International Cricket Thread

[diggedy derek]

Superb effort from Ireland. All three results possible given weather forecast.

[Diable Rouge]

Being something of a stats nerd, this Test cricket lark is an absolute goldmine - it seems there have only ever been three occasions where any team has won after following-on:

http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/conte...ry/105230.html

[Janik]

Well, yes. It's something that most teams haven't managed yet, in the best part of a century of trying for many of them. If Ireland do it first time up, well...

On a related note, apparently this was the first time in 16 years that Pakistan have enforced a follow-on. Given how things are panning out, it might also be the last time for an even longer period!

[Kevin S]

Yes, I suspect they're regretting it now. Had they been about to put Ireland in for the fourth innings 400-odd runs down it would feel totally different.

Another stat for you DR: while there have been many, many drawn Test matches, there have only ever been two ties.

[Kevin S]

OK, here we go. Amir to Kane.

[Kevin S]

Ah, O'Brien is gone early. He's not happy with himself, having gone fishing unnecessarily outside off.

[Kevin S]

Final wicket stand now, and Murtagh clubs away a useful four.

[Kevin S]

Right-o. Mohammed Abbas has finished off the innings, taking his ninth of the match.

Pakistan need 160 for the win.

[Kevin S]

Yes!

[Diable Rouge]

You'd expect it to be wrapped up by mid-afternoon, but hopefully Ireland have at least given a creditable display at the higher level.

[Kevin S]

Hold that thought, DR. That's the second wicket gone now...

[Kevin S]

The article I posted yesterday about PK's final-innings collapses predated another one last year, by the way.
http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/1...wi-v-pak-2017/

[Kevin S]

Oh my!

[Diable Rouge]

And a third wicket goes - dare we dream?

[diggedy derek]

Blimey, three down, come the heck on Ireland.

[Kevin S]

So other than the two out in the middle, it's surely only Sarfraz Ahmed to worry about in terms of making the score. Everyone else averages around 15 or under.

[Duncan Gardner]

The Ballad of Boyd

See me in pajamas bowling
Then check out those World Cup whippings
True, I ain't done no testing
But can get Aussie dodging
Bounce is what I bring, forget about reverse swing
No fight no style, all sickly Roots
No fight no style, bar Captain Cook's

See me get those 'roos jumping
Warming up in Alice Spring
Them check with Fat Gatting
(Played at Lord's in the third string)
Give me Pup attack,he'll have more than a sore back
Uptown Boyd Rankin
He's Ulster's new pace King

Got to get rid of dead walking
(Not you Broady, just joking)
Watch Trem chuck it round ring
Don't even mention Steve Finn
Bounce is what I bring, forget about reverse swing
No fight no style, all sickly Roots
No fight no style, bar Captain Cook's

Time to start Aussie harming
So they'll bleat like sheep farming
When they see me come tear in
All the way from the Sperrins
Give me Pup attack,he'll have more than a sore back
Uptown Boyd Rankin
He's Ulster's new pace King

[wiblflibl]

Yay! I've found live radio commentary (Guerilla Cricket).

[Vicarious Thrillseeker]

Need to get two more quick wickets before they start to make inroads on the total.

[Kevin S]

Yes, Imam-ul-Haq is starting to look like he will be Pakistan's hero.

[Ray de Galles]

Yay! I've found live radio commentary (Guerilla Cricket).

Is that any good? Old Test Match Sofa people, isn't it? Might have to try it in the winter now Talksport have got the rights to the tours.

[Diable Rouge]

Lunch now, 52/3 after 17 overs.

[SouthdownRebel]

Whatever happens this afternoon, Ireland can be really proud of their performance in this match. A comparison with England's performance against this Pakistan team will be interesting, especially given our current batting woes.

[Ek weet nie]

Heavy Rain is the forecast for this afternoon.

[ad hoc]

Find myself deeply torn here. Ireland have done incredibly and it would be an amazing achievement to win, and may have knock on effects for other wannabe test nations that would be really good. However of all the national teams, Pakistan are my favourite (at least since the West Indies slid out of view) and I would be saddened if they lost. (And I think a draw due to rain would be rubbish). A tie? I could go for that.