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PAKISTAN FIRST INNINGS (England 354 all out) - BAD LIGHT STOPPED PLAY 1755: Right, then - we've seen 170 runs and 15 wickets today, quite an interesting day's entertainment and a memorable 28th birthday for Jimmy Anderson. Pakistan still need eight more runs to avoid the follow-on - and I'll be back tomorrow morning to take you through day three. Thanks for all your emails, texts and messages, particularly on the "who's on the plane to Australia?" chat - enjoy your Friday evening but make sure you're back with us promptly tomorrow. TTFN. 1751: It's official - play has been called off for the day.
1741: Aggers has been joined by Geoff Boycott for their end-of-play wrap-up, which will be available to download as
the TMS podcast
a little later. By the way, if we're not playing by 1800, that's it - we can't resume after the scheduled close of play time.
Former England captain Alec Stewart on TMS: "People said Steven Finn may have been a little bit rusty but whatever the strength and conditioning experts have done, and whatever Angus Fraser has helped him with in the nets, it has worked."
1731: If you're just joining us, we've been off for bad light for 20 minutes and one or two of the TMS commentators don't think we'll get back on tonight. The umpires have been out in the middle since cessation of play, but are now returning to the pavilion. From Lee Dando, TMS inbox: "Why do we still start at 11am? We know the British summer and the light issue. Start earlier, it's not difficult!" 1721: The (natural) light still looks quite murky at Trent Bridge, but needless to say, we'll stay with it until we get a final decision either way...
Vic Marks on TMS: "If Pakistan had taken their chances in the field, we might be watching a much closer game. It must be dispiriting to the bowlers when there's probably only a 50-50 chance that chances will be taken."
From Anonymous, via text: "Thanks so much for the comment about Gul being too high up the order at 9, thereby making his heroic knock inevitable. You clown!"
1712: Umpires consult... and they're going off for bad light. Just when Gul might have pressed his "Engage Kapil Dev Mode" button. Bad times. 1711 - Pkn 147-9 (50 overs)Last man Mohammad Asif lopes to the crease and gives the pitch a prod. The left-hander digs out his first ball and grins wildly.
1708 - WICKET - Kaneria b Broad 7 - Pkn 147-9 (49.5 overs)Gul pulls Broad for a single to Trott at fine leg, he's up to 30. Kaneria steers a shortish ball through square leg for two - just eight needed to avoid the follow-on. But Broad finally picks up his first wicket of the day as Kaneria is beaten all ends up and bowled!
Former Somerset and England off-spinner Vic Marks on TMS: "Umar Gul has probably played the best innings of the day!" 1705 - Pkn 144-8 (49 overs)Gul drives at Anderson, but gets an inside edge and the ball dribbles out towards mid-wicket. Jimmy bangs in a bouncer, Gul languidly pulls it over square leg for a flat six! 14 needed to avoid the follow-on - time to invoke the spirit of Kapil Dev, if Gul is hitting boundaries that easily? He tries to force Jimmy to fine leg, Umpire Hill signals a leg bye. Kaneria pushes a two through the gap at extra cover - 11 needed. 1701 - Pkn 135-8 (48 overs)Kaneria swishes at Broad, Prior takes it cleanly and the slips appeal for a catch - tellingly, Broad doesn't. Replays show he didn't get anywhere near it - and as Aggers points out on TMS, one benefit of the UDRS seems to be cutting down on frivolous appealing. Maiden over.
From Dunno in Wandsworth, via text: "Surely we should have Swan to bowl at Canaria and Gull!" 1657 - Pkn 135-8 (47 overs)Strauss returns, the umpires consult, but they're staying on. Aggers is rather surprised, given that the floodlights are on, with the artificial light arguably taking over from the natural light... Wow, after a single from Kaneria, that's a candidate for "shot of the day" from Gul, who spanks a beautiful cover drive for four. He has 23, Pakistan need 20 more to avoid the follow-on. 1653 - Pkn 130-8 (46 overs)Cap'n Strauss leaves the field (probably off for some "do we enforce the follow-on?" chat with Andy Flower), so Lieutenant Commander Cook takes the wheel for an over. England appeal for a catch behind as Kaneria half-hooks, half-ducks a bouncer but doesn't make contact. A single doubles his score - Gul nonchalantly flicks a four through mid-wicket before nudging one just wide of Colly at third slip and it disappears for four. Umpire Hill has his light meter out. 1649 - Pkn 121-8 (45 overs)Anderson fires a wide one down the leg side which disappears for four byes - a bit harsh as Prior didn't have any chance of stopping that. Kaneria is off the mark with a single, and Gul slashes the last ball for four past the slips. An e-mailer reminded me earlier today that it's 20 years since Graham Gooch scored 333 against India - and in the same match, Kapil Dev memorably launched Eddie Hemmings for four consecutive sixes when India needed 24 to avoid the follow-on.
