The 2011 UAE PAK v ENG Thread
The 2012 UAE PAK v ENG Thread
Well the squads been named today and I'm pleased to say that the Selectors have taken my advice and included Bopara once again 
Unfortunately they over ruled me on Bell
Lets see how we get on. We've never played their before whereas they have (and they'll probably cheat anyway).
Unfortunately they over ruled me on Bell
Lets see how we get on. We've never played their before whereas they have (and they'll probably cheat anyway).
Last edited by Milamber; Jan 17, 2012 at 11:59 AM.
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From: Conrod Straight
I told them not to listen to your biased views on Bopara , make sure you pack the right kits for him before he leaves and he has his passport 
England squad: AJ Strauss (Middlesex, capt), JM Anderson (Lancashire), IR Bell (Warwickshire), RS Bopara (Essex), TT Bresnan (Yorkshire), SCJ Broad (Nottinghamshire), AN Cook (Essex), SM Davies (wkt, Surrey), ST Finn (Middlesex), EJG Morgan (Middlesex), MS Panesar (Sussex), KP Pietersen (Surrey), MJ Prior (wkt, Sussex), GP Swann (Nottinghamshire), CT Tremlett (Surrey), IJL Trott (Warwickshire).
Fixtures
•17 Jan: First Test, Dubai
•25 Jan: Second Test, Abu Dhabi
•3 Feb: Third Test, Dubai
•13 Feb: First ODI, Abu Dhabi
•15 Feb: Second ODI, Abu Dhabi
•18 Feb: Third ODI, Dubai
•21 Feb: Fourth ODI, Dubai
•23 Feb: First T20, Dubai
•25 Feb: Second T20, Dubai
•27 Feb: Third T20, Abu Dhabi
Lets face it, only the first three matches really matter anyway
Did you see the comments made by Dravid? It appears that he agrees with us
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-16212952
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-16212952
Pontificating
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From: Conrod Straight
I think most "Cricket" loving Cricketers do, it's the next generation we need to worry about, they may have an interest in Test Cricket but probably wont have the skills because they've played too much short form purely for the cash.
I find the current Aussies a good example of this theory.
I find the current Aussies a good example of this theory.
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, I need a fix, the Aus vs Ind series was fun to watch in the interim 
Pontificating
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From: Conrod Straight
So close in the first innings, time is running out for the guy, more so he doesn't have anyone to stay with him at the crease.
Once Dravid, Laxman and Sachin retire it's going to be a massive struggle for India at Test level.
Once Dravid, Laxman and Sachin retire it's going to be a massive struggle for India at Test level.
Pontificating
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From: Conrod Straight
Another good day for Cookie.
Still no Bopara, has he forgotten his whites ?
If Monty is getting a game (a five-fer today) then you'd think Ravi would be in with a shout, no SPOTY for him
Have you seen how Owais has been smashing it up in Oz at the "Big Bash" ?, he like Bopara has the necessary skills but not always the aptitude and application, sadly.
Still no Bopara, has he forgotten his whites ?
If Monty is getting a game (a five-fer today) then you'd think Ravi would be in with a shout, no SPOTY for him
Have you seen how Owais has been smashing it up in Oz at the "Big Bash" ?, he like Bopara has the necessary skills but not always the aptitude and application, sadly.
Another good day for Cookie.
Still no Bopara, has he forgotten his whites ?
If Monty is getting a game (a five-fer today) then you'd think Ravi would be in with a shout, no SPOTY for him
Have you seen how Owais has been smashing it up in Oz at the "Big Bash" ?, he like Bopara has the necessary skills but not always the aptitude and application, sadly.
Still no Bopara, has he forgotten his whites ?
If Monty is getting a game (a five-fer today) then you'd think Ravi would be in with a shout, no SPOTY for him
Have you seen how Owais has been smashing it up in Oz at the "Big Bash" ?, he like Bopara has the necessary skills but not always the aptitude and application, sadly.
No-one else got close to 50 and the golden boy got 133, GET IN!
Encouraging to see Onions back, troubling that KP isn't hitting his form and fantastic to see Monty kick some *** once again. Wonder if he'll get a game after that?
Who know what goes in in the selectors minds, take Ravi but not play him in the warm ups? I doubt they'll just drop him into a match unless there is an injury and they have no choice. Shame, I have faith in him but he's not getting a chance to prove it.
I wonder who the mysterious big man is behind the Mervyn Westfield match fixing? The judge said it is a well known man in the world of cricket? John Major
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From: Conrod Straight
Do you refer to the perceived cheating of Ajmal' action or am I missing something here.
A good solid display from our seamers today, kept their foot on the PAK throats and got their reward eventually
A good solid display from our seamers today, kept their foot on the PAK throats and got their reward eventually
Originally Posted by BBC
0905Pkn 149-2 (48 overs)
Younus rides his luck against Broad (I nearly typed "rides his lunch", clearly subconsciously food-obsessed) as he hangs his bat out and the ball squirms away for four through third man. Umpire Billy Bowden isn't happy about Broad's follow-through - and while if you read yesterday's live text you'll know why Christopher Martin-Jenkins on TMS called this ground "the Johnny Cash Stadium", Broad is having to "walk the line" very carefully as he must be close to a formal warning for running on the wicket. A single takes Younus to 11.
Younus rides his luck against Broad (I nearly typed "rides his lunch", clearly subconsciously food-obsessed) as he hangs his bat out and the ball squirms away for four through third man. Umpire Billy Bowden isn't happy about Broad's follow-through - and while if you read yesterday's live text you'll know why Christopher Martin-Jenkins on TMS called this ground "the Johnny Cash Stadium", Broad is having to "walk the line" very carefully as he must be close to a formal warning for running on the wicket. A single takes Younus to 11.
Pontificating
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From: Conrod Straight
Broad does have a history of this, either he know's exactly what he's doing or he has issues with his run up and follow through. I'd hate to think it's the former but it probably is, he isn't the first nor will he be the last to do this, some should check his pockets for dirt and mints and the odd bottle top LOL
Broad isn't the worst either.
Today was not bad for us in my view. We've come back from worse. Remember Trent Bridge? This is why test cricket is so damn good
Keep calm, Cookie's got another innings to save the match with
Today was not bad for us in my view. We've come back from worse. Remember Trent Bridge? This is why test cricket is so damn good
Keep calm, Cookie's got another innings to save the match with
Pontificating
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From: Conrod Straight
Woah KP, you've been there for nearly 7 overs, steady on mate !!!
Cookie will rue that choice of shot, good to see the real England back over the past 2 days, Flower was spot on in his assessment of how we started this series.
Cookie will rue that choice of shot, good to see the real England back over the past 2 days, Flower was spot on in his assessment of how we started this series.
