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By Sam Sheringham
Welcome to our coverage of the third day of the second Test between Pakistan and England in Abu Dhabi and Test matches don't come much tighter than this one. England lost three wickets for nine runs in the last 10 overs of day two to close on 207-5, 50 behind Pakistan. The pitch is turning, there will be men around the bat, but can England squeeze their way into a first innings lead? If the series so far is anything to go by, it should be riveting stuff.
On Twitter: "On the bus to the ground. Blowers on top form."
Just a few minutes then until Aggers and the TMS team go on air in Abu Dhabi. England are down to their last pair of recognised batsmen with Ian Bell (4 not out) set to be joined at the crease by Matt Prior this morning following Eoin Morgan's dismissal from the last ball of day two. Wonder if Bell has got anywhere nearer to picking Saeed Ajmal's doosra? Do you think he took some dvds of the tricky twirler to bed with him? On such things do matches hinge.
"Elsewhere in the world of cricket, it's still not going India's way in the final Test in Adelaide. Australia declared their second innings on 167-5, setting the Indians exactly 500 to win. Stand-in captain Virender Sehwag blasted a characteristically Sehwagesque 62 from 53 balls but they're now 110-4 with the top four, including Dravid and Tendulkar, back in the hutch. In Napier, rain ruined most of the second day of the only Test with New Zealand 392-5 against Zimbabwe."
On Twitter: "Love watching Sehwag in full flow... Bill Lawry going a little over the top, saying Aussies have the best seam attack in the world. South Africa and England have better seam bowling attacks IMO....In fact England have two better seam bowling attacks."
Yesterday's live text banter was genuinely from the most elevated of sliding clothes-storage devices. We had Nigel emailing from all corners of the globe at the same time, we had pirates firing in missives from the open seas, we had Boycott the movie, KP-run hotels and lots more besides. Who's going to kick-off some live text gold this morning? Send me a tweet to @samsheringham, email us at tms@bbc.co.uk, or text 81111 (UK).
"I think England's challenge is to get Pakistan to take the new ball. If I were Ian Bell and Matt Prior I think I would prefer to face the new ball than the old one."
"The last 30 minutes yesterday was choas. I don't think that will happen this morning. I think England will have regrouped overnight and I'm pretty sure they will go out positively, swing the willow and try to attack Pakistan. The wicket looks better today than it did yesterday."
From Gav: "England need to be positive, get Pakistan saving runs, if they invite pressure like they did last night they will struggle."
It's sunny out there and TV have just shown Matty Prior going through his drills in his shades. Massive, massive morning, but isn't it always in Test cricket? The umpires are on the way to the middle and soon there will be cricket.
Ian Bell gets the scoreboard moving with a premeditated sweep shot off Rehman for a single before Matt Prior is beaten by a beaut. Looks like sweeping is the tactic this fine morn as Prior gets himself a couple.
From HarryJohnWhite: "How about Cricket pubs? The Boycott: Open long hours and only serves singles."
Bell uses his feet to Ajmal and pushes positively for three runs down the ground. Then Prior aims another sweep but gets a top edge and it's right down the throat of Junaid at deep square leg... But he drops it! What a clanger! That was as routine as they come. What a let-off for England. "That is a massive moment in the match. In tight games you have to take those catches," says Vaughan.
It's all happening as Pakistan spill another chance! Bell smacks one back at Rehman and he gets both hands to it high to his left but it flies through and runs away for four. Then a sublime late cut from Bell for another four before a fumble in the field gets him a single off the last ball. England have decided to go on the attack this morning, they are riding their luck, but the Pakistan lead is already down to 33.
"When you see Bell playing like this, it makes me think how so much of the game is played in the head. Why couldn't he have batted like this last night? Or all the time?"
Ajmal turns one sharply into Prior's pads. He's pinned right back playing across the line. Aggers and Vaughan think it's out but umpire Oxenford says no and his opinion is what counts.
From Iain, TMS inbox: "The Pietersen Arms: Advertises late night opening but tends to call last orders surprisingly round 8pm."
Bell is back in watchful mode for the first five balls of Rehman's latest over before pushing for two thanks to some good positive running.
"It didn't spin much for Monty on the first afternoon, although he held an end up well, but it's really spinning now - that should be encouraging for him and Graeme Swann when they bowl at Pakistan in the second innings."
Ajmal to Prior. Another big appeal and this time Oxenford raises the digit. Prior sends it upstairs...
It spun sharply from outside off stump, hit him on the knee-roll and would have gone on to hit the top of leg stump. England lose their first wicket, with 30 runs still required for parity.
Broad immediately paddle-sweeps a single down to Junaid to get off the mark. Then Bell tries to cut and gets an inside edge that trickles past his stumps.