1645 - Pkn 112-8 (44 overs)Broad replaces Finn at the Pavilion End, although Aggers fears the light is beginning to fade a little. But Broad remains wicketless as Gul spoons one just wide of Pietersen in the covers. The number nine helps himself to a couple of twos. 43 more runs needed for Pakistan to avoid the follow-on.
From Silk on 606:
"OK chaps. Follow-on?I say no. Bat on, which gives everyone a chance of seeing some cricket tomorrow, rests the fast bowlers, gets Cook and KP a chance to get some runs, gives his bowlers a rest, and (perhaps most importantly) avoid facing Kaneria last on a pitch that will be very dry and crumbly." 1638 - Pkn 108-8 (43 overs)So, that's seven out of the eight Pakistan wickets that have fallen to catches by the keeper or slips. New batsman Danish Kaneria shoulders arms to Anderson - "they really ought to just swing the willow now," says Michael Vaughan on TMS.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan on TMS: "Jimmy really has been on his game today, swinging and seaming it at pace. He knows when to bowl the bouncer to push the batsman back and when to move it, and you have to say the catching has been superb. They've shown great big hands and great technique. It must be so good for a bowler to know the slips are going to take 90% of their chances."
1635 - WICKET - Aamer c Swann b Anderson 25 - Pkn 108-8 (42.3 overs)Single from Gul, then Aamer does his "evade bouncer on bended knee" routine against Anderson before handing Swann his third slip catch of the day. That's Jimmy's ninth five-wicket haul in Tests. 1633 - Pkn 107-7 (42 overs)Aamer defends well against Finn, who keeps it straight and sends down a maiden over. 1629 - Pkn 107-7 (41 overs)That's four wickets for Anderson with a hint of reverse swing. The new batsman is Umar Gul, who as a number nine is probably batting a place or two higher than he should be. But he's off the mark with a push off his legs for two.
1625 - WICKET - Malik c Strauss b Anderson 38 - Pkn 105-7 (40.2 overs)Malik steers Anderson for two, while KP is sent down from gully to field at third man. But the very next ball, Malik perishes when he edges to Cap'n Strauss, who takes the catch left-handed (at the second attempt) at first slip.
Former Pakistan opener Ramiz Raja on TMS: "The willingness of these two to dig in and put in the effort is keeping Pakistan in the fight" 1622 - Pkn 103-6 (40 overs)Aamer ducks a bouncer from Finn, while sub fielder Scott Elstone (a 20-year-old in Notts' squad) is on the field, temporarily, for Cook. Aamer doughtily defends another maiden over. 1618 - Pkn 103-6 (39 overs)Malik defends well against Anderson, before pushing a quick single to Ali Cook at mid-on. Aamer drives one wide of mid-off to nick the strike. He has 25, Malik has 36. From Matthew Newman, TMS inbox: "Re: 1454 - 'Mullally, Such and Giddins in the same team.' I think you'll find it was Mullally at 9, Phil Tufnell at 10 and Giddins at 11. I don't remember either of them getting more than five in either innings. The match was against New Zealand at the Oval, 4th Test in 1999, and we lost the match to lose the series 2-1. It was the infamous game where Nasser Hussain got booed on the balcony and was supposedly 'our nadir', as it became his driving force as he and Duncan Fletcher rebuilt the side that beat the Windies over a series for the first time in 32,956 years the following summer. Pedantic speech over." 1614 - Pkn 101-6 (38 overs)Finn has two slips and two gullies in for Aamer, who plays out a maiden over. From Simon, TMS inbox: "If this seventh wicket stand puts on another 20 or 30 we could have a situation where one partnership has accounted for more than 50% in both completed innings. Check that one out stattos!" 1610 - Pkn 101-6 (37 overs)Jimmy Anderson, who bowled beautifully at the top of the innings, returns for a second spell - Aamer and Malik busily push the ones and twos to bring up three figures for Pakistan. Malik tries to play Anderson to leg, but it finds the outside edge and the ball squirms, agonisingly, just out of the reach of Graeme Swann in the slip cordon. 1604 - Pkn 98-6 (36 overs)We may have had a succession of maiden overs immediately after lunch, but Shoaib Malik gets Pakistan going again immediately after tea with a single through the covers. Mohammad Aamer, who looks like a man in a hurry, tips-and-runs a single - and Malik wristily guides a half-volley through mid-wicket for four. A well-run two to fine leg brings up the fifty stand. 1600: Steven Finn to resume proceedings from the Pavilion End as Blowers on TMS notices a couple of pigeons flying by. From Tahir, Luton, TMS inbox: "Hi Mark, this is my first email to you which shows I am a very nervous Pakistani supporter but could you tell me what they have to get to avoid the follow-on." Certainly - Pakistan need to score 155 or more to avoid the follow-on, which can be enforced if the team batting second is 200 or more runs behind. But there's been a bit of debate on TMS over whether England would - or should - enforce the follow-on.
