~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~26~RS~) |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
bbc.co.uk navigation
Site links
BBC links
© 2012
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
By Sam Sheringham
After the fairytale stories of the Ashes in Australia and the 4-0 whitewash of India, the first Test against Pakistan in Dubai was far more like a horror movie, with England’s batting line-up twice ripped to shreds by spin-bowling assassin Saeed Ajmal. In the second Test in Abu Dhabi I think England fans would settle for more of a rom-com, with a nice predictable trajectory towards a happy ending. Toss, teams and news of an early departure from England's touring party on their way...
This just in - Chris Tremlett is flying home after a recurrence of the back injury he suffered over the summer. His replacement will be named tomorrow. And rumours from the middle that England are going to play five bowlers...
Andrew Strauss calls heads but the 'ol coin is a fickle mistress and tumbles tails up. Misbah decides to pat first on what promises to be a belter of a pitch and vows to turn fifties into big ones. Straussy says he would have batted first, but thinks there may be a bit in the pitch in the first hour or so. One change for England - Monty Panesar in for Chris Tremlett. Looks like that five bowler thing was a herring rouge.
One change for Pakistan as well, with left-arm seamer Junaid Khan replacing Aizaz Cheema. It's the first time England have gone into a game with just two seamers and two spinners since 2003.
Plenty to talk about then and it's time for you to roll your sleeves up and muck in with the text commentary. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the England team selection, the unfolding contest or anything else besides. How would our England rom-com develop? Would it end with a passionate embrace between those one-time foes Kevin Pietersen and Graeme Swann after they combine to score the winning runs? Tweet me @samsheringham , email the TMS inbox at tms@bbc.co.uk with for Sam Sheringham as your subject, or text us on 81111 (UK).
The four-man attack last-time England played two spinners? Andrew Flintoff, James Kirtley, Ashley Giles and Gareth Batty, in Sri Lanka in 2003. Think I'd take today's quartet of those fellas any day.
It's a rum old ground. Apparently there is one huge stand but all I've seen is a grassy bank and a barrier. Looks a bit like Newmarket. And guess what? There's nobody there.
From scottwinning: "I feel sorry for Tremmers, but good to see Panesar back in the fold, missed his celebrating."
My worry about this four bowler malarky is what happens if Anderson or Broad gets injured? Does Jonathan Trott take the new ball? Perish the thought. Big workload ahead for Jimmy and Broad, especially with England bowling first.
"I don't think Pakistan are a great side. I'm thrilled that they are playing as a unified front with no arguing or carrying on. But if I were sat in the England dressing room, I'd be thinking 'if we can't beat these we aren't that good.' They are an average team playing well together."
"It's easy when you're in a team that's doing well, but today we're going to learn a lot more about how strong this team is - they've lost the toss on what looks a belter."
From Matt in Crewe: "Up at 530am on my week off..stupid or dedicated?? Hmm first hour is crucial COME ON ENGLAND!!"
Out stride the umpires Bruce Oxenford and Steve Davis followed by the England boys. Great to see Little Lord Montleroy out there. It's no exaggeration to say there could be more people out in the middle than there are in the stands. "If this number turned up to watch me in nets at Yorkshire, I'd be disappointed," opines Boycs.
Pakistan: Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Mohammad Hafeez, Taufeeq Umar, Azhar Ali, Younus Khan, Asad Shafiq, Adnan Akmal (wk), Umar Gul, Junaid Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman.
England: Andrew Strauss (capt), Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior (wk), Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Monty Panesar.
First ball is a juicy full toss from Jimmy Anderson which Mohammad Hafeez clips to Stuart Broad at mid-on. They fancy a run, but think better of it. Then Monty is straight into the action - and he fumbles the ball at deep square leg! Only a minor blunder though and he picks up the ball at the second attempt. Taufeeq Umar on strike now and he clatters his first ball to the long-on boundary. Good start for Pakistan, and Michael Vaughan reckons England's body language is as bad as it has been for two years.
Some early tittering in the TMS box over the "Knocking Area" at the stadium. I think it is probably a designated area for batsmen to warm-up, but I'm happy to be corrected. Neat and tidy start from Broad. A fair maiden.
From Shazad Hussain in Ashton under Lyne: "A bit harsh from Mr Boycott. Pakistan an average side? Sour grapes by any chance? I think you should check the stats out again, Pakistan have just beaten England, the number 1 team in the world, by 10 wickets in 3 days."
A bad sign for England as Jimmy Anderson's brow is already furrowed. A poor ball down the leg side is tucked round the corner by Taufeeq for four more.
A message from our overlords. If you were having trouble with the TMS commentary link on our live page, give your PC a manual refresh and all with be hunky-dory. Nice stroke from Hafeez as he angles hit bat to send the ball past backward point, but he only gets one run for it. Broad has certainly settled the better of England's two quicks.
