Yes stubborn partnership this, Athers is right, lower order runs might be the difference. Biggest partnership of the innings so far - for the eighth wicket.
Piss poor this today. Let Saud knock the ball around at ease with no pressure, now it’s falling apart. Thrown away a very strong position.
Plenty have shown on both sides you can bat well on this pitch. So it's a chance for Pope, Root, Brook and Stokes to redeem themselves after twenty odd runs between them in the first innings.
I don’t agree, I don’t think they’ve bowled appallingly - the two Pakistan spinners and Saud batted excellently. That really sharp chance to Smith was key - I apportion no blame as it deflected a long way but had that stuck, it’s a different game. But I think the lead has been earned by Pakistan, not given away by England. I would probably have brought Rehan back on at the start of the second session though - no guarantee that would have made any difference. Takes two teams to make a game. The other side are allowed to do well. Key hour or so with the bat now. You’d think this lead makes them red hot favourites but if we bat the day without losing any or maybe just one, and scratch a good part of the deficit off, there’s still a game on.
Dear me this umpire is shocking - how’s he not given that out? How many decisions is that he’s had overturned? Not a great start - but well bowled. No daft expansive or flat bat shot, just beaten by the bowler.
If this next half hour goes badly they might not need a third; eight down and surely they’d grant an extra half hour? My optimism has been obliterated in five overs
Plays for the wrong county to be dropped… He’s had a lot of slack cut though it has to be said. Think that bad light call was a bit of a manufactured one to ensure some Saturday gate money - I suspect they’ll sell a few for what looks like a victory coming tomorrow.
It would be a disgrace if Pope isn't dropped for the upcoming 3 test tour of New Zealand. He needs to go away and work on his technical shortcomings. A number 3 averaging below 35 at this level ain't good enough and he's a real weak link.
Away in New Zealand won't be any easier. They currently look like going 2-0 up away in India. They are no mugs.
To be fair on Pope he's not a number 3 batter. He was shoehorned into the role by England, previously had always played as a 4 or 5.