From devonFRATTONiser on 606:
"Early breakthrough required after tea. Otherwise England are in serious danger of allowing Pakistan to avoid the follow-on." 1541 - Pkn 90-6 (35 overs)Last over before tea - a single takes Malik to 26, while the increasingly confident Aamer swings and misses. He has 22, eight short of his Test-best score of 30 not out. Time for tea - what a crazy day of Test cricket this is proving to be. From Spencer in Coventry, TMS inbox: "Re: Ian [1507]. There's no chance that BA will fly Morgan and Anderson out to Australia - as we all know, 'he ain't getting on no plane, FOOL'." 1537 - Pkn 89-6 (34 overs)Aamer has a bit of fun against Swann as tea approaches, smashing a four past the bowler before chipping one over the infield for four more. A tickle to third man earns Aamer three rather than four as Broad makes an impressive stop on the boundary. Malik pokes a single through mid-wicket 1533 - Pkn 77-6 (33 overs)Swann still has a cheeky smile on his face, despite having wasted that review (England have one left, Pakistan have two left) as Malik pushes Broad through mid-wicket for four, before square-driving another boundary past gully.
1529 - Pkn 69-6 (32 overs)Well, that's a wasted review, it was at least a stump's width down the leg side.
1528 - Pkn 69-6 (32 overs)Time for some spin in the lead-up to tea as Graeme Swann gets his first twirl of the match. He has a slip, a silly point and a short leg in for the gangly left-handed teenager Aamer. He's hit on the pad, there's a pretty big appeal, England have a quick chat and call for a review!
Jonathan Agnew on Twitter:
"Bit of a shambles here: Why on earth didn't Ali ask for a review - and why did his partner Umar tell him to walk? Bizarre." 1525 - Pkn 69-6 (31 overs)Broad finds a bit of bounce against Malik, as the ball pings off his thigh to the slips. But Malik uses all his experience as he confidently cover-drives for four. And if you're a Middlesex fan, you may want to keep an ear on TMS at tea, as Aggers will be joined by director of cricket Angus Fraser - who no doubt will be able to give the latest news on Middlesex's pursuit of KP... From Nick Halsall, TMS inbox: "If the pilots of the Ashes plane were struck down with food poisoning mid flight, which squad members would step up to the rescue? I would expect Colly to take the controls and manage a grim, gritty flight to safety, with back well and truly against the wall." I'd imagine that would suit Colly perfectly! 1520 - Pkn 65-6 (30 overs)With just over 20 minutes until tea, Aamer defends a maiden over from Finn. From Wakie, London, TMS inbox: "Re: 1440 - Tickets for Monday? Never mind that, I have tickets for tomorrow and fear we won't get much more than a morning's play at this rate!" 1516 - Pkn 65-6 (29 overs)After Aamer confidently cover-drives for four, Broad strays with a wide, then swings one into the left-handed Aamer which he works off his legs for a single. And apologies in that flurry of wickets if I appear to have accidentally given Matt Prior his first Test wicket... it's changed now! From James Sneath, TMS inbox: "Can anyone give me ideas for things to do in Nottingham on Sunday as I have tickets for the Test, but the match might be finished by then. Is there a Robin Hood theme park? I quite fancy a visit to 'The Haunted Sheriff's Castle', a ride on 'The Gallows' rollercoaster followed by lunch at the 'Friar Tuck Shop'." 1512 - Pkn 60-6 (28 overs)A controlled straight drive brings Malik four against Finn, denting his figures somewhat. The former skipper adds a single, Cap'n Strauss shuffles his field for the left-handed Aamer, who pinches the strike. 1507 - Pkn 54-6 (27 overs)Broad replaces Anderson, and Prior lets through the first bye of the innings. Aamer slices a four over the slip cordon as Pakistan pass their aforementioned lowest Test score of 53. From Ian, TMS inbox: "Mitch - I think BA will have to fly Morgan and Anderson to Oz on separate aircraft, packaged in flame resistant materials and with fire extinguishers handy. Anything less would be an unacceptable risk to aircraft safety as they both appear to be on fire!" 1503 - Pkn 49-6 (26 overs)Malik taps a single past mid-on, and Blowers on TMS chuckles at Aamer's "crab-like" defensive stroke against Finn. The left-hander bends his knees to weave away from a bouncer, survival is his only aim at this stage. 1454 - Pkn 48-6 (24 overs)Finn, who has figures of 3-4, has four slips and a gully in for new batsman Mohammad Aamer. England are arguably into the tail here - Aamer has a Test batting average of 14, but their nine-ten-jack combo of Gul, Kaneria and Asif all average in single figures. England fans with long memories may remember the Test in which they fielded Alan Mullally, Peter Such and Ed Giddins in the same team. Gulp. Aamer is off the mark with a single, Finn's figures are now 4-1-5-3.