"Elsewhere in the world of cricket, Australia have declared in the fourth Test in Adelaide after piling on the runs against India. Ricky Ponting (221) and Michael Clarke (210) made double hundreds, adding 386 for the fourth wicket, before the declaration came at 604-7. It doesn't get any better for India - they've already lost Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid and are 31-2 in reply."
From harijukugirls: "Perched at a sports bar in LA trying to explain the difference between pitching and spinning to out American cousins."
This is better from Jimmy Anderson - he's found that probing line and length, a shade outside the off timber. There's a hint of swing too as he sends down a maiden.
"It doesn't look the kind of pitch where you're going to bowl many 'jaffas' or unplayable balls - you've got to bowl dot balls, bowl for maidens and create pressure."
From Matthew Colledge, TMS inbox: "After England won the 2005 Ashes, we lost our next series, also away against Pakistan, and the side disintegrated. Please tell me history's not going to repeat itself."
This looks like the kind of pitch you would like to roll up and take to bed with you if you were a batsman. True bounce, not a huge amount of pace, easy peasy at the moment. A nice punchy shot from Taufeeq gets him two past Cook at mid-off.
"The names of the ends here aren't really clear - so we're going to call them the Road End and the Desert End."
A little over-pitched from Anderson and Hafeez has all the time in the world to drive him through the covers for four. I still reckon this ground looks like a race course, with the grassy banks and barriers. Monty to pip Swann in a photo finish?
Talking of the Montasaurus, I would love to hear your favourite Panesar memories. His hapless attempt to catch Dhoni over in India in 2006? Or what about that rearguard effort with the bat in Cardiff? Another maiden from Broad. He's out to frustrate them and I think he's wise.
"Monty's had a fair time out of the game but he bowls quite well with a newer ball, while Swann doesn't like it as it rips his fingers."
Jimmy gets an inswinger all wrong and Prior gets a hand to it but can't prevent four byes down the leg side. All this talk of Monty seems to have got through to Strauss. Here he comes for a twirl in the 10th over of the match...
From Jonny in Bolton, TMS inbox: "Favourite Monty moment. Slog sweeping the greatest bowler ever (Murali) for 6. Hero."
On Twitter: "Early impressions of the crowd in Abu Dhabi... could be a thousand. Sign at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium: 'dress code is very simple, just keep your clothes on'. Nice."
It's turning sideways for Monty already! Plenty for the batsmen to think about but his length is a tad short and the batters have time to adjust. Taufeeq picks up a leg bye off his pads and Hafeez cuts at the last ball but does not time the shot and gets lucky as the ball bounces to safety.
As Ray Wilkins would say, my word! That really could have been very painful for Taufeeq as the ball deflects off his gloves and his body and lodges in the grill of his helmet. He eventually fishes it out himself and acts as if nothing has happened. A couple of singles off the last two balls and the Panesar party resumes...
A sharp diving stop from Andrew Strauss saves a boundary but Hafeez gets three from a late cut past backward point. Now the first big lbw from Monty but Taufeeq is a good foot outside the line when ball raps pad.
"Before today, Monty Panesar had played 39 Tests, and has taken 126 wickets at an average of 34.37. His best figures were 6-37 against New Zealand at Old Trafford in May 2008. Against Pakistan, he's taken 17 wickets at 30.29 in four Tests. He's taken nine catches, and averages 5.50 with the bat - more than double that of NZ's Chris Martin."
It's spin from both ends as Graeme Swann enters the fray as is promptly clattered to the boundary by Hafeez. Another late cut gets the batsman two runs but the final ball of the over has a bit more flight and Swann appeals. But the umpire shakes his head and we all move on.
Boycott is screaming at Monty for bowling too short and our erudite Yorkshireman has a point you know. He's making life easy for the batsmen as Hafeez cuts for two more before picking out Strauss with the same shot.
"Monty's bowling too short. On slow pitches, the batsmen have more time to wait for the ball and go inside-out. You've got to make them drive."
The good news. Graeme Swann is pitching the ball fuller than Monty. The bad news. Pakistan look largely untroubled by England's twins of spin. Time for a drink, and a think.
On Twitter: "A first bus for Blowers and a cake arrives in the Abu Dhabi TMS box. Normal service is resumed!"
From dukkhaboy: "If it's spinning like this in the first hour of the first morning, how will England cope with the Pakistan spinners?"
From Rob in Berlin, TMS inbox: "Nothing beats the catch from Monty on the last Ashes tour in a warm-up game against Australia A. The look of shock and awe on his face in the huddle was absolutely priceless."
There's a bit of breeze out there, tugging away at Monty's whites as he prepares for another over. The first three balls are fuller and better, but the fourth is once again to short and Hafeez gratefully gobbles up another boundary.
From foxfogman: "Does Boycs have a slight man crush on Monty?
Get involved by tweeting me @samsheringham
Swann fizzes one down that straightens into the left-handed Taufeeq and strikes him on the back thigh. Swann appeals and wants to review, but he's overruled by Strauss. Good decision as replays show it would have been an umpires's call, with the ball possibly shaving leg stump.