On Twitter: "It struck me last night that I might nickname Junaid 'O'Connor'. Not sure if it'll catch on any more than he can catch, on, the boundary."
We have a delay for some treatment to stumper Akmal after Umar Gul's return throw bounces in front of him and bashes him on the forearm. Looks like a sore one and out comes the magic spray.
From Adam in Southampton: "What about the Morgan Arms where they only serve pretty 20s and 30s?"
And Captain Morgan rum on tap
From Andrew, TMS inbox: "The Captain's Bat: Good for the start of a session, but no more."
Scratchy single from Broad off Ajmal. He's not going to hang around. Bell looks tense out there, his jaw stiff, his eyes wide.
Junaid gets himself back in the good books with a scrambled save to keep Broad to a single. ECB boss Giles Clarke has swapped yesterday's gold suit for a more mustardy number today as he sips a cup of tea, no doubt thinking ahead to his five-course lunch. Shall I have the scallops or the caviar? Decisions, decisions.
On Twitter: "During TMS lunch interval today (0800 GMT) we begin our series celebrating the great characters of the county game and we'll be live in Adelaide. And then at tea (1040) we look ahead to the memorial service for Basil D'Oliveira with his son Damian and former Worcestershire captain Norman Gifford."
He's comes the Broad offensive. He clatters Ajmal for two fours in a row, the first a lofted drive over the infield and the second a classic cover drive.
From Nick in London: "What about the Lord Anderson. Great for some late swing (music)."
A absolute rip-snorter from Rehman pitches on leg and spits sideways before being taken by the keeper well outside off stump. Bell has gone into his shell a bit here. I can't help thinking England need to stay positive out there.
From Stephen, TMS inbox: "The Bell. A very picturesque pub in idyllic surroundings, but the quality of the beer varies from utterly sublime to a bit off sometimes."
This is great stuff from Broad. So much power in his arms as he plants Ajmal over mid-on for a one-bounce four. Then a single apiece to cut the lead to 10.
"I dropped an absolute 'cuckoo' off Mike Hendrick against Australia with a chap on 99. I think it was Dirk Wellham batting. He hit it straight to me, I still have nightmares about it."
Lovely close-up of the fourth umpire spinning the new ball around in his chubby paw. Will Pakistan consider taking it soon? They may have to if they can't break this partnership. Classic Bell as he opens the face and runs one down to third man for three.
From ArranSutherland: "How about the Lord Blowers? A charming, old-fashioned London pub, tucked away between Marylebone & Lord's, serves pink gin & cake."
Right on cue, Pakistan summon the fresh cherry and Umar Gul is brought into the attack. but a harder ball only comes off the bat faster and Broad clouts it straight over mid-off's outstretched arm for four. Another big swing, a four to third man off an under-edge and England are in the lead! Time for drinks and England will no doubt imbibe with relish.
"Any lead is important. The bigger the lead, the more important psychologically as the Pakistan openers will be thinking about Broad and Anderson giving them a hard time like they did in the first innings."
On Twitter: "Already we have the biggest crowd of the Test, indeed the series, and more should follow after morning prayers."
Junaid is overlooked for new ball duties. He's had a match to forget only bowling six overs out of 100 and dropping a catch after getting called up for this match. Instead it's Hafeez but the result is the same and Broad drives over extra-cover for another boundary. Ian Bell nurdles one round the corner for two to round off another good over.
England women's captain Charlotte Edwards: "Broad on fire this morning... lead of over 50 will hopefully win us the game!"
Gul slams one into Bell's pads. He's given out but calls for a review...
Bell got stuck on the crease and was struck on the back pad. It was an umpire's call for height with replays suggesting it would have clipped the bails.
Here comes Swann. I've a feeling he will take his cue from Broad and swing from the hip. But his first ball is a wide one and he leaves well alone.
"Over in Adelaide, India are staring down the barrel of an eighth consecutive Test defeat at the end of day four. VVS Laxman and Virat Kohli had steadied the ship a little with a stand of 52, but they've both fallen - with Kohli run out off the last ball of the penultimate over trying to protect nightwatchman Ishant Sharma from the strike. With one day left, India are 166-6 chasing an implausible 500 to win. TMS listeners can hear Jim Maxwell's summary during the lunch interval."
The wicket for Umar Gul has persuaded captain Misbah to go with seam from both ends and Junaid is into the attack. And straight away he unfurls a pearler to Broad which lifts of a length and rips past the edge. Broad wants a quick single and there's a direct hit from Azhar Ali. The third umpire is having a look. Broad was at full stretch and I think his bat may have been off the ground when the wicket was broken but he's given not out. Lucky boy.
From John, TMS inbox: "The Willis Arms – used to have a bit of reputation when you were younger but now full of grumpy old blokes."
