England vs Pakistan 2nd Test: 6-10 August, 2010
Day 2
England started the day at 112/2. Rain delayed the start and interrupted the game twice later in the day. Kevin Pietersen brought more drama than the review system. From taking risky singles to going off the field for a "comfort break", he did it all. I haven't seen a batsman go out like that. There were a few instances when he almost got out. He was dropped a few times and when the catch was taken, it was an awkward moment. KP moved outside the leg stump, indicating that something is wrong, the umpire called it a dead ball but Pietersen still hit it. Pakistan were desperate to get him out, just before the dead ball, they referred, it was struck outside and missing wickets! Wasted! All eyes were on him as he top scored with 80. England were 174/2 but only managed to make 251. How many times have we seen this with the England cricket team? But this would be enough for Pakistan who could still lose it by an innings. Saeed Ajmal fetched 5 wickets and substitute Yasir Hameed took 2 catches, he should be playing. Ali, Farhat, Amin have not been scoring runs. Oh well, who is?
                           Pakistan finished the day at 19/1, Anderson removed captain Butt in the 3rd over with an awesome delivery. Broad again got the new ball and bowled the most overs. Strauss continued to defend. At the start of the innings, there were only 2 slips and no short leg, later 3rd was called and much later, short leg was placed. Only 66 overs were bowled in the day until bad light stopped play.
Alastair Cook's average this summer is exactly 16, including this innings. He needs to go and work on his technical faults, but this is a bit late, he may miss out on the Ashes.