Monty is on course for a maiden until once again he drops a fraction too short and Hafeez helps himself to four more. Did I mention that Monty Panesar is bowling too short? Sorry, can't remember.
"It's all over for the day in Adelaide - and after two days' play, Australia are firmly in control of the final Test. India are 61-2 in reply to Australia's 604-7 declared, with Sachin Tendulkar - still stranded on 99 international centuries - 12 not out."
Howler from Taufeeq as he decides to leave a ball from Swann and looks on aghast as the ball goes straight on to smash down his off stump!
Two balls before that dismissal, Swann had turned a ball sharply away from the leftie and I think that was playing on Taufeeq's mind when he made his fateful decision to leave well alone. Azhar Ali is the new batsman and ge gets off the mark with a single off his pads.
"I think that wicket shows that England have got their team selection right. I still don't think it was an arm ball, it was an off break which didn't turn, but I'm sure Swann would like another half-dozen left-handers to bowl to."
A true beauty from Monty as he rips one off the straight and narrow and past Azhar's outside edge. Two runs from the over, plenty in this for the spinners.
From Matthew Shepherd, TMS inbox: "Favourite Monty moment was at the WACA last year. He was 12th man and the crowd went crazy around the ground when he topped up the energy drinks down at fine leg."
Another tidy over from Swann, but so far Hafeez is looking pretty cosy out there. He likes this establishment and rather fancies an overnight stay. It's England's job to evict him.
"There's been talk about a replacement for Tremlett - logic tells me that they should send out another spinner, as they have two seamers [Graham Onions and Steven Finn] not playing in this match and no spare spinners now if one of them gets injured."
With spinners at both ends, these overs are absolutely rattling by as Monty races through his latest set of six. A run apiece for Hafeez and Azhar.
Swann seems to have developed his own version of the "doosra". It's the ball that doesn't turn and it has already done for Taufeeq. This time Azhar is fooled but the ball beats the blade and the batter survives.
Oh Monty, Monty, Monty.... First Hafeez smacks the ball straight back at the bowler and Monty drops a tricky caught-and-bowled chance low to his left. But then he makes amends with the very next delivery, as the ball goes on with the arm and strikes Hafeez's leg stump.
From Jimmy C, TMS inbox: "Agree with Vic Marks about sending another spinner out there, but who's next in line? Briggs?"
Now then, can Swann keep Pakistan under the pump with two new batsmen at the crease? It's a probing over, and Azhar is happy to see out a maiden. Rebuilding is the order of the day for Pakistan.
Former England all-rounder Derek Pringle, of the Daily Telegraph: "Turn this lavish on first day of a county match and the pitch inspector would be docking points."
Younus Khan gets the scoreboard moving again with a tickle off his pads for one, then Azhar moves on to eight with a push into the covers. Surprise move from Strauss, Broad is replacing Swann...
Injured England seamer Chris Tremlett: "Gutted to be going home early from the tour but hopefully get the back sorted out quickly. Thanks for all the kind messages."
There's some cloud cover out there so maybe England feel the seamers can do the business too. Broad slams down a bouncer to Azhar but it's wide of off-stump and easily avoided.
From Richard Laycock, TMS inbox: "What ever happened to Adil Rashid? A genuine leg-spinning all-rounder who has taken a lot of wickets in county cricket. 10 years ago a leg-spinning all-rounder was the golden goose."
Monty has a spring in his step now as he scampers up to the crease. Younus gets a single past short leg but the last ball is a rasper, which fizzes past Azhar's outside edge. England's body language is much better now, they scent blood.
Broad raps Younus on the pad and appeals for lbw. Not surprisingly he wants a review but they opt against it and it's a wise call, with the contact clearly outside the line and ball probably heading too high.
I'm pretty sure this is the definition of stat gold. Apparently Azhar Ali's strike rate of 39 runs per 100 balls is the lowest of any player to score more than 1,000 runs in Test cricket. As if to prove a point, he clips Panesar for two wide of midwicket to take his score to 12 ... off 44 balls. Luncheon beckons, England would relish another scalp.
A sumptuous driver from Younus is brilliantly stopped by Cook at mid-off and they can only take a single. Younus shows his appreciation for the fielding with a clap of glove on timber. It's a good over from Broad, who signs off with an absolute snorter which swings, dips, and seams away past Younus Khan's outside edge. And that, my friends, is lunch.
"The morning session has belonged to England because on a flat track, they've not allowed Pakistan to run away with it. They've picked the right side, the ball has turned and Pakistan will have to make sure they get a good first-innings score. The spinners have done a fabulous job, especially Panesar, as it's not easy when you've been benched for a number of years. These are good batsmen against spin but they haven't been able to get him away."
From Craig in Nottingham: "My wife and I have named our new born son Jimmy after the great man. He comes home today and I was hoping he'd see his namesake rip through Pakistan like it were a damp day at Trent Bridge. What are the chances?"