What a shot from Graeme Swann! He rolls the wrists and pulls in front of square for four. I've just remembered we are going to been given the treat of watching Monty bat for the first time since he helped us win the Ashes in Cardiff in 2009. Pakistan have got to take a couple of wickets first.
From debbiejharding: "The Warne Arms. Once a gritty pub frequented by working men until London toffs moved in and renovated into a souless wine bar."
Broad goes for a pull shot, gets it all wrong, loops it up in the air and breathes a sigh of relief as deep square leg can't get there in time. More sublime timing from Swann as he steers Junaid through the covers for two more fours in a row. England's tail doth wag.
"Junaid clearly hasn't seen Swann bat before. Give him width at your peril."
Misbah turns to Ajmal to try to stem the flow of runs or better, break this partnership. Swann decides to play a reverse sweep, gets into position early, but is nowhere near the ball and it runs away for a bye.
"That's an absolute rozzer," says my colleague Stephan Shemilt as Rehman rips one past Swann's outside edge. Anyone heard that one before or care to share any other such obscure cricket phrases? This ball is much straighter and it's fooled Swann. He's trapped plumb in front and with no reviews left, it's goodbye Graeme.
Rehman is a top bowler you know. He probably lives in Ajmal's shadow a lot of the time, but he turns it an absolute mile and possesses a well-disguised arm-ball. Down to Broad now to boost this England lead. He whips Ajmal for two through deep midwicket then a single to give Jimmy A the strike. He survives three balls and we move on.
From Howard, TMS inbox: "The Priory - noted for the landlord occasionally smashing the glassware."
What a way to bring up the England 300! Broad launches Rehman for six over long-on. He's going for everything now as another hoik lands just short of midwicket.
From Gren in Warwick, TMS inbox: "The Fat Gat. A gastro pub with the biggest portions and the biggest landlord you will ever encounter. Currently advertising for barmaids."
On Twitter: "Junaid O'Connor off after a couple of lifeless overs to defensive fields. He is nothing compared to the spinners. Clearly."
Broad reaches his ninth Test fifty off 52 balls with two to fine leg off Ajmal. Surely one of his most important innings to date, but how long can Jimmy hold down an end. Hold down an end? Scrap that. Jimmy wants runs of his own and gets four of them with a sweep to take England's lead past fifty. Then another boundary off a thick outside edge. "Everything in the garden is looking lovely for England," says Blowers.
"Stuart Broad passes 50 for the 10th time in Test cricket. He's been dismissed twice in the 50s, but the magic figure for him to overtake is 76 - as the only time he's made more than that, he went on to score 169. His last five Test innings before today were 74 not out, 64, 44, 8 and 17."
From Tom in London, TMS inbox: "My youth cricket coach, lovingly known as 'Riddler' once described an especially tasty delivery 'as an absolute stermer'. No idea what that means to this very day."
Anderson looks to sweep Hafeez and ends up getting four leg-byes. Singles are flowing too. England will eat well this lunchtime.
From Michael, TMS inbox: "Our old captain would often declare 'here come the ferrets' as lower-order batsmen came into bat, followed closely by the explanation 'ferrets go in after the rabbits'."
Broad is beaten by Ajmal as he goes groping for a delivery outside off. Then an inside edge almost clatters the stumps but runs away for two runs. That will be lunch with Broad 58 not out and Jimmy on nine. A tremendous morning for England, with 116 runs for the loss of three wickets, the most in any session in the match.
From Chris on a train to London: "I once heard the great Richie Benaud describe a Shane Warne delivery as an 'absolute jatzcracker'. Delivered with typical understatement it was priceless."
From Jay in Conisbrough: "The 'Dollyboggler' - a catch so easy you could catch it in ya mothers pinny. God help ya if you dropped one with my sports teacher Mr Metcalfe!"
I was worried for England when Prior went early but yet again they have shown that they bat long. In fact, since January 2011, the average parternship of England's last five wickets is 50 runs, with New Zealand the next best at 25.
That's it from us for a bit. TMS are running a feature on the future of county cricket in the light of the Morgan Review, as explained by Kevin Howells in his insightful feature today. Back in about 20 mins to see if England can take their lead (now 66) past 100.
Monty is padded up and ready to go, but Pakistan will have to get rid of either Broad or Anderson first. Big session this. Now where have I heard that before?
From Alastair, TMS inbox: "My old housemaster used to refer to a particularly unplayable delivery as 'Whooshties!'. This term became so synonymous with him that it eventually had a song written about it."
"At the minute, Stuart Broad's a couple of furlongs in front for man of the match - four wickets with the ball and 58 with the bat. England are still going to have to chase something, but Broad, Swann and Anderson have contributed 82 runs. The last four for Pakistan contributed zero."