1448 - WICKET - K Akmal c Collingwood b Finn 0 - Pkn 47-6 (23.1 overs)Three slip catches and three wickets for Finn as Kamran Akmal nicks one to the safe hands of Colly at third slip! 1447 - Pkn 47-5 (23 overs)Anderson in for his 12th over, Malik gets a leading edge and it squirts through the covers for two. Malik is then nearly cut in half by an in-ducker from birthday boy Anderson, who's really on song today. 1443 - Pkn 45-5 (22 overs)Umar Akmal is replaced by his brother Kamran, who avoids a first-baller.
1440 - WICKET - U Akmal c Swann b Finn 4 - Pkn 45-5 (21.5 overs)Vic Marks on TMS mischievously wonders whether England will be adding a "Review System Coach" to their vast backroom staff for the Ashes. "I don't think Umar Akmal will be applying," states Aggers. Finn brings in a short leg for the right-handed Umar, who doesn't look in any kind of nick at all - and then pops another regulation second-slip catch to Swanny. (It was almost like watching the left-handed Umar Amin's dismissal earlier, in a mirror). I hope none of you have tickets for Monday... 1437 - Pkn 45-4 (21 overs)New batsman is the experienced Shoaib Malik, resplendent in an old-school sleeveless sweater. He runs the ball down to third man for four.
1430 - WICKET - Azhar c Prior b Anderson 14 - Pkn 41-4 (20.1 overs)Azhar feathers a catch to Prior behind the stumps, Umpire Hill raises his finger after a short delay, Azhar has a quick word with non-striker Umar and the upshot of the conversation is "don't bother referring it, I think you're out, son." But to add insult to injury, replays indicate that the ball flicked Azhar's trousers, while Hotspot fails to show an edge on his bat. So if he had called for a review, he might have survived... 1430 - Pkn 41-3 (20 overs)Finn keeps it tight, just a single from Azhar from the over as the Middlesex beanpole has Umar playing and missing. And the video scorecard is apparently working again for UK users, so you may wish to manually refresh the page (and cross your fingers).
From rich1uk on 606:
"Given the length of Pakistan's tail another couple of wickets and this innings is over." 1425 - Pkn 40-3 (19 overs)Finn gets a big cheer as he strolls down to fine leg, while Anderson resumes his duel with Azhar, who has been joined by Umar Akmal. A big "ooh" from the crowd as the swing completely deceives Azhar, and Aggers is on his best behaviour as his wife's boss enters the TMS box. Azhar works a single off his legs, Umar is off the mark with a delicately-timed four off his legs.
1420 - WICKET - Amin c Swann b Finn 2 - Pkn 35-3 (18 overs)So, how long before Steven Finn will fall over in his follow-through? Azhar prods a single, while there's a sub fielder on for Kevin Pietersen. But after getting off the mark with an on-drive for two, Amin prods a regulation catch to Swann at second slip! From David, Spain, TMS inbox: "Re: 1354. If Sam can't lay hands on a nearby pork pie in Leicestershire, he's just not trying." Indeed - Melton Mowbray being very much a pie haven. 1415 - Pkn 32-2 (17 overs)New batsman is the left-handed Umar Amin - he negotiates the rest of Jimmy's over. And it's Finn Time!
1412 - WICKET - Farhat b Anderson 19 - Pkn 32-2 (16.4 overs)Anderson finds Farhat's outside edge... but it skims between second slip and gully for four. But when he moves to bowl round the wicket, it brings immediate success as Farhat is bowled by an absolute jaffa that swings late and knocks over his off pole. From The Real Gazza, TMS inbox: "Hopefully no Ashley Giles on the plane as there will be very little flight and a very negative attitude throughout!"
1409 - Pkn 28-1 (16 overs)Former Cabinet colleagues Ken Clarke and John Major, sitting together in the Trent Bridge crowd, look on as Azhar tickles Broad for a single to fine leg. Farhat rotates the strike, and it looks like Finn is trying the old "try to catch the captain's eye in the field by clapping and waving your arms" trick. We've all tried that now and again. 1405 - Pkn 26-1 (15 overs)England have a sub fielder on. Rather like policemen, sub fielders are looking younger and younger these days it seems. Azhar, who played in Scotland for three years earlier in his career, pokes a single to mid-off. Farhat is patience personified - might we see Steven Finn soon? 1401 - Pkn 25-1 (14 overs)Farhat plays the most aggressive stroke we've seen today, pulling Broad over the infield for four through mid-wicket. But that's the only scoring stroke from a pretty tight over from the flaxen-haired seamer.