From Al in Brighton: "Rashid had a poor season with the ball. If england opt for a seamer what about Will Gidman? First player this century to take 100 wickets and score 1,000 runs in a season in 2012. Glos player so went almost unnoticed."
Right, time for us to seek some nourishment before play resumes at 0840 UK time. Tune into TMS for a journalists' panel with Derek Pringle, Stephen Brenkley and John Etheridge.
From Carl Evans, France, TMS inbox: "I think Richard (0747) is confused. As anyone who knows their fairytales should know, no one should touch a golden goose."
The Independent's Stephen Brenkley on TMS: "It's terrific that these matches are being played here, but what the game really needs - and it's a giant leap - is for Pakistan to be playing international cricket in Pakistan."
I'm still trying to work out whether that was a good session or a bad session for England in the grand scheme of things. Of course, it's great to see Monty and Swann taking wickets but if it is going to turn sideways on this pitch, does that not favour Pakistan?
Former England all-rounder Derek Pringle, of the Daily Telegraph, on TMS: "Ricky Ponting has clearly just hit a rich vein of form but in the long run, [keeping him in the side] may do Australia more harm than good."
You're a hard man to please Derek, Ponting did score a double-ton today after all...
From Gren in Warwick, TMS inbox: "Re: Richard Laycock (0747). Adil Rashid has gone on the after dinner speech circuit with Chris Schofield and Ian Salisbury. I've seen them a couple of times... first time in a small, local venue when their delivery was perfect. However, I then saw them at a big venue when they were like rabbits in the headlights, forgot their lines and were quickly dragged off the stage. Schofield and Salisbury spent the rest of the evening skulking around the edge of the room."
Right, we're off, and it's the Montasaurus again leading the England attack. The left-armer took 1-26 off 10 overs this morning and will be looking for more. A gentle start though in the hazy desert, as Younus and Azhar nudge a single apiece to get their respective mojos going again post-lunch.
Broad resumes and bowls five dots ball before Azhar clouts him past mid-on for the first boundary since the 18th over. That was the 33rd.
Like the proverbial London buses, one boundary brings two more in its wake as Younus tucks into some appetising servings from Monty with a drive through long-off and a sweep.
A half-volley from Broad, and it's four more to Younus, who opens the face and places the ball through a gap on the off side. Runs flowing since lunchingtons.
From Les Green, Abu Dhabi, TMS inbox: "The 'desert' at the 'desert end' is only a couple of hundered metres, and I happen to live just beyond it in those orange houses! You made it sound like it in the middle of the Sahara!"
Younus is right in the groove now, down on one knee and swishing Monty away to the square leg rope. The former Pakistan skipper has made a decision to take the game to England here and Strauss has some thinking to do.
"Any club cricketer who has shivered in early April will be pleased to hear that even the pros can be underprepared from time to time. As TMS producer Adam Mountford explained in his blog, it has been a little chilly in Abu Dhabi, as demonstrated by the overcast conditions of the morning session. Some of the England players have been caught out by the cold, Stuart Broad has had to borrow a sleeveless sweater, as, presumably, has Kevin Pietersen, who tweeted: "Never knew it got cold in this part of the world. Didn't bring a single jumper to play in!!"
From Rick, undefined work location, TMS inbox: "I was in Cardiff to watch Monty's innings - seeing him nick the strike to protect Jimmy at the close was about the most fun I've had in cricket."
Angled in by Broad, Younus plays around the ball, it clips the pad and takes out his off stump. Massive wicket for England...
"That's good from England. That is exactly why you go with a spinner at one end and a seamer at the other, to break the batsman's rhythm."
What a timely blow that was from Broad. Younus was on fire and Pakistan had scored 26 runs in five overs prior to that wicket. Captain Misbah-ul-Haq blocks out the rest of the over. Now then, can Monty keep the pressure on Pakistan?
From Richard Batey, TMS inbox: "Re Gren in Warwick (0843): ''Schofield and Salisbury spent the rest of the evening skulking around the edge of the room', sounds just like after a day's play bowling for Surrey."
Monty keeps it tight and tidy for the first five balls, but the sixth is eased through the covers by Azhar. Graeme Swann gives chace and catches up with the ball just before the rope to keep them to three.
Broad steams in with his tail firmly up. The ball slams into Azhar's front pad and Broad roars an appeal. Not out says Brucie Oxenford. Will they review it? No - probably going over the top. Great bowling from Broad, asking questions with every ball and getting the ball to move in to the right-handers.
From Richard Horrocks, TMS inbox: "I have just had such a weird experience. As Stuart Broad was about to run in to bowl that ball I had an image come into my head of him bowling Younus off stump - it just popped into my head, almost like a little daydream... and then he does it! It was such a surreal moment seeing what I'd just imagined appearing before me seconds later. I need Mulder. That was strange."
I might get Mystic Rich (below) to pick my lottery numbers this week. Keep us posted on your premonitions buddy. Another lbw appeal, this time from Monty, but Misbah got some bat on that so review it they won't. It's a maiden.