Jimmy gets a streaky four from an edge then rocks back to play a cut shot and is clean bowled. It died in the pitch a tad that one.
Monty lasts a princely two balls and he's trapped on the stumps. He gestures to the umpire to say he hit the ball but England's reviews are gone and Monty trudges off followed by Broad and the jubilant Pakistan team. Tidy work from them post-lunch.
That was quick. I was still picking the lumps of porridge from my teeth. Anyway, England lead by 70, which I'm sure they would have bitten the proverbial hand off for at the start of the day. But can they follow it up with some early wickets and really press home their advantage?
"This England attack have it in them to really blow a team away. I feel this Pakistan team are inexperienced and could fold under pressure. England will try to get them panicking an making some poor judgments."
"Since Stuart Broad's 169 at Lord's, he's averaged 49.1 with the bat in Test cricket."
England merge into a sea of manliness for the obligatory huddle. Strauss utters some solemn words and we're almost ready for the off. It will be Anderson to Hafeez. Play.
Anderson shoots his first ball past Hafeez's outside edge and continues down the wicket to offer a few words to the batsman. Strauss applauds and England are pumped up for this one. Hafeez tucks one into the off side for a single. Game. On.
From Timothy Strain, TMS inbox: "Re cricketking jargon: "We moved on from "dropped a dolly" to "dropped a Parton" to "dropped a near-Lowca". Have a look at the map of West Cumbria to see this development of banter."
Nice stroke from Hafeez as he tucks Broad off his legs for three. Then Morgan single-handedly saves five runs off two balls with a spectacular diving stop and an athletic boundary save. Apparently Ravi Bopara believes he may hold the record for most matches as England 12th man. Anyone care to put him right? Liam Plunkett must be a candidate after carrying the drinks on many a tour.
"I have a sneaky feeling Pietersen will open the innings in the one-dayers, like he did in the World Cup, as Kieswetter has moved down the order for England Lions, and it's not worked for Pietersen at number four."
Anderson sends down a maiden to Taufeeq, bang on off stump. Classy, brassy, bowling from England's attack leader.
"I think 70's a good lead on here. If England can tie them down and not give them easy balls to score off, it'll take a lot of patience for Pakistan."
Pakistan have only once beaten England after conceding a first innings deficit. That was in Multan in 2005, when they won by 22 runs despite England leading by 144 after the first digs. Hafeez tickles one down to long leg in an otherwise runless over from Broad.
Hafeez chooses to leave a back that nips back and almost shaves his timbers. Then the first drama of the innings as England erupt into a big appeal. There is a conference over whether to review but they choose not to. Let's have a look... good decision. It was missing leg stump by some distance.
"Over in Dambulla, England Lions have made 335-5 in their first 'unofficial one-day international' against Sri Lanka A. Opener Alex Hales made 94, but England's decision to field no fewer than three wicketkeepers paid off as they were all in the runs - Jonny Bairstow (47), Craig Kieswetter (53) and Jos Buttler (102 not out from 56 balls). Sri Lanka are 28-1 in reply."
Monty Panesar was very unlucky to be given out lbw off an inside edge. Will he let out his anger at being denied a certain fifty on the Pakistan openers? After all hell hath no fury like a Monty wronged. Having said that, it's a fairly tame first over, too much leg side stuff and Pakistan help themselves to a couple of singles.
Hafeez opens the face and guides Anderson through the slips for four. Graeme Swann probably should have stopped that and Anderson lets him know as much. Those two are mates really. But some early signs of frustration for England, who are desperate to get in amongst this Pakistan batting line-up.
On Twitter: "There's coverage of Basil D'Oliveira's memorial service from Worcester Cathedral on BBC Hereford and Worcester."
Monty yells an appeal as Taufeeq gets well across his stumps. Nobody else really appeals despite replays showing the ball would have clipped leg.
Anderson is taken off after his outburst in the last over as Broad switches ends. And he induces a thin edge which is heading towards Prior's glove, but drops just short. A poor ball is clipped to square leg where Monty fields. So far, so good for Pakistan.
From Martin Derbyshire, TMS inbox: "Lancastrian here watching the live updates in Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, wishing that I could just get the three-hour flight which leaves daily from just over the road to catch the second half of the Test. Have a good feeling about this so far, come on Jimmy."
Worryingly from an England perspective, Monty hasn't looked overly threatening so far. Hafeez edges to the third man boundary to take his score to 18.
"I don't think England will have to get 200, I've had a sneaky feeling from before the first ball was bowled that they'll win it. We can't have another Test match like we had in Dubai."
In contrast to Monty, Broad looks extremely menacing, twice firing one through Taufeeq's defences in a maiden.
