well Pakistan chasing 151 to win in the second T20 international have started very poorly and are 4-2 already.:)

Re: Cricket
 

Yes not a very good start for Pakistan mate until Saaf gets to the crease all is lost..;)

Re: Cricket
 

l suspect he is drowning his sorrows at this present time.:D

Re: Cricket
 

I am reliably informed he isw in the nets and is ready to come in if required.:D

Which he might be as another one bites the dust Umar Akmal.:)

Re: Cricket
 

Well l think only Imran Khan or Wasim Akram can save them now.:)

Re: Cricket
 

Imran Khan definately could but is otherwise employed.:)

Re: Cricket
 

And another one bites the dust as Pakistan are now 32-4.:)

Re: Cricket
 

And another ones gone and another ones down another one bites the dust.;)

With apologies to Queen.:D

Re: Cricket
 

Better have another song by you Richard as l cannot see this match lasting long with Pakistan now 51-5.:D

Re: Cricket
 

I was listening to this on the radio as unfortunately I was driving. Needless to say I had to stop myslef crashing my car alot of times!

On a positive note, if the batsmen can refrain from playing stupid shots, or showing some restraint when they've hit the preceding 2 balls for a 6 and a 4, then maybe Pakistan can post 200 on Monday!

England'sfielding sounded top notch on the radio, looking forward to watching the hilights later!

Well done England but I think Pakistan will win on Monday!

Re: Cricket
 

Yes well getting to 200 is being a bit hopeful methinks unless you adopt the Ian Botham book of coaching but Richard is open to giving you a few tips before mondays game but whether that will help your plight remains open to question.:)

Re: Cricket
 

Good win by England denphone! i wonder if Pakistan will be up for it Monday Saaf.

Some tips for Saaf as requested.

1) Do not get out with silly shots.

2)Stay at the crease.

3) Find out where Imran Khan is staying and get him into training double quick.:D:D:D

Re: Cricket
 

Leeetttttts get ready to rruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuumble.......

Here we go........ England batting first, all out for 130......

Re: Cricket
 

l think you will need to sit down Saaf as the one certainty is the result of this match and my crystal ball says England will win comfortably.:)

Re: Cricket
 

More than enough,:p::D

Re: Cricket
 

But 129 might not be...... :D

I think Malik and Misbah should open......

Re: Cricket
 

Well Pakistan have yet to bat on this tired pitch and are likely to find it hard going.:D

Re: Cricket
 

How crap are Pakistan!??!!! ((*&&&%%%"""(((( !!!!

Re: Cricket
 

Fantastic from Broad and Dernbach at the end, 20/20 and one day series win:D Great comeback England

Re: Cricket
 

Told you England had got enough.:D

Re: Cricket
 

Brilliant bowling at the end by Broad and Dernbach. Didn't give England a hope of defending that score. How do they keep so cool ? Not like the England teams of old. Maybe the team psychologist does earn his money....

Pakistan supporters are a bit hard on their team. Can't believe they want to get rid of a captain who has just beaten the no 1 side in World 3-0 in test matches , which is still by far the most important format of the game. Maybe they should have a different captain for one dayers like England do (Afridi ?)

Re: Cricket
 

I think Misbah is a good test captain and a excellent batsman but he is not suited to T20. I'd drop him from T20 all together, I think today was a classic example of average captaincy and no urgency. I don't see him motivating his troops in this short format.

With regard to t20, you can see from the turnouts in the UAE that the short form of cricket is much more appealing to the pakistani supporters. I think it is because generally a lot feel that Pakitan can be genuine world beaters in t20. And they love the attacking flair. Also Afridi still generates such a buzz, we don't see that in test cricket for any other Pkistani player. Hardly anyone expected Pakistan to win the tests 3-0, but the expectation for the t20 was much higher.

Re: Cricket
 

Yes it was brilliant but what a exciting match and l am looking forward to the next T20 match we play.:)

Re: Cricket
 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/17186695

No surprise here with Morgan as he has been woefully out of form.

Re: Cricket
 

Surprised, thought they'd stick with him, even if he wasn't in the first 11. That's what they done with out of form players in the last few successful years. He's not going to get back into form by not playing.

Re: Cricket
 

He is if is he not 'warming the bench', get him back to Middlesex to get some time in the middle, his confidence must be shot, no time for him to be facing Sri Lankan spinners.;)

Jim.

Re: Cricket
 

Yes l agree that he needs to build his confidence up again and l have no doubt that he will as he is a very talented player when he is performing at his best.

Re: Cricket
 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/17257935

Very sad to hear this and may he rest in peace.

Allen Stanford Guilty.
 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-17274724



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cri...4bn-fraud.html

Looks like county cricket teams may pick up a bill for Giles Clarkes ill fated wooing of a Ponzi Scheme fraudster, the bloke who was allowed to land his helicopter at Lords found guilty.

Hopefully the lesson has sunken in for the greedy ECB.:mad:

Re: Allen Stanford Guilty.
 

l am not sure the lesson will sink in for ther greedy ECB Richard.

Re: Allen Stanford Guilty.
 

Yes i fear you may be right denphone,getting into bed with a Texan who openly admitted he did not like test match cricket was a big mistake.

I could see it coming it was very vulgar and prostituted England for cash,i believe some of the players who played in the stanford 20/20 had their doubts.This is what former west indies bowler and cricket commentator Michael Holding who refused to be on Allen Stanfords west indes board said about him in 2008 which should have served as a warning.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cri...-Stanford.html


How could the English game's rulers be so naive in jumping into bed with an American billionaire and expect him to be the answer to their prayers as they find themselves increasingly isolated in a cricket world dominated by India?

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cri...#ixzz1oW5FuPwW