Storming stuff from Broad. Once again the ball nips back off the seam and it's much too good for Azhar, whose off stump takes a pasting...!
So Pakistan are four down and all four of them have been castled. England will be hell-bent on rolling through Pakistan today now. Asad Shafiq is the new man, and he gets off the quacker with a single to long leg.
Monty is giving the ball much more air since lunch, perhaps after a word from Strauss, or Andy Flower? Another maiden - he's holding down an end while Broad wreaks havoc from the other.
"This is good cricket from England, Monty Panesar bowling a tight line and Broad attacking from the other end - this combination is working well and Pakistan are in a lot of trouble."
Another good over from Broad as Pakistan look to rebuild their innings. A single to Misbah on the off side is the only scoring stroke.
From David Youell in Bristol, TMS inbox: "Re Richard Horrocks [0910]: Any chance you could day dream a batting collapse for Pakistan for say, less than 150 and then a England first innings of 400+? Thanks in advance."
Hang about - that's one way to break the shackles! Misbah says I've had enough of this and absolutely pulverises Monty back over his head for two consecutive sixes. And I thought he was a blocker by trade. Spectacular stuff from the Pakistan skip.
From Brad in Devon: "Re Richard Horricks. I have just had a vision of Monty completing his hat-trick with a skied return catch which he has had to run 30 yards to take at full stretch. Pipe dreaming one thinks!"
"It's nice to see the 'Monty stare' again, while his celebrations have lost none of their exuberance."
Broad, who boats figures of 13-3-23-2 thus far, strays a fraction in line and Shafiq steers one off his pads for a single. Just hearing that Ian Bell has been bowling in the nets in case he's needed. Not at this rate.
From Jack in London, TMS inbox: "Re 'Mystic' Richard Horrocks: He isn't the chap from the Saturday at The Oval last summer who randomly announced, very loudly so the entire stand could hear, that England were going to get a wicket with the very next ball, and that it would be the GREATEST moment of his life? His mate asked: 'Better than your wedding? Your children being born?'... 'Oh yes'. Obviously by this point it was written in the stars, Indian batsman's (late afternoon, all far too hazy to remember who) stumps go flying, everyone in hysterics."
Monty sends down his 19th over unchanged and it is a maiden, with Shafiq favouring caution over adventure as he plays himself in. There's a cat on the outfield, is that yours Mystic Rich?
From Oli in East London: "When was the last time a test team were all bowled out in a single innings? Perhaps this is my Mystic Rich moment."
Stuart Broad is having a rest and James Anderson is back into the England attack. Misbah is back in stock defensive mode as he plays out a maiden. A hint of swing for Jimmy there.
From Bill Finch, TMS inbox: "Re Richard Horrocks: "Years ago while fielding at deep backward square leg for the mighty South Nutfield CC, I had a premonition that if I stood with my legs either side of a dandelion that was growing a few yards to my left, the next ball would be straight down my throat. I stood there, and next ball I pouched a skier without moving a muscle. I had the same premonition countless times over the next few seasons, but sadly history didn't ever repeat itself."
It's still Monty P for his 20th over (Swann has only bowled seven so far.) The first five balls are dots but Shafiq rocks back to the last ball and pushes two runs through the leg side. Time for a drinks break.
"It's been a very curious 25 minutes - we had those two sixes out of the blue from Misbah, who's renowned as a good old Test match blocker, but apart from that we've barely had a run. Panesar's bowled a lot of overs but there's a pretty stiff cross-breeze - Swann would probably prefer to bowl at the seamers' end but he'll have to wait his turn."
From anonymous: "Re Brad in Devon [0927]. Bizzare - just as your SMS showed up I was indeed dreaming of a pipe..."
This is the first Test history when Pakistan's top four batsmen have been bowled. So there you go. Anderson is looking to cut his own slice of wicket pie, but this pair seem to have the measure of him at the moment as they take a single each.
Shafiq follows his captain's lead and launches Monty into orbit - or more specifically row Z, where not surprisingly, there isn't a fan in sight to snaffle the catch... These boys have had nine scoring shots in 58 balls, three of which have been sixes.
From Rob Owens, TMS inbox: "As a leg-spin bowler, I often get the premonition that I'm going to be hit over cow corner for 6. Like Richard, I am often right."
Prior erupts into an appeal for a catch down the leg side but replays show daylight between ball and blade. Otherwise, it's another quiet over. Time for Swann as England look to break this stubborn stand.
From Pete in Catford (Really?): "Cat Stats: Peter, the Lord's cat (1950 – 1964), is the only animal to be given an obituary in the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack."
Plenty of turn for Swann and a stifled appeal as the balls trikes Misbah's front pad. What happened to that handy knack he had of taking a wicket in his first over of a spell?
From nobesie: "Aggers says he has never seen a cat on a cricket ground? Has he not seen Tuffers play?"
Shafiq punches Anderson wide of mid-off for a single, then Misbah opens the face and dabs one down to third man. Not much happening for Anderson out there, but with no third seamer, he'll have to do a fair bit of work here whiel Broad takes a breather.