From Mat, Twickenham: "Anyone else agree with letting Monty open next innings, after he was unlucky first time? Give him a chance to show us his batting prowess?"
Hafeez comes down the wicket and has an ugly swipe across the line at Panesar, which brings him an all-run four (but no marks for artistic impression). Monty responds with one that spins wickedly past the right-hander's outside edge, and England bring in a second slip. Hafeez is hit on the pad, Monty screams an appeal, umpire Oxenford raises his finger... he's gone!
They take a quick drinks break post-wicket. Well done Monty. And there I was writing him off. In fact, I need to thank partnership-breaker Mark Mitchener for that wicket as he had temporarily taken over the comms for that over while I took a drinks break of my own. New man Azhar Ali is hit on the pads now. Oxenford says no, and they decide not to review. That looked out to me, but Hawkeye says umpire's call.
"That'll do Panesar the world of good, as he bowled well in the first innings and wasn't flattered at all by his figures."
Swann to Taufeeq. He's bowled him through the gate and Pakistan are two down!!
From Michael Bagnall, TMS inbox: "Great to see Monty back. Now where did I put my paper Monty mask?"
Well, well, well, the cat is well and truly pestering those pigeons. How many more can England's spin twins get out before Pakistan reach parity? Azhar Ali does his best to poop the party by calmly playing out a Monty maiden.
From infradigger: "On reading about the Hafeez wicket, I became like a Sun headline writer, and screamed 'Haf some of that!'. In my mind."
CMJ purrs in approval of a firm, punchy drive down the ground for four from Azhar.
A maiden from Panesar to Younus Khan, then Azhar plays another authentic stroke, this time punched wide of cover. It's tense, it's tough and there's actually a decent crowd out there basking in the desert sunshine.
The Montasaurus strikes again! It's a rozzer, a stermer, a jaffer, whatever you want to call it, it was too good for Younus, straightening and pegging back his off stump.
"Everyone's up now. England have got to gamble - this game could finish today. The batsmen have got to be like Stuart Broad was this morning - pro-active and aggressive."
Monty's celebration there was a joy to behold, all leaps, bounds and uncontrollable limbs. Misbah is at the crease now, blocking his first two balls. But will he try to counter-attack by launching Monty into the stands before tea?
Strauss turns to Stuart Broad, who removed both these batsmen in the first innings. Broad is bowling that relentless off stump line and almost surprises Azhar with one that keeps a touch low. Pakistan will be desperate to just survive until tea but it is easier said than done with England probing with every ball.
From Richard in Oxford: "I love the words Swann through the gate. Not even seen the wicket but know its a cracker."
As expected Misbah goes after Monty, and pummels him for consecutive boundaries. The first is punched down the ground and the second steered past the slips. Then Monty raps him on the pads and appeals, but he's not going to get that one.
From Dave in Cheshire, TMS inbox: "Great to see Monty back. It is a great pity that the rest cannot show the enthusiasm and desire to play and win for England. He has been slated in the past but always gives that 100% desire to do his best, unlike some I could mention."
"You know that Monty will bowl in the right areas and tie you down - Pakistan have got to take him on."
Just heard that Monty Panesar is trending on Twitter! Tremendous. The tall, lean Broad digs one in short and Azhar gloves it narrowly wide of Ian Bell at short leg. Another maiden. England's attack are simply brilliant at creating pressure these days.
"There's something slightly biblical about all these people making their way across the desert to the cricket. It's quite a trek - they look like pilgrims, they're gathered on the hill and waving flags."
The squeeze continues with successive maidens from Panesar and Broad. Pakistan in survival mode with 10 minutes until tea, England on the prowl.
From Ben, Bucks: "Am teaching swimming at a primary school. Only checking at end of each lesson. That last splash saw Pakistan go from 25-0 to 36-3!"
Azhar blocks six more balls from Panesar before Swann returns to the tunes of Newcastle United anthem 'The Blaydon Races.' 'Why is he a Newcastle fan?' asks Vaughanie. Six more dots, that's five maidens on the trot.
From James in Elstree, TMS inbox: "Misbah is the key here. Get him out for less than 50 and we’ll win by 10 wickets."
From Scott in Hounslow, TMS inbox: "Re: Dave in Cheshire: Have you not watched England play Test cricket for the last two years? They have been immense in all departments! Every single player has stood up to be counted at some point."
Finally a run, as Misbah gets a single behind square on the leg side from an edge. Then Broad dives full length to stop the ball racing away from the boundary. I don't think Devon Malcolm would have dived for that one.
From Adam_longley: "Swann is a Newcastle fan because his Dad is a Geordie! Used to play club cricket with both of them, and his brother Alec."
