Pakistan in England/Scotland 2006

[Sureshot]

Cricinfo, who've been reluctant to pick up on the afridi case because of uncertainty, maintain that sources close to england said he enquired about something relating to the ball. Of course they will deny, and no doubt Proctor will also deny..more so he will be advised to deny it - imagine what will happen if they reveal it as true. The ODI series will be over, Pakistani/Pom ties will become wafer thin and the cricketing world will be thrown into further chaos. England have denied that they enquired about the state of the ball - it makes no mention they didn't request umpires to have a closer look at certain bowlers. You all saw the attention Hair was paying to the person with the ball in between deliveries - i have never seen this sort of scrutiny before, especially when the batting side is 2/200 odd.

Just on the ball, someone posted that it was the seam that appeared to be lifted - i haven't seen this reported anywhere? What are the sources? I just figured it was the large scratch on the ball that could be seen when Sky zoomed in on Hair with the ball. And when Woolmer was trying to replicate it he appeared to be scratching the leather rather than the seam.

http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/engvpak/content/current/story/257514.html

Woolmer doesn't seem to bothered about if Fletcher did or didn't speak to Proctor, and has even said he might've done the same.

It's become a political game of white lies, denials, and politics.

In any case, Pakistan's Izzat (Honor) is at stake. Pakistan shouldn't play the ODIs if Inzamam is found guilty of ball tampering and banned.

Time for India and Sri Lanka to stand by Pakistan. Time to show them we won't be walked over.

But he should be suspended/banned/fined for bringing to game into disrepute? No?

It's a conspiracy theory when England reversing the ball in the 15th over is questioned.
It's ball tampering when Pakistan does it in the 50th over.

I am tired of the Holier than thou self-righteousness.

Fletcher DID insinuate the ball tampering situation, the political animal that he is.

Why was Trescothick watching Asif with Binoculars?

How did Fletcher insinuate it?

And read the article I posted above, Woolmer has said he watches other teams players with binoculars.

Don't try to make this out to be Englands fault/problem. The umpires instigated it and it was their choice.

And as for your first bit, I and many others believe that Pakistan are innocent as there is simply no evidence and it's been based on an assumption by Hair and/or Doctrove. Dangerous to assume something so big.

 

[Eddie]

Not sure about Tremlett, his economy for 20/20 is over 7rpo.

Broad's economy is 4.5 rpo only over 8 matches..but still thats pretty impressive.

Not that i think it will mattter in the end, can't see us getting near Pakistan in the 20/20, unless KP or Tresco get some BIG runs. Whithout Freddie they are our only "six-hittiers"

Whereas pretty much all the Pakistanis can slog the ball, even their tail can hit sixes.

Something which "might" even things out, could be the fielding , England might be able to save 20 runs in the field.

Should be highly entertaining whoever wins...

 

[Sureshot]

Let's not butt into arguments that we don't understand, shall we?

EDIT: It's called freedom of speech, by the way.

Freedom of speech and a Public message board don't go together.

Right, England had the ball reverse swinging in England at exactly this point in time (August/September) against Australia. Yet that is viewed as being legit and England bowling well, yet Pakistan do it and it's considered Cheating. Can you not see the holes in that argument? England have nothing to do with this incident (barring Fletcher if reports are true) but surely you can see that there is a difference in the way the two teams have been treated?

Only a handful are considering Pakistan cheaters.

Oh and the weather conditions of August 2006 and massively different to August 2005.

I think you'll find that he told me to grow up, which I found to be quite hurtful.

Don't dish it out if you can't handle it back.


PS: Andrew, I've seen your warnings, if this is OTT then sorry.

 

[Eddie]

I think we should draw a line under all the ball tampering issues etc..and move on.

Lets just all agree to disagree, and concentrate on the ODI series.

 

[Sureshot]

England squads normally get announced on Sundays don't they? Sky Sports News normally have David Graveney in the studio at around 9am.

3PM this afternoon on SSN.

EDIT:

Agreed Eddie, I'm finished on the ball issue now.

---------

This squad announced this afternoon is set to be a 15 man squad?

People say JD for Spinner, How about my Yardy then? 60MPH darts (AKA Jayasuriya) and a very good batsman, better than Dalrymple.

How about Bopara as an outsider for his good all round displays?

 

[Eddie]

3PM this afternoon on SSN.

really? can't wait...

 

[Sureshot]

I'd like to see Broad and Tremlett with the new ball in the One Dayers. They can both keep it tight and take wickets, which is crucial within the first 10 overs.

We agree :happy

Maybe Gough opens and Tremlett for first change.

All I've seen is the odd ball on Sky Sports News, so can't really comment. He does have a pretty high economy rate for FC cricket but then he is only young!

3.7 is high?

After some calculations he has a eco rate in FC this year of 3.79.

But has 40 wickets at about 31.

A little bit of publicity for Planetcricket (second entry down)

Interesting looking at the final averages for the series (here)

Both Cook and Strauss outscored Bell in the end, Harmison was England's best bowler and Hoggy only took 2 wickets more than Saj Mahmood in one match more.

Monty easily the most economical bowler. :cool:

 

[Eddie]

Monty easily the most economical bowler

all the more impressive, as it was on mostly un-helpful pitches against VERY good players of spin.

Monty : 17 wkts @ 30
Kaneria : 13 wkts @ 50

 

[MUFC1987]

Don't dish it out if you can't handle it back.

I'm just surprised that someone took it seriously.

How about Bopara as an outsider for his good all round displays?

For me, Bopara is a decent all round cricketer, but nothing more than average at the moment. Yes he takes wickets, but so does Ian Bell at County Level when he gets a bowl. I think we need to look at good players as a specialist, rather than the average all round players. I think our ODI side should be made up of players who are good at one aspect of the game at least. Rather than average at all aspects. Hence, why I'd rather see an Ed Joyce in the side for his batting, rather than Bopara.

 

[evertonfan]

Right i'm worried, this isn't strictly England news, but SSN has given Jimmy Anderson the green light ahead of the C&G final against Sussex on Saturday. As much as I want him back in the England squad I can't help but think this comeback is way too soon.

 

[MUFC1987]

I heard that he was just going to play in some 20/20 friendly against England. I doubt if they'd risk him for 10 overs in an important game. I expect he'll play a Pro 40 game when he makes a competitive comeback, just to see how he copes.

 

[evertonfan]

I don't think he's fully fit to be honest; England and Lancashire have been guilty in the past of rushing Jimmy back.

 

[Gunner786]

gough has a sore leg which means same thing as lanka is on the cards,
if gough doesnt play i would have afridi open cos hes the only one who can bowl properly in odis

 

[BigCrickNan]

Good to see Broad and Yardy in, also with Joyce, Lewis, Gough and Read retaining his place. Also the official one of the worst cricketers ever to play international cricket Rikki Clarke is back.

 

[evertonfan]

Rikki Clarke, oh dear. I know a ot of people argue about Glen Chapple's international pedigree, but I know for a fact that he is better than Clarke.