England starting to strain for a wicket a touch now and the Pakistan duo are looking settled at the crease as they pick up three more singles from a Swann over.
Anderson over-pitches and Misbah gets hold of it, but the ball is well-stopped by Ian Bell at short leg. England also have a man at straight silly mid-on with his left foot more or less on the pitch. It's another maiden, the partnership is 35 off 88 balls.
Jonathan Trott is into the attack now and... oooooh that's close as Misbah gets an edge that falls just short of Strauss at first slip. Then more drama as Shafiq has a wild swing at an out-swinger and the ball flies between Prior and Strauss for four byes. The last ball brings a much more authentic shot for four straight down the ground.
"I'll tell you who Trott bowls a bit like... I hated facing Mike Gatting as I always got out to him. I didn't even like him bowling to me in the nets. Trott's like a medium-gentle-slow teaser, I think he could get one or two wickets if you bowl him in spells of no more than two or three overs. If you can get 10 overs a day out of a part-timer like Trott, the main bowlers should only have to bowl 20 each."
From Don in Devizes, TMS inbox: "Poor old Richard Horrocks. He's doomed. If his next prediction is wrong, we'll be stoning him as a false prophet. If he's right, we'll have to burn him as a witch."
Runs are starting to come a bit more freely now to this Pakistan pair as they rotate the strike to Anderson. The last ball nips back sharply off the seam and comes within a whisker of Misbah's off peg.
From Glen in Oxford, TMS inbox: "The talk of premonitions and superstitions reminds me of the oft quoted ‘Skinners pigeon boxes’. In short, pigeons were fed at random times and developed superstitious tics (ie standing on one leg, looking over the left shoulder) because that’s what they were doing when the food first arrived. I have spent the last 45 mins with my finger up my nose. Not going down too well at work. "
Trott's line is a good couple of feet outside off stump but Misbah is happy to go reaching for it to get himself a single. Then a full toss on leg stump is clobbered for four by Shafiq. Mystic Rich, I have a message from Skipper Strauss. Have you seen any more wickets yet?
Swann is back but Shafiq spots a short one early and sends it to the fence with disdain. Pakistan have scored 23 runs from the last 24 balls.
On Twitter: "Joining us during the tea interval on TMS will be the chief executive of the Abu Dhabi Cricket Club, Mr Dilawar Mani."
Monty returns for over 22 of his Test comeback and he could do with another wicket to tidy up figures which took a bit of battering when Misbah and Shafiq went a touch medieval after lunch. Just the one from this over as Misbah pushes to long-on.
"England will be thinking it's time to get another wicket but there will be times in this match where the batsmen will do well against the slow turn - England just need to keep plugging away, they'll still feel they have a good chance of winning the game."
A wild swipe from Shafiq but he gets an inside edge which trickles just past his stumps. Then two to Misbah turned down to fine leg. These two keeping themselves busy, much to England's chagrin.
Poor old Monty. He totally deceives Misbah with a drifter than spins sharply and takes the edge, but the chance is put down by Jimmy Anderson at slip. It was about a yard to his right, but a very catchable height. Very unlike Jimmy that.
Lots of pats on the back for Monty after that over. That ball really did deserve a wicket. Swann keeps plugging away at the other end, but he never seems quite as threatening to right-handers and they take four from the over.
From Adam in North Devon, TMS inbox: "RE Glen in Oxford (1019): Unfortunately, Staddon and Simmelhag in 1971 showed that these behaviours were not caused by food and therefore could not be seen as superstitions. Get that finger out of your nose."
When was the last time England got through their 90 overs in regulation time? They've bowled 64 and it's still a couple of minutes until tea. Monty gets through another in a flash, with a quick single to Shafiq the only incident to rouse the scorer from his or her slumber.
Swann is handed the last over before tea and is royally clubbed through the covers for four by Shafiq! This is a handy partnership of 74 for Pakistan. There were 104 runs in that session off 34 overs. England trudge off the field looking a tad dismayed that they couldn't add to those early strikes, and Stuart Broad is consoling Jimmy Anderson for that dropped catch. How crucial could it turn out to be? Join us after tea to find out.
"We've had 65 overs by tea time, and we're actually going to finish on time with more than the 90 overs, that's incredible! There's slow turn but if you pick the wrong length to drive, you'll be bowled. Our seamers bowled well, especially Broad, but it's been good to see the spinners bowl as well. Monty deserved a second wicket [with the dropped catch] but Swann has bowled too short and wide - the same line he bowls on faster pitches, but there's no margin for error here."
Out walk Strauss and his troops for what feels like a big session. If England can break this partnership and gets in amongst the tail, they could really take a stranglehold on the match. If these two bat through, you'd probably say it has been Pakistan's day.
Monty is the man, or so Strauss believes, as he chucks him the ball straight after tea. It's another tidy over which Misbah is happily to play out for a maiden.
