Heroes & Villains

Pakistan 378 all out
v England 242 all out
Pakistan 354-6 declared
England 312 all out
Pakistan win by 178 runs

Dubai International Cricket Stadium

Monday 26 October 2015

Twitter @ball_sup

Dry Day #17

Looking back

So, there was a rearguard action by England after all. Eventually, that became enthralling. But, it wasn't a sustained, consistent, band of brothers approach. It was very much lone hero territory. The problem in cricket is that the same people who are heroes also play the villains. At the start, to get anywhere in the game, we needed Hero Root to stay there. Anchor the rearguard around him. Even though he top scored with 71, he's a villain. He got out.

As the game went ever deeper, we needed Hero Rashid to see it out until the end. After facing 171 balls, the rogue crashed the next one in the air & was caught. England were 6.3 overs shy of saving it. Mentioned in despatches were Wood & Broad. But, the Lower Middle Order (Bairstow, Stokes, Buttler) were not up to it.

The 13 overs for 19 overs in 11 overs run chase in Abu Dhabi was really a lost cause. But, these swashbucklers haven't got England over the line in a short chase nor a long rearguard. Anyway. Marvellous “subcontinent” Test. Just that Moving Day was Day 3. A day early. That lost it for England. Lower Middle Order culpable there as well.

Cook had a groin niggle. But, we've heard nothing more since. So…..

Looking forward

I'm gonna advocate more of the same. I'm hoping the Moeen as opener thing is a one off Moneyball to get 2 spinners & the seamers in. I do not want Hales in. But, as the man with the hotel key, I have to assume he'll be given his chance at Kingsmead. In Sharjah, unless Cook pulls up, I'd go Cook/Moeen.

I'd stick with Adil, Anderson & Broad. And also Stokes & Wood. But, if anyone has a niggle, I wouldn't hesitate to bang Plunkett in.

Right. Given the batting problems, I'd get Taylor in. Before the tour, I'd said he should play instead of Buttler. The word is that might happen in Sharjah. Perversely, I'd now keep Buttler & bring Taylor in for Bell. It's just direction of travel. Buttler might be part of a long term England future. Bell won't be.

I'd go - Cook, Moeen, Taylor, Root, Bairstow, Stokes, Buttler, Rashid, Plunkett, Broad, Anderson. They'll have Bell for Buttler & Wood for Plunkett. And, England have to play Series Cricket. Gotta find a way to win. Two nil is the new one nil.

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