England vs Pakistan 2nd Test: 6-10 August, 2010
Day 1
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first. Even if the conditions are not concerned, I'd still reckon that Pakistan should bowl first, given their fragile batting. Their bowling has potential, Amir and especially Asif have been doing well. I had mistaken in my last post, I had forgotten about Saeed Ajmal. I thought Raza Hasan would play since Kaneria has been released to play for Essex. Pakistan made two changes to the side, they changed their spinner and wicketkeeper but what they really lack are batsmen and fielders. They drop too many catches while England rarely drop any. Their is no belief in their batsmen, no one lasts long and yesterday Umar Akmal was the only one trying to score. Five of their batsmen went for nought, Imran Farhat was one of them, who played 24 deliveries. Azhar Ali was another one, he played 32 deliveries. In the end, Pakistan were routed for 72. Their batsmen don't score much, nor are they capable of batting out a day or two so their matches are unlikely to result in a draw.
                                                                               Broady took 4 of the top 7 wickets but how much credit does he deserve? It felt like even if Trott would bowl, Pakistan still wouldn't score much. Anderson took 4 as well. Finn bowled only 8 overs and removed Pakistan's captain and Umar Akmal. The UDRS (Umpire Decision Review System) brought drama again. Amir was out off Anderson but the technology didn't serve justice. Umar Akmal may have been given out wrongly but the technology wouldn't have saved him because the on-field  umpire's decision is upheld when it's close. Swann wasn't needed, kept fielding at second slip, happily. It will be interesting to see how long this Test lasts and if Strauss doesn't mind, I'd like to see an innings defeat.
Signing off for now. Cheers!