Michael Vaughan on TMS: "Azhar Ali looks a decent player, considering he's only in his third Test." 1357 - Pkn 21-1 (13 overs)Finally the scoreboard moves on as Farhat clips a single to take his score into double figures. Azhar plays rather unconvincingly at Anderson - "a curtain rail stroke", says Blowers on TMS - and the ball scuttles off the edge down to the third man boundary for four. Both batsmen have 10. 1354 - Pkn 16-1 (12 overs)The pressure continues to build on Pakistan as Broad sends down the fourth consecutive maiden since the interval, as Azhar can't penetrate the leg-side field. From Sam, Leicester, TMS inbox: "Just realised that I've left my lunch at home - how I wish that I had pork pies and cakes sent to me like Aggers & co on TMS!" 1350 - Pkn 16-1 (11 overs)Anderson is still right on the money against Farhat, who has to dig out a straight yorker. Five maidens from six overs for the "Burnley Express", but Michael Vaughan on TMS wants him to swing the ball into the left-hander more often - "lbw and bowled are the two wickets to get on this pitch", asserts the former England skipper. From Ade, TMS inbox: "Re: Bopara/Plunkett being the drinks specialist. I think they are rivalled by Adil Rashid, who has travelled to India, the West Indies and South Africa, serving up cold ones to his team-mates, without bowling a Test match ball." 1346 - Pkn 16-1 (10 overs)Broad, who picked up a shedload of wickets in a recent (albeit rare) County Championship game for Notts, has three slips and a gully in for the right-handed Azhar Ali, who is beaten for pace by one that appears to keep low. Another post-lunch maiden. 1342 - Pkn 16-1 (9 overs)That's Jimmy's fourth maiden from his first five overs, and Blowers on TMS is delighted to have spotted his first helicopter of this Test. From Paul_Ando, Sunderland, TMS inbox: "Re: Braz from Glasgow [1248]. Don't worry Mr Mitchener, if you can oversee an epic collapse with an enforced follow-on you'll be on the plane next to Straussy!" 1339: Ooh, we're starting early by my reckoning. Jimmy A resuming his gladiatorial battle with Imran Farhat, and Cap'n Strauss has put his sunglasses on. From Russell, Nottingham, TMS inbox: "I take it the England plane will be making a scheduled stop in South Africa so that we can pick up some more five-minute wonders to keep KP and Kieswetter amused on the flight?" From David, Birmingham, TMS inbox: "Will the England plane be staffed by Alec Steward? Mike Gatting will presumably be the pie lot"
1328: A little video you may wish to take a look at, courtesy of BBC Comedy - you can watch Pakistan fan "Mr Khan" explain
"the business of cricket".
From Michael (currently jumperless), TMS inbox: "Mitchers - I heartily endorse your campaign to bring back 'proper' cricket jumpers [1122]. I was searching a famous internet auction site for a 'proper' Yorkshire CCC jumper (for I am a member of the Boycs Army) which I could drape over my shoulders of an evening. Not a sniff - just those new fangled tops favoured by today's popstars of cricket. Ladies, bring out your knitting patterns. No wonder we can't bowl 90 overs in a day etc" 1300 - Pkn 16-1 (8 overs)Broad doesn't seem to have found his line and length today, not making Azhar play. Meanwhile, CMJ on TMS piques my interest as a Hampshire fan who grew up in the 1980s by referring to Tim Tremlett as "a forgotten talent" before I realise he's talking about Chris Tremlett, who bowled well on this ground against India in 2007. Pakistan in no danger while Broad's radar is off - and that, ladies and gentlemen, is lunch.
From Phil, Epsom, via text: "Re: Dave (see 1230), Flintoff won't be on the plane, not because he doesn't play anymore, but because he'll be making his way to Australia via pedalo!" 1256 - Pkn 13-1 (7 overs)Having opened up with three maidens, Anderson concedes his first run when Farhat nudges a single to fine leg. We'll probably get one more over in before lunch. From Guy Pettigrew, TMS inbox: "I've just seen Bopara in BA's staff changing rooms, hoping to nab a stewardess's outfit so he can practice bringing out the drinks on the flight over." Surely England's drinks waiter par excellence on recent tours has been Liam Plunkett? 1252 - Pkn 12-1 (6 overs)Single from Farhat, then Azhar steers Broad for three twos, mostly off the edge. 1248 - Pkn 5-1 (5 overs)New batsman is the right-handed Azhar Ali, who sees off the over. And Braz (see below), if you're missing Tom Fordyce, he's been
blogging
and
tweeting
from the European Athletics Championships in Barcelona. But to coin a phrase, "I find your lack of faith disturbing..."
From Braz in Glasgow, via text: "Mitchener has got to fear for his Ashes place after overseeing a collapse like that! At least Dirs and Fordyce can feel confident of a starting berth."