Azhar Ali perks up the growing Pakistan contingent in the crowd with a square drive for four. A single each and it's time for tea and cakes. There were 28 overs in that session, with five wickets falling for 58 runs. England lead by 16 runs and, do you know what, the next session is a very, very big one.
"Can Pakistan set England a challenge? I wouldn't want to be chasing 150 plus. One player has to get 75 to get them in the game, or get a hundred to set a challenging target."
On Twitter: "OK - lets leave Australia out of it. But I actually think this is one of the best atmospheres I've witnessed for an England away Test. Lots of hardworking Pakistan supporters, many with their sons, arriving to watch, deserve a bit of Pakistani resistance to cheer."
Time for a quick break here at HQ, while TMS remembers former England and Worcestershire all-rounder Basil D'Oliveira, who died in November. Mark Mitchener will be your guide for about 20 minutes after tea. Be kind to him, won't you.
During the break, TMS are speaking to Basil D'Oliveira's son Damian, who followed him into the Worcestershire side, as well as former county skipper Norman Gifford. The memorial service for "Dolly" begins at 1400 GMT at Worcester Cathedral, with coverage on BBC Hereford and Worcester, while UK viewers can also watch BBC Inside Out's look at his life on the BBC iPlayer.
From Alastair in London: "Graeme Swann's dad used to teach me maths and geography at school, proper lovely bloke."
Former Worcestershire skipper Norman Gifford on TMS: "Basil D'Oliveira was an ordinary medium-pace bowler but always swung the ball, wherever he played in the world. He was always one of the first names on Ray Illingworth's team sheet because as well as his batting, he was a partnership-breaker."
From Marc, Aberdeen: "One partnership wins this game. For either team. Jimmy and Monty could be heroes again..."
"I've not changed my view from the start of the match. England are going to win. They can't bat as badly as they did in Dubai, they're good players and they're mentally stronger than Pakistan."
Right, time to see if the old partnership-breaker can take a wicket or two before Mr Sheringham returns. Monty Panesar to take up the attack, resuming his duel with Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq - who has to use all his powers of concentration to block one from Monty. Misbah prods forward, is hit on the pad, Monty appeals and Mr Oxenford raises the finger again... but Misbah wants a review!
Ooh, Hotspot reveals an edge on the bat - but did it hit pad then bat, or bat then pad? The suspense continues as third umpire Billy Bowden deliberates, there are plenty or replays. But impact in line, wickets, hitting, Misbah goes and Monty gets his third wicket!
A huge wicket for Monty, and England - Pakistan are still 16 behind, and as CMJ points out on TMS, Pakistan now have two inexperienced batsmen at the crease with Azhar Ali joined by Asad Shafiq. The latter sees off Panesar's over, and the Montster takes the applause from the Barmy Army as he trots back to his regular position at fine leg.
James Anderson back into the attack in place of Swann (who may be taking a rest while there are two right-handers at the crease), Azhar and Shafiq force a single apiece, while on TMS, Geoff Boycott gets his metaphorical stick of rhubarb out for the first time today. Anderson keeps it tight for the rest of the over, and still there are fans streaming into the ground.
England women's all-rounder Danielle Wyatt: "Monty is back!!!! Legend! Come on England!! And come on Murray."
Monty is right on the money against Shafiq, who plays six forward defensives as though his life depends on it. Maiden over for Panesar, whose figures are 13-8-23-3.
From FionaRose: "Got far too excited about that wicket at my desk! Lots of confused looks as I clapped and shouted yes! Go on Monty!"
Azhar unleashes a powerful straight drive against Jimmy, who doesn't look too happy, but recovers to keep it tight for the rest of the over.
On Twitter: "I suppose a player will be man of the match - but umpire Oxenford has been excellent thus far."
Shafiq continues his doughty defence against Panesar's left-arm spin. There's a slip in, and two helmeted close catchers at silly point and short leg. Another Monty maiden, his ninth.
Blowers replaces CMJ on TMS as locals continue to stream into the ground (and with free admission today, why not?). Azhar opens the face to dab a single to third man and reduce England's lead to single figures. Shafiq - who got a bit of a carpeting from coach Mohsin Khan after losing his wicket just before the second new ball in the first innnings - is content to defend. I've been partnership-breaker Mark Mitchener, and I now hand you back to the masterly (and refreshed) Sam Sheringham for the rest of the day's play...
Thank you Mr Mitchener for bringing us another slice of Monty magic. Your partnership-snapping skills never cease to amaze. There are still 28 overs left in the day, plus a potential extra half hour, so who knows, could be another three-dayer. Good riposte from Shafiq as he drives through the off side, but Broad produces another diving stop to keep them to two.
Jimmy raps Azhar on the pad and raises his arms to appeal but it's half-hearted and that looked high. Shafiq flicks through square leg for four before nudging a single of the last ball to level the scores.
