Sassy Colin
Death or the gladioli!
Seems like a long time ago that India were making us look foolish in our own back yard.
He's played his way into red and white-ball squads I reckon.Brilliant start by Mahmood here
He was carrying an injury otherwise he would have been called into the original squad, he’s seems to be improving every time I see him in the England shirtHe's played his way into red and white-ball squads I reckon.
More than just interesting!!Some positives for England. Salt and Vince had Pakistan worried at one point and now Gregory and Carse are showing some grit.
EDIT - 247. Very happy with that. Would expect Pakistan to get them easily enough but early wickets would make it interesting.
He's a good keeper but nowhere near good enough with the bat for international cricket.First time seeing Simpson, very impressed with how he’s played.
Yeah showing the value of having a specialist glovesman. Feels like it's worth taking an extra wicket per match.First time seeing Simpson, very impressed with how he’s played.
To be fair the run rate has not got out of control, it is just the regular wickets that killed the game. If there were still 5 wickets down same runs, Pakistan would be favourites.Pakistan are stuck in the 90s with their batting approach. Far too many dot balls being allowed, at the very least they should be taking singles & putting pressure back on the bowlers. Far too passive in the batting.
To be fair neither are most of our top order in test cricket.He's a good keeper but nowhere near good enough with the bat for international cricket.
He’s been very good, makes you wander why they picked James Bracey in the NZ tests.First time seeing Simpson, very impressed with how he’s played.
Yeah, it was pretty harsh on him not being in original squad. I think most people expect him to play quite a bit for England if he stays fit.Credit to England for these performances given the circumstances. Mahmood has really impressed me.
The less said about Pakistan, the better. Very disappointed, but not surprised by how they’ve played.
They picked him as a batsman in fairness and the Foakes’ injury changed factors.He’s been very good, makes you wander why they picked James Bracey in the NZ tests.
Yeah with Buttler, Bairstow and Foakes all in the queue ahead of him you'd imagine his chances will be limited.They picked him as a batsman in fairness and the Foakes’ injury changed factors.
Personally Simpson seems a good keeper but he’s nowhere near international quality with the bat and that is still needed given the way England generally bat.
Yeah, was careful to get himself in and then has just been dominant since he got to 50.Babar came to play today
Looks a very good pitch. I think Pakistan are actually about 15-20 runs short but it will be a tough chase. If England had the normal team, I’d back them to chase it down.Yeah, was careful to get himself in and then has just been dominant since he got to 50.
My predictions aren't going very well this series but this should be too many for England, even on a flat pitch.