1245 - WICKET - Butt c Prior b Anderson 1 - Pkn 5-1 (4.4 overs)Jimmy swings one across the left-handed Butt, and the Pakistan skipper is caught behind! From Gary, Southampton, TMS inbox: "If Pietersen makes it on the plane for Oz, will England have to pay Excess Baggage (if not for him then at least for his ego)?" 1243 - Pkn 5-0 (4 overs)Broad fires an unplayable off-cutter past Butt's outside edge, but the Pakistan skipper finally gets his side off the mark with a push through the covers for one. When Broad strays down the leg side, Farhat flicks a four off his legs From Rob D, Newcastle, TMS inbox: "Once Trott is ushered onto the plane he will no doubt proceed to adjust his seat OCD style for the full 22 hour flight." 1238 - Pkn 0-0 (3 overs)Jimmy finds a bit of swing, but Farhat sees off the third maiden of the innings.
BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew on TMS: "If the Decision Review System does put paid to dodgy appeals when teams are trying to con the umpire, that's a good thing." 1235 - Pkn 0-0 (2 overs)Aggers reveals he's having some of the TMS crew round for dinner at the Belvoir tomorrow night, while Stuart Broad takes the second over to captain Salman Butt - there's a half-hearted shout for lbw off the first ball as it flicks the top of Butt's front pad. (Hawk-Eye suggests it would have gone over - a good decision by Mr de Silva). Butt has to fend off a brutal, rearing bouncer, there's an appeal for a catch by Ali Cook at short leg... but the fact England don't call for a review indicates they weren't fully convinced. Hotspot shows it plunked Butt on the side of his helmet. Another maiden, Broad has a few words with Butt before stalking away.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan on TMS: "I don't think this is a great pitch. There are wickets on offer for England and I think they can make inroads into the Pakistan batting line-up. If they bowl straight they are going to be in the game." 1230 - Pkn 0-0 (1 over)It's a quick turnaround as Jimmy Anderson, fresh from his "offering no shot" malarkey with the bat (well, it's his 28th birthday today, so we'll let him off), runs in to Imran Farhat and sends down a maiden over.
From Dave, Manchester, via text: "Flintoff should be on the plane - not in a playing capacity - just there to see if he can break David Boon's drinking record on the flight over." 1220: Wow. Six wickets for 17 runs, in about 45 minutes. I suppose you can never write off Pakistan, but that was a superb spell from Mohammad Asif. The ability to bowl straight is often overlooked in modern cricket...
Henry Blofeld on TMS: "Pakistan had a few bloomers in the field, but they can walk off with their heads held high after that performance."
1216 - WICKET - Broad b Gul 3 - Eng 354 all out (104.1 overs)Broad spent most of the recent ODI series with Australia looking like a man who had never picked up a bat before - and he's yorked by the first ball of Gul's over. England have lost their last six wickets for 23 runs. 1215 - Eng 354-9 (104 overs)Steve Finn edges the hat-trick ball, but it falls short of the slips. And I'm afraid the video scorecard's on the fritz again - so manually refresh your page and it'll disappear.
1211 - WICKET - Anderson lbw b Asif 0 - Eng 354-9 (103.3 overs)Jimmy Anderson takes leave of his senses and offers no stroke to his first ball from Asif, that's another lbw! Asif has a five-for, he's on a hat-trick and Anderson is eligible to join
the Primary Club
if he wasn't already.
1210 - WICKET - Swann lbw b Asif 2 - Eng 354-8 (103.2 overs)After Broad pushes his first ball for three, Swann prods forward and Asif obtains his third lbw decision of the morning. The England pair look for a moment that they're trying to work out if they should use a review, before realising they're all gone... Replays show that's another good decision by Umpire Hill, who's having a good game.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan on TMS: "Swann has stuffed Prior out of sight there. Not good running by the England pair." 1208 - Eng 351-7 (103 overs)It's two Notts players in together as Stuart Broad joins Swann at the crease. A slight delay while a sightscreen problem is resolved, a chastened Swann sees off the rest of the over.
From Jobson15on 606:
"Swann in ahead of Broad? Interesting choice. England still need to put another 100-150 runs on the board today."