On Twitter: "Still streams of people arriving at the ground, I think we should turn the lights on and finish this tonight!"
As Joe points out, the ground looks almost full now and it's great to hear the sights and sounds rippling through the goggle-box. Shafiq tickles Monty straight back to him, but Azhar gets in the way and there is a brief two-step between bowler and non-striker. A single to each batsman and we are going to have spin from both ends.
From Alfredo in Yorks, TMS inbox: "Off for Honeymoon in Sri Lanka in March. Monty mask will be in the bag."
Swann is bowling round the wicket to the right handers to increase his lbw chances. But Azhar is happy to block around the clock and it's another maiden. And as I conclude that sentence Monty bowls another maiden of his own. Attritional.
On Twitter: "Some new behind the scenes TMS photos now available from Abu Dhabi."
Swann bowls the 20th maiden out of 39 overs this innings before Shafiq finally ends the run-drought with a cut to deep point for one. Pakistan are going nowhere at the moment. Meanwhile, Ravi Bopara is on the field for Andrew Strauss. Has the England skipper gone for a net?
From Ken from Shrewsbury, TMS inbox: "Good to see Basil being remembered on the day of his memorial service in Worcester. I saw his first century in the county championship on his debut in 1965. Memory tells me it was against Essex, and that he hit a six either to bring up the century or after he had got it, and that it hit a child in the crowd, and he was out shortly after. The talk in the crowd was that he was upset about it. Great man!"
The ball is following Monty around at the minute but our man of the moment is more than up to the challenge, twice sending back pinpoint throws to the keeper. What's our tabloid headline for today's play folks?
I think I might have been guilty of some Monty Mockers there as Shafiq bludgeons him for two fours in a row. Sorry Monty, I thought you could handle it.
From Lucas, Spofforth, TMS inbox: "Has there ever been a player who has done as much or spent so long toiling away at 12th man, travelling reserve, water carrier, janitor, bus driver, chambermaid etc to earn his place in the team as Monty?"
"This is a very healthy crowd - they normally flock here for one-day games but it's good they're here for a Test. Credit to the curator for preparing such a good track."
Stifled appeal from Swann but Azhar was a fair way down the track there. Looks a good player of spin Azhar. I think Strauss thought about giving Monty a rest there, but then thought again and he's back.
A few tabloid headline suggestions from the TMS inbox:
SImon Weids in Stockport: "Montysaurus Mauls Miserable Misbah!"
Morgan Kelly, Coulsdon: "Monty’s Our Desert Fox"
Russell Cashman: "Monty hands make light work"
It's short again from Monty - I think all this excitement is going to his head. Shafiq cuts him away to deep cover before Azhar does the very same thing off the next ball.
More tabloid headlines from the TMS inbox:
Danimal in Manchester: "From Alberta to Abu Dhabi – a Monty always gets his man!"
Darren Sriharan (and others with similar suggestions): "Monty stands on Broad shoulders!"
Dervel: "Monty's desert howzats!"
Broad tempts Azhar with a wide one outside off stump and he takes the bait but luckily for Pakistan, he doesn't connect. The partnership is 36 now and is becoming mildly irritating for England. It's a drinks break.
From ChrisDoffer: "Magical Monty Marshals Magnificent advance in desert campaign."
More tabloid headlines from the TMS inbox:
Lee 'at work' in Jersey: "Monty the Abu Dhabi Dazzler"
Olly: "His name is Monty and he dances on the sand!"
John McCabe, Shrewsbury: "It’s a real shame that Swann got Umar instead of Panesar because the headline could have been Monty’s Umar Revenge!”
Monty is having a rest so Swann has changed ends. It looks like yet another maiden until Shafiq pushes to long-on for a single to move level with his partner on 24.
From Herbie, TMS inbox: "(under picture of airborne Monty celebrating a wicket) - Monty Panesar's Flying: Success!"
Broad raps the pads and appeals, but England have become infinitely more sensible about DRS reviews and that one was definitely sliding down. A Shafiq single to fine leg is the only scoring shot.
"Former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe has been in favour of only having one review per innings, so you save it for the real howlers."
"England Lions have beaten Sri Lanka in the first unofficial ODI in Dambulla. After the Lions made 335-5 in their 50 overs (see earlier), they bowled the hosts out for 267 to win by 68 runs. Leicestershire seamer Nathan Buck was the pick of the bowlers with 4-39, while Samit Patel took 3-52."
Big moment as KP misses a golden run out chance! Shafiq pushes into the off side but there isn't a run there so he turns around. Pietersen is on it quickly but his underarm throw misses the timbers before burying his head in his hands. He would have comfortably beaten Shafiq's dive.
