Pakistan v England 1st ODI

[Occasional Fan]

England won the toss and elected to bat, always a questionable decision in my mind for England who are probably better chasers than target setters, even in a day/nighter (which this is). After 13 overs, England are 65-1, Trescothick the man out for 13. In the first two balls of the 14th, Prior adds a pair of boundaries and he is now 37no off 42 balls, England are 74-1.

[greg]

Decent start 94-2 after 17.Looks like we will need over 300 to have a chance on this pitch.Wonder which batsman will drop out to let Plunkett replace him?My guess would be Prior as Solanki is such a good fielder.

Good to see such depth to the batting with a dangerous player like Blackwell at 9.Overall the side look more balanced without Vaughan and Giles,the fielding will certainly improve without them anyway.

[Rachael]

Prior is a stunning fielder... as is Collingwood... and Solanki and Strauss are excellent... and Tresco's good in the slips... and so, whilst neither are poor... it's got to be one of the two players with a reputation for dropping sitters - either Pietersen or Geraint Jones.

[greg]

KP looks in ominous touch.2 huge shots off Kaneria.You can see why the Pakistan fans questioned his inclusion.If he bowls badly he can't remedy it with the bat and his fielding is abysmal for international level.One thinks Afridi will will take his place when available.

England going along nicely having passed 150 in the 27th over.Wonder what a good score will be?

[greg]

Originally Posted by Rachael

Prior is a stunning fielder... as is Collingwood... and Solanki and Strauss are excellent... and Tresco's good in the slips... and so, whilst neither are poor... it's got to be one of the two players with a reputation for dropping sitters - either Pietersen or Geraint Jones.

Interesting point though.Do you sub the keeper or your best boundary fielder?Nice problem to have i guess.

[Rachael]

I'd agree that despite his Ashes mishaps... Pietersen is a good outfielder. Might need to make way though... unless Fletcher/Tresco are happy to just bide their time and leave Plunkett in the dressingroom for the first 20 overs or so: that would be my preferred approach.... as by then it might be possible to conclude that Blackwell's not going to bowl.

From a fielding point of view I'd rather sub the Somerset spinner....

ps. Pietersen out...

[greg]

Not the best bit of cricket by KP.How can you be out stumped off a wide?Hopefully Strauss can bat through the innings and we can get somewhere near 350.Still lots of batting to come.

[Occasional Fan]

We're going to need a big 300 here, I think. What was KP doing? Not the first time we've seen him crash just when he seems to be settling in for the day. Obviously I can't see it, and the commentators on Cricinfo tell me that it was a great stumping by the Pakistani wicketkeeper, but heck! Off a wide ball?

[sanizam]

.
KP played a brilliant innings and it might be a match winning one.... Now England shuld score 300+ .... and that will be difficult for Pakistan to chase.....lets wait and see.....

.

[greg]

I hope Blackwell is padded up because he could score a quick 30 or 40 in no time.Get him in next.Need minimum of 320.