So, any interest here?

I've been watching it all day and must say it's been a pretty solid and interesting days cricket.

Pakistan well on top early, then a wonderful innings from Morgan, ably assisted by Colly has put us well in the box seat

Saw a fair bit, very impressed with Morgan, well supported by Collingwood.
I've always wanted to be able to bat like an England No 4, and after seeing The Ego today, I think I probably can. He was dreadful, admittedly after injury and very little recent cricket of any sort.
Kaneria was disappointing, Aamir is very good, Asif bowled well also. Kamran Akmal looked very shoddy behind the stumps. Salman Butt didn't always press as hard with his field placings or bowling changes as he could have.
The wicket isn't brilliant, some uneven bounce and at times, a fair bit of turn, so batting first was probably wise.

Listened to most of it on TMS and just watched the highlights. There is some serious competition for middle order batters - anyone think the selectors have the guts to drop KP ? When fit, Bell should come in, Bopara is knocking. Can't drop Morgan now.

This Aamir is incredible for an 18 yr old. Just amazes me how Pakistan find these guys.

I hope you won't mind if I use this thread to confirm our forthcoming two day match against Pakistan is NOT officially a first class match contrary to what I have been saying to some people around the ground. Most of you will no doubt have realised this but I must admit I always thought you could technically have a first class match over two days as long as it is a two innings match! I am now told a first class match has to be played over a minimum of three days. What do I know ...... don't answer that please.

I love the fact 'thenewt' posts on here.

Can you get Daniel Levy to post in my Spurs forum informing us why we haven't signed anyone yet?

Morgan can bat, Collingwood is a fighter, Prior can bat, but runs like Sir Geoffrey used to. Cook has technical flaws, Trott was unlucky 2nd inns, KP looked poor, Anderson showed that he is very good when the ball is swinging, Finn and Broad did ok, the fielding was very good. Did we learn anything else about our team?

How on earth did Pakistan beat Australia last week?

I heard on the wireless tonight that if we win at least 3-0 then we go above the Aussies in the test league type thingie.

Fantastic display by us today, and in fact I would suggest we are not far away from being the best in the world.

What does everyone think about Prior batting no.6 and us making room for another bowler?

Cook is badly out of form at the mo, could take him to Aus yes but in the meantime could put Trott as opener with Strauss and shove in someone like Amjad as the extra bowler maybe? Or even blood Rashid if it keeps dry in the south

The revenue expected ftom this series along with that of the Bangladesh tour is likely to be dire which will provide amunition for all those seeking a reduction in the First class counties.

Bearpit now in serious problems with their Test:

http://www.thestirrer.co.uk/?p=1794

Thanks for that WBB.

The article neatly sums up the reasons for the problems now facing cricket:-

1. Excessive ticket prices
2. Failure to capitalise on interest generated by 2005 Ashes series/ loss of terrestrial TV audience.
3. Too much international cricket.

And they can all be summed up in one word - GREED

Blimey. £60 to watch Pakistan, a team that you're never sure whether they'll play the whole day or walk off the pitch. I was looking forward to watching this on the box but it looks as though the famous Edgbaston atmosphere will be missing.

Might be an idea to keep an eye out for cut-price tickets everyone. A few years ago we decided on the Sunday to see if there were tickets for E V SL so I rang Birmingham and we go them for a tenner.

Edit: just read the article properly. Advance admission is available for each of the first four days (the fifth day is pay on the gate) and fans are being offered either two free tickets and a Pakistan shirt for every ten bought, or two free tickets and a Pakistan cap with every six bought.

If the shirt is one of Inzimams it might just fit me, otherwise no chance!

I don't think many Pakistani fans will be going back to watch their mob.

72 all out and Eng 42/0 at the mo

Will this game even last 3 days?

The biggest mistake that the ECB have made was walking away from terrestrial TV in 2005 when it was at their feet after the Ashes win.

The recent Government payback to Murdoch means that even Home Tests will probably be only made available to the highest bidder forever and ever: or until the ECB realise that the Murdoch empire has them in a death grasp. Note the RFL position by contrast- the Challenge Cup stays free to air and on the BBC.

Many of us welcome that Sky shows more cricket than the BBC ever did. But Home Tests and the Sunday League/CB40 on free to air and hopefully the BBC: now, is that too idealistic a hope?

The biggest mistake might be getting so carried away with 2005. Suddenley, everyone in their opinion couldn't get enough cricket and would pay good money for it. Bigger clubs have borrowed and invested heavily on this misguided approach.

Can you imagine if Mrs S and I went to Birmingham tomorrow ? £120 for two tickets, £10 petrol, £10 parking and say £20 for food and bevvies. £160