"You feel that England have to win this session. They don't want Pakistan to get 325 or more. They want to restrict Pakistan to 270 really."
Stuart Broad is bowling again for England, but there's no sign of the seam movement he was getting after lunch and Shafiq gets the scoreboard moving with a clip to long leg.
Monty Panesar must get through his overs quicker than any other bowler. Discuss. Not really, that would be tedious. Anyway, six more balls, all dots. As you were.
Oh dear, I hope this isn't the old Stuart Broad coming back to haunt us. A poor over all round with two very tame bouncers and two leg-stump half-volleys which are whipped away for singles.
Much mirth on TMS about camel racing and robot-monkeys. It's all the rage in Abu Dhabi apparently. I don't think even Alan Partridge could have thought of that one. Monty is being given a bit of tap here, as Shafiq makes room to cut twice to the fence to take his score to 49.
This partnership is becoming a genuine nuisance for England. Another over from Broad yields a single to Misbah.
From David Wignall, TMS inbox: "Re: Michael Vaughan [1108]. Before this series all the pundits were saying it was going to be really hard to get a result with big scores etc. Now we had one Test finish in three days and MV telling us that 325 is too big on this wicket. What did all our pundits get so wrong about these pitches?"
Shafiq reaches a very useful fifty indeed off 103 balls with a single to deep mid-off in Panesar's 28th over. Senior spinner Swann has only bowled 13. Curious.
Right on cue, Swann is recalled. A run apiece to a deep mid-on and still England toil without reward.
From Mark in Stoke: "You know when Michael Vaughan is talking about camel-racing, there's not a lot going on for England."
Panesar delivers his third maiden in four since tea before Swann produces a ball that turns into the right hander. It's a chance for Cook at short-leg but he can't get his hands down in time and the ball hits the turf.
From James, TMS inbox: "Having lived on and off in the UAE for last 13 years, child jockeys were banned in 2005/6 as a lot of children from south Asia were being kidnapped or sold by their families to become jockeys. As many as 40,000 perhaps. The Swiss company K-Team makes the robots and they are called 'Kamal'. Dubai police uncovered a gang of dealers a few years ago who were selling electric stun-gun kits for robots, designed to make the camels run even faster. They were fitted inside the robots and delivered electric shocks by remote control in order to get an edge over the competition! You are right, it is Bluetooth technology."
Monty to Misbah and ... have a guess. Right first time, another maiden. The Pakistan skipper smacked the Montster for two sixes early on but he's been a model of caution ever since then and now has 36 runs from 113 balls. I guess it makes sense for Strauss to keep Monty on if he is plugging an end. But can England fashion a wicket from the other?
Short from Swann - "a gimme" says Blowers - and Shafiq leans back and pulls it effortlessly for four. This track is so slow that if you pitch short you get punished. Simple as that.
From tomorino17: "Frustrating times for England, pitch seems to be offering nothing now. Surely a few more overs from the lethal Trottmeister?"
England's spin twins are giving it their all here but still the wicket won't come as Misbah tickles one round the corner to bring up the hundred partnership off 230 balls. Then Shafiq has a wild sweep - umpire Bruce Oxenford raises the finger but the batsman calls for a review...
He's out. Thrash across the line, ball missed by a country mile and back-pad slapped in front of off stump. Relief for England. The day is in the balance now.
Andrew Miller of The Cricketer magazine: "There she blows. One over before the new ball as well. The door is ajar ..."
Another Misbah single hands new man Adnan Akmal the strike and he is very nearly a goner as the ball cannons from bat to boots and loops just wide of the diving Ian Bell. Time for a new ball, and a certain Jimmy Anderson desperate to make amends for his dropped catch.
Now then, confusion in the middle as the portly fourth umpire trots out with a box of new balls but James Anderson doesn't fancy any of them and sends for a new set. In the meantime they are going to take some drinks.
From AndyBL in Muscat, via Glamorgan, TMS inbox: "The best/worst thing about camel racing today is not the little robots, but the human riders/owners who chase the pack in their cars. It's manic! Twenty odd 4x4s racing along all jostling for position with people hanging out the windows etc. Crazy."
Do not adjust your PC, we're still waiting for Jimmy to select a cherry. Just go for the house vintage Jimmy, it's often the best. Finally he takes his pick and immediately it flies off the outside edge and Akmal is DROPPED by Andrew Strauss at first slip. Another costly moment for England. It was travelling quickly but at a very nice height for a catch. Just to rub it in, Akmal slaps one through the covers for four.
"This will probably be the most overs I've seen in a day's play of Test cricket for a very long time. It means Geoffrey will be in a very good mood for the podcast - he won't be chuntering about over-rates."
We've seen a few replays of the Shafiq lbw decision now and it looks like the ball may have struck him outside the line of off stump. The DRS gave an umpire's call, which ensured the original decision stood, but it's was a close one. Broad is back to share the new ball with Jimmy, and he induces a swing and a miss from Akmal from his last ball of the over.
