Story England's International Season [c2005] - Eng's tour of Pak

[m_vaughan]

Thanks for the comments guys, very much appreciated!

I see Pakistan leading the polls with 9 votes, well they've made the better start imo.

 

[brettLee]

another embosing 3d effect

 

[Cricketman]

You've got some good graphics there mvaughn!

 

[m_vaughan]

Thanks, next update is coming up soon!

 

[langerrox]

Can't wait mate!

 

[m_vaughan]

End of Day 1

Pakistan survive tricky final overs
The two Pakistani openers played it safe in the final few overs of the day, which is always a tough and tricky time for the batsmen. Many had suggested not to send Afridi to open the innings with just two overs of play left in the day, but he did come out and did manage to hold on to his wicket. England have already conceded two extras in wides.

With this Pakistan now trail England by 304 runs, with 4 days of play left. Should be an interesting day tomorrow. England's first innings score is definately beatable on this wicket, and Michael Vaughan's team might face a tough day on the field tomorrow.

 

[m_vaughan]

Day 2

A crucial day
Today's play could give us a good indication of where the match is heading. England were bowled out for a decent 307 in their first innings, with Kevin Pietersen top scoring with 130 not out. Infact apart from that innings and an 83 from captain Michael Vaughan, the England batsmen struggled to make most of what was clearly an excellent batting track.

Full credit to the Pakistani bowlers, especially Mohammad Sami who bagged four wickets. Danish Kaneria, who was surprisingly underbowled, picked up two wickets.

Pakistan start day 2 at 3-0, and will be looking to post a good first innings total, so that they can put pressure once again on the visitors in the 2nd innings. However batting last could be very tricky, especially if it goes down to the final day.

England on the other hand will be looking to pick up wickets quickly and frequently. It is going to be tough, especially since the wicket still is a batsman's paradise. But then, England do have some quality bowlers who are capable of picking up wickets on any pitch.

England captain, Michael Vaughan:

"If we get a few ealy wickets, then we can put them under some pressure just like we were facing in our first innings. It might be tough for the bowlers, but they will be giving their 100%. Thats all I need from them."

England batsman, Kevin Pietersen:

"Batting is not as easy as it might seem. There are deliveries that are coming to the bat a lot quicker than expected, and this is making it very difficult for the batsmen to time their shots properly. I am pretty confident that our bowlers will pick up quite a few wickets today."

 

[sami007]

Excellent stuff mate! very well presented...great graphics! i hope pakistan can make use of the good track!

 

[brettLee]

England have to bowl very well on this sub-continent pitches. Pakistan look fav right now.

 

[m_vaughan]

First wicket falls..

Anderson makes immediate impact in comeback match
James Anderson has picked up the first wicket for England, dismissing Taufeeq Umar for just 4.

Umar outside edged an outswinging delivery, straight to Andrew Strauss at 2nd slip.

Great way to make your comeback into the team, and Pakistan have lost their first wicket with their score at 10.

Pakistan FOW 10-1
Taufeeq Umar c Andrew Strauss b James Anderson 4(22)

The Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq makes his way to the middle.

 

[m_vaughan]

Inzamam fails as Anderson strikes again

Anderson strikes again
James Anderson has picked up the second wicket as well, getting rid off the dangerous Inzamam-ul-Haq, out for a duck. A beautiful slightly fuller delivery, that picked up a nice edge off Inzamam's bat on its way to the wicketkeeper, Geraint Jones.

England have made an excellent start with the ball, and Pakistan will be disappointed with the fall of those two early wickets.

Pakistan FOW 10-2
Inzamam-ul-Haq c Geraint Jones b James Anderson 0(3)

 

[Bala]

Seeig botht he batsmen getting out to edges, England should place more men in the slips! Good spell on his comeback by Jimmy!

 

[m_vaughan]

Mohammad Yousuf OUT

Yousuf stupidity costs Pakistan
An absolute blunder from experienced Pakistan middle order batsman, Mohammad Yousuf has cost him his wicket, and has put his team in deep trouble in this match.

It was an absolute shame to see such an experienced batsman move across the line of the stumps, hence exposing all three of them, in an attempt to flick a ball outside offstump to fine leg. All he managed to do was play the ball straight onto the wickets.

Steve Harmison picks up his first of the innings, and England are now in control of proceedings having reduced the home side to 12-3.

Pakistan FOW 12-3
Mohammad Yousuf b Steve Harmison 1(7)

 

[ashu2411]

England right in command. I hope the result dont go like First Test in Multan.

 

[aussie1st]

Pak in real trouble right now. They need a big partnership here or else the English will run away with this one.