1202 - Prior run out 6 - Eng 351-7 (102.4 overs)Prior glances Gul for a single to fine leg. Swann drives a two off his legs - but Prior is halfway down the pitch for a suicidal third before realising Swann hasn't moved, and Aamer's bullet throw from the boundary means the Sussex man is run out by several yards. Meanwhile, a little treat for you - the technical team have fixed the streaming problems, so if you manually refresh your page, the video scorecard will appear at the top. From Liam, North London, TMS inbox: "I do think all the talk about the Ashes is premature. Cricket like any sport is about winning and the focus should be 100% on this series." 1158 - Eng 348-6 (102 overs)Asif raps Swann on the pad as he plays forward, it looked to have hit him a fraction outside the line. Umpire Hill has already given Asif two lbws, but that was a good decision. Swann is then discomforted by a bouncer, and has to sway out of the way at the last minute - at the risk of sounding like Corporal Jones from Dad's Army, I think there is still the suspicion that Swann "doesn't like it up him". He glances the penultimate ball of the over for four leg byes. From Dave in Bristol, TMS inbox: "I think Kevin Pietersen's probably sat in the First Class lounge waiting for someone to come and take him straight to the plane on one of those little airport run-around buggies that I always wanted to ride on - he's in, though. Cookie, on the other hand, is being held up at security due to having been spotted with dodgy foot-movement and is plaintively crying 'don't you know I'm the vice-captain!' Serious doubts as to whether he'll be given the all-clear." 1154 - Eng 344-6 (101 overs)Pakistan's first change of bowling today as Umar Gul replaces Aamer at the Pavilion End. Prior tries to square-cut a wide one but bashes it into the ground. Gul gets a bit of bounce, and completes a maiden over. From Anna Mayes, TMS inbox: "I fully expect Pietersen to be on the plane. He appears to have carried out some Jedi mind trick on Strauss, Flower and the selectors as they clearly believe he's playing well at the moment! They also seem to stick rigidly with Matt Prior, whereas I hope they take another look at Chris Read - performing wonders at Notts this season! Enjoying the coverage on the BBC - it keeps me going through the long working day!" 1149 - Eng 344-6 (100 overs)A big cheer from the Trent Bridge faithful as their local hero Graeme Swann strides to the crease. He leaves his first ball, though he's always likely to swing at anything he can get his bat on. A deserved wicket maiden for Asif. From Lee Baker, TMS inbox: "Morning Mark. Reckon Steve Finn will be jostling with Broady in one of the bulkhead seats, knees up round his ears for 28 hours like some David Blaine-type endurance stunt!"
1145 - WICKET - Morgan lbw b Asif 130 - Eng 344-6 (99.4 overs)Asif has been right on the money today, he sends down a peach of an inswinger which pitches on the stumps, straightens and traps Morgan in front of all three.
From Steve in Worthing, via text: "Matt Prior is definitely sitting on the plane, he's the best wicketkeeper-batsman in the country, much better than the overhyped Kieswetter, the last couple of one-day series have shown how average Kieswetter actually is." 1142 - Eng 344-5 (99 overs)Aamer has a man out on the hook for Morgan, but he's still beating the bat. There's a half-hearted shout for lbw when Morgan shoulders arms and the ball flicks the top of his back leg's pad. Umpire Asoka de Silva shakes his head, and Hawk-Eye shows he was right to do so. Just a single from the over. From Daniel Wright, TMS inbox: "KP won't be on the plane but you can expect to see him in Aus. Heathrow just doesn't make sense when you're living in Chelsea." 1137 - Eng 343-5 (98 overs)Morgan rotates the strike with a leg bye, Prior steers Asif for two but the lanky seamer has been pretty accurate today. From James Milligan, TMS inbox: "Unfortunately Captain Cook is certain of a place on the plane, the batsmen whose position is never under threat. He'll no doubt get a hundred in the second innings of a game we've already won between now and the Ashes to keep the selectors happy."
1134 - Eng 340-5 (97 overs)Aggers has spotted another politician at Trent Bridge - having chatted to Ken Clarke on TMS yesterday, John Major is at the ground today. And good news for those of you who love the semi-regular "Ask the Umpire" sessions on TMS - veteran umpire John Holder will be taking your questions during the lunch interval. So, pop an email to [email protected], and mark your email " ASK THE UMPIRE". Meanwhile, back on the pitch, Aamer bowls an uneventful maiden over to Prior. 1129 - Eng 340-5 (96 overs)New batsman Matt Prior (is he on the plane, folks?) whips his first ball for three through mid-wicket.
1127 - WICKET - Collingwood lbw b Asif 82 - Eng 337-5 (95.5 overs)Replays and Hotspot show that's a good decision from Hill, the ball hit Colly's pad before his bat, and the Durham man has to go. So that fifth-wicket stand is finally broken after the ginger pair put on 219 together. And both sides have now "burned" both their reviews for this innings.
1125 - Eng 337-4 (95.5 overs)More untidy fielding from Pakistan, Asif tries to field a Colly defensive shot off his own bowling but it goes through his legs. Colly's then hit on the pad, after a long delay umpire Tony Hill raises his finger - and after a long discussion with Morgan, Colly calls for a review!