"I couldn't put my hand on heart and say England are going to win the Test match. But there's a great chance of a result - I think we can bowl Pakistan out twice for reasonable scores, but I can't tell until England have batted how they're going to cope against Ajmal and the others."
Talking of lbw appeals, England have another one here as Anderson raps Misbah on the back pad but the umpire says not out. Review time...
The ball struck Misbah in line with off stump and was probably clipping the top of the bails but it's another umpire's call which means Mr Oxenford's decision stands. Misbah looks a bit rattled and takes a reckless swipe at a ball well outside off stump, but gets lucky as the ball misses the edge.
From Martin in Halifax: "I go to the loo at 9.15 and Broad gets one. I nip there again at 11.40 and what happens... another! I have ten cups of water lined up... give me a minute!"
Akmal gets himself a boundary from the first ball of the over with a nice little guide past gully. Then Broad leaps up for another big appeal which is rightly turned down, probably on grounds of height.
From Gazzap1973: "Not a great day in the field when there are as many "dropped catch" icons as wickets especially as not a single catch taken!"
Swinging Jimmy is living up to his name but Akmal is happy to leave well alone and the over is of the maiden variety.
From James in Loughborough: "Accidentally spilt my boss's tea over his desk seconds before that wicket. Please say I don't have to keep doing that just so we can win this match!"
Broad rips one past Akmal's defences and just over the stumps and follows up with another snorter that jars back off the seam and thuds into his pad. Finger raised - goodnight Mr Akmal.
Looks like James (below) has been spilling his boss's tea again. James, my friend, you may be out of a job, but you have made many friends among the Barmy Army. That wicket has probably turned a good day into a very good day for England. If they could just snaffle the skipper Misbah-ul-Haq before the close of play it would be a great one. They almost do it as Anderson goes all Broad on us and nips one through the gate and milimetres over the stumps. Misbah responds well with a cracking cover drive for four - amazingly that is his first four of the innings off his 139th ball.
Pakistan captain Misbah reaches fifty with a nicely-timed drive off Broad for another four. It's his 16th in Tests with the vast majority coming since he was named skipper in 2010. Broad responds with a bouncer that is fended away in the air, between the slips and point. Why no gully?
Misbah had not hit a four until his 139th ball, but he has now hit three off his last six, the latest courtesy of a delicious on-drive.
From Ant, hiding from work: "A 90mph bouncer to Ajmal's right hand and I'd be pretty confident that tomorrow will be England's day too!"
Broad to Misbah, outside off stump and steered wide of point for two. More on the Pakistan skipper's incredible recent run from my colleague Mark Mitchener...
"Since inheriting the Pakistan captaincy in November 2010, this is Misbah's 14th Test. He has batted 22 times, passing 50 on 13 occasions, while he's only been dismissed for less than 20 twice. He now averages more than 78 with the bat as captain, compared to only 33.60 while he was in the ranks."
England are appealing again - is it a caught-behind or lbw? Either way it is turned down by ump Davis and they opt against a review. Then Misbah glances one off his hips for four more. Another big appeal from Jimmy but there's an inside edge on that and again he's turned down.
From Matthew King, TMS inbox: "In Arabic, Misbah translates as light or lamp – perhaps something the England top order can follow!"
Stuart Broad has been quite simply awesome today, McGrathesque in his relentless accuracy and ability to move the ball both ways off the seam. As I write, he does exactly that by beating Misbah twice in a row with balls that pitch in the same place before moving in opposite directions.
"This has been a good TMS day - we've had a cake delivered, Henry's had his buses and pigeons, and we've learned about what goes on in the fields next to the ground. It's been an interesting day in the desert."
Ten minutes to go then and Graeme Swann is replacing Jimmy Anderson. And he's got 'im! A true wonder-ball from Swann, which pitches on middle and turns sharply past the left-hander's outside edge to catch the outside of off-stump.
That's three wickets for Swann, and just the one for Monty off almost twice as many overs. New man Saeed Ajmal sees out the last five balls and Monty is back to bowl what could be the last over of the day.
Strauss brings up the field and Misbah counters with a brutal assault on Panesar, smashing two sixes over the top off the first two balls of the over. Then a single into the offside, before Ajmal sees out the last three balls of a fascinating day of Test cricket.
From jack_m6: "Good but frustrating day for England, important to bat well tomorrow."
"I’m delighted the ball has done something for the seamers, and the spinners have turned it too. The pitch has something in it and we should get a result here. From England’s point of view they have an opportunity to win the match now. I still think England could have bowled Pakistan out for 270 but the dropped catches haven’t helped."
Right then amigos, that's it from me. I shall point you in the direction of Stephan Shemilt's match report and the TMS podcast, which will be available online very shortly. England will be looking to knock over the tail pronto tomorrow and bat a zillion times better than they did in Dubai. But with three spinners in the Pakistan team, it won't be easy on that pitch. See you at 5.30 sharp. Goodbye.
Bookmark with:
What are these?
Print Sponsor