"I think when the DRS first came in, some umpires thought it would undermine them. But I wonder now whether umpires feel more comfortable when the players have reviews in hand - as they know if they make a mistake, it'll be corrected."
England would love it, love it, if they could snaffle another wicket before stumpingtons and that was a great chance to do just that. Broad fires one down towards Azhar's leg stump, but it's a half-volley and it gets the treatment, running away for four.
A few moire tabloid headlines from the TMS inbox:
Mark in Birmingham: "If Panesar asks for a review – it’s a ‘Monty Video’!"
Simon Villau: "(after the famous song by The Clash): Hafeez don't like it... Monty rocks the Misbah, rocks the Misbah!"
Just about everyone else: "What's that coming over the hill/sand dune, is it a Montster?"
Pakistan are playing nicely but Michael Vaughan thinks they should be scoring faster while the ball is old. Red alert in the TMS inbox as an alarm bell sounds. Vaughan sounds concerned but producer Adam Mountford lays down the law and tells them to get on with it. Thankfully the bell stops so Blowers isn't left doing a hero solo mission with flames raging around him. Now there's an image.
Great work with the Monty headlines people. Dervel's "Monty's desert howzats" takes some beating but I do like the sheer simplicity of Russell's "Monty hands make light work." I've always called him Little Lord Montleroy myself. Don't know why. Just like the sound of it. Anyway, he'll be back into the attack soon unless Broad and Swann can do the biz.
From Kevin Merritt, TMS inbox: "TMS need to insist that Monty is in every England team for the forseeable future-just for the text material he generates!"
As predicted, Monty is back and immediately generating some prodigious turn. Azhar is beaten, Prior whips the bails off but he's comfortably inside his crease. Then some more super-hero stuff from Monty from Swann's next over as he sprints like Linford Christie in his pomp to catch up with the ball and prevent a boundary. That's the 50 partnership off 157 balls.
Another rozzer (Stephan Shemilt TM) from Panesar and again Prior wants a stumping but the umpire doesn't give him the time of day.
From sinfulsultan: "The Sikh of Tweak Sheikhs Pakistan."
Where on this earth did that come from?? Azhar dances down the wicket and hoists Swann for four through the vacant long-on area. That will certainly give Strauss something to think about.
"That little jump in the air Monty does just after he bowls has always intrigued me."
Monty thinks he's got his man. Hit him low in front of leg stump. But did it turn enough?
Agonising stuff as the replay upholds Steve Davis's not out verdict. Replays suggested it was shaving leg stump, but that means an umpire's call and the umpire had already, well, called it. England have had nine reviews this series, and only succeeded with one of them.
From Will in Derby: "'Magnificient Monty mauls Misbah-erable Pakistan' - my class of 30 children, 25 of whom are supporting Pakistan, are currently copying it out into their Word Bank books! Revenge is sweet after the stick they gave me during the first Test!"
Andrew Strauss brings back James Anderson with four overs of the day remaining. Shafiq promptly drives him for two and clips a single to fine leg. Then Ali plays an exquisite cover drive on bended kneee for four. A single rounds off a good over for the hosts.
From Lee, still at work in Jersey, TMS inbox: "‘Ali makes a Stand in the Sand’. It can’t all be about Monty!"
"Something generally happens in the last few overs of a day" says Vaughan, but England are running out of time as Azhar safely blocks out a Monty over.
Azhar Ali is playing a cracking little knock here, punching Anderson through the covers again to move to 46. Jimmy's last ball is blocked and he chases down the track to give the batsman a piece of his mind. Azhar doesn't even make eye contact. I think that just sums up how these two have rattled England.
"If you're chasing 150 against Ajmal, it won't be easy - teams often get into a bit of a flap. England have not had it their own way for the last hour - the score of 125-4 could have been 150 if they'd been more pro-active."
The final over is another maiden, Monty's 12th as he finishes with figures of 25-12-44-3. It's been England's day but that partnership of 71 has kept the game very much alive, and as Vaughanie points out, the spectre of Saeel Ajmal looms large over England's second innings.
"England will come back refreshed in the morning and there is no doubt in my mind that England will win. I'll put my house on it, all three of them if you want. It's been a terrific game of cricket. Stuart Broad's counter-attacking innings was the man-of-the-match performance. He did exactly what I prefer the late-order batsmen to do, go after the ball. Monty bowled very well and it was nice to see him get back into his old rhythm."
Another enthralling day and I'm not quite as convinced as Geoffrey that England have got this in the bag. They lead by 55 but if Pakistan can squeeze another 100 runs from somewhere it will be a very tricky chase in these conditions. Stephan Shemilt's match report is up for you to relive the day and I'll be back for live text duty at 0530 GMT. Goodnight.
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