From Mad_for_Chelsea on 606:
"More excellent catching from Pakistan, Imran Fahrat putting down a sitter at first slip. Do they actually practice their fielding?" 1122 - DROPPED CATCH - Eng 337-4 (95 overs)Aamer charges in to Morgan, the precocious teenager finds the edge again but there's more questionable fielding from Pakistan as the ball dribbles towards gully. Morgan shoulders arms at anything he doesn't have to play at - but then there's another edge, and Imran Farhat shells the chance at first slip. Captain Salman Butt, wearing one of those natty Pakistan cable-knit sweaters (of which I strongly approve - Bring Back Proper Cricket Sweaters!), sinks to his haunches in frustration. A maiden over - should have been a wicket maiden.
From Anonymous (please remember to put your name on!), via text: "Monty Panesar is at St Pancras waiting for the Eurostar." 1116 - Eng 337-4 (94 overs)Asif keeps it tight, Colly straight-drives but can't beat the lumbering Umar Gul at mid-on. Our first maiden over of the day.
From Michael in Wolves, via text: "KP is probably concussed on the steps to the plane after trying to somersault the 100th step and banging his head on the plane door." 1113 - Eng 337-4 (93 overs)The right-handed Paul Collingwood opens his account for the day with a single off his legs, Aamer's radar isn't quite up to its usual standards so far today. 1108 - Eng 336-4 (92 overs)Morgan flicks Mohammad Asif's right-arm seam for four off his legs, before wafting at the next one outside off stump.
From Anonymous, via text: "Surely KP is sat down in a window seat reclining his seat a little to far back for Jimmy Anderson's liking and Jonathan Trott is being ushered to his seat by an air stewardess long after the plane is ready for take-off." 1104 - Eng 332-4 (91 overs)Aamer has two slips and a gully, the first ball of the day finds Morgan's edge and it reaches second slip Umar Akmal on the bounce. Kept low, that one. And then we have our first fumble of the day from wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal - let's not beat around the bush, he had a shocker behind the timbers yesterday. Morgan tries to tickle one to fine leg and the first run of the day is a leg bye. James (below), I'd say Bell's in the departure lounge but waiting for a doctor's certificate to come through and pass him fit to fly. We've all seen England make the mistake of taking injured players to Australia in the past. From James in Dorset, TMS inbox: "What about Bell? Surely he is on the plane. Remember, Morgan only got a hundred yesterday because of Bell's injury!" 1058: Right, a quick parish notice - I'm afraid we're having problems with streaming video today, so there's no video scorecard available at the moment. However, you can still listen to TMS - and if you manually refresh the page, the "play is due to start at 1100" line will disappear. Left-arm quick Mohammad Aamer is opening up for Pakistan, after we concluded yesterday with an over of right-arm medium pace by Umar Amin and an over of right-arm pies from Imran Farhat. Here we go. From Tony Kibble, TMS inbox: "Reckon Pietersen is having one of those panic moments where he cannot find his passport in any of his pockets and is slapping himself all over trying to find it. Must say I would think, on current form, that both Morgan and Bopara must be ahead of Pietersen in the queue to go." 1053: They may not be pursuing the tortuous airline metaphor I tried earlier, but Vaughan and Stewart are already pondering their 16-man squads for the Ashes (see below). Alec, a dyed-in-the-wool Surrey man if ever there was one, is banging the drum for Steven Davies and Chris Tremlett.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan on TMS: "I think England will take eight batsmen to Australia, with the reserve keeper as the eighth. They'll need a second spinner, possibly Panesar, and five fast bowlers."
Former England captain Alec Stewart on TMS: "Looking at the cracks in the pitch, if England can get to 450 or 500, I think they may only have to bat once in this game" 1046: The Test Match Special crew are up and running - CMJ, Michael Vaughan and Alec Stewart are surprised at how much the cracks in the pitch have opened up.
From Silk on 606:
"Fully expect these two to push on and make big scores. Indeed, wouldn't bet against a Morgan double ton. Pakistan didn't look threatening with the new ball last night. Unless they can get their heads up straight away this morning, and realise they are still very much in the game, it will run away from them quickly" 1032: A friend sent me a message after close of play yesterday asking "So, has the Dubliner done enough to go to Oz?". I'd say that if he's not quite on the plane yet, he's certainly sitting in the departure lounge with a freshly-printed boarding pass. But who can honestly say they're definitely on the plane? Captain Strauss and his co-pilot Andy Flower are up in the cockpit reviewing the passenger list. Graeme Swann's on the plane (and his Twitter buddy James Anderson - the pair of them are probably distracting the stewardesses while Swann slips whoopee cushion under the seat he expects Tim Bresnan to occupy), while Stuart Broad is looking for a seat in the exit row where there's more leg-room. Colly's on the plane, naturally, but a few of the others may have to wait for their name to be called. (Poor old Ravi Bopara, meanwhile, is stuck back in the stand-by line at check-in). Who else do you think can confidently expect to make the flight?
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