Looks likely that Flintoff is out of the Ashes.

Englands chances have gone from slim to none. Would rather they win the World cup though although judging by their 5-0 destruction against Sri Lanka, that wont be happening.

I could never see them winning the Ashes in Australia anyway if they did have flintoff! They have done nothing since they won the Ashes last year, just like the England rugby team after winning the World Cup.

Ps. Theres no fast reply in these new sections Letters, come on get it sorted ;)

I feel Simon Jones and Michael Vaughan are far bigger losses than Flintoff though. I dont rate Flintoff, never have. Im not one of the guys who think hes the dogs bollocks after one good series in 8 years.

giles should make it but is simon jones defo going to be out injured then?

He hasnt counted himself out but it would be very surprising if he did make it.

If Flintoff and Jones are out, that'd be two catalysts of the 2005 Ashes triumph out. Not sure how much the ball swings in Australia, but Jones will be a huge loss.

That would probably leave England with Hoggard, Harmison, Plunkett and Mahmood. Not much for the Aussies to fear there.

I predict 4-1.

i agree


:goodpost:

Flintoff being out is a massive blow,we haven't got another all-rounder that even comes close to him.It completely disrupts the balance of the side.We'll either have to play an extra batsman which means we won't have enough of a bowling attack to bowl a side like Australia out twice.Or we'll have to go with an extra bowler which will leave us with an incredibly long tail. <_<

a huge blow to us.

looks like Collingwood is being asked to do what Flintoff does..and that does not bode very well.

5-nil Aussies then.

Except that Colly is used as a part-time bowler (even trying out some off-spin in the last test - what's that about...?!) with KP getting a few overs as well - that can never compensate for Flintoff's workload and wicket-taking (Colly still hasn't got a test wicket - even KP has one of those!)

I think we have to drop Bell (yes, yes, I know he's just scored a ton) to play a 5-man bowling attack otherwise we'll do exactly what we did at Lords...bat ourselves into a great position then find ourselves unable to take 20 wickets in 5 days and draw the match. 5-man attack is the way to win a test against Pakistan (yes it leaves the tail long but you've got to try something - maybe Dalrymple who can bat and bowl?)

It would help if Geraint Jones started scoring some runs as well.

hmm....me thinks that English cricket is suffering from the Ashes win.

I think we can still win it in Australia. Flintoff can still make it there.

i wish i had your optimism.

we will get roasted there..5 nil whitewash to the Aussies.

Got to keep the faith.

I wish I knew what the fuck cricket was about

I try watching the highlights on Sky but I just dont understand a thing

2nd test v Pakistan starts today...can I suggest the Guardian's over-by-over coverage as the best place to get information online...

http://sport.guardian.co.uk/cricket/overby...1830767,00.html

Don't expect the scores to update that quickly, but it's worth a read for the comedy banter.

Saj Mahmood's best chance to make an impression on the 5-day team on his home wicket - let's see what happens... :D

GOing well and no mistake! 6 down!

Pakistan all out for 119.

England 89-1.

Strauss gone now but really, England should be disappointed if they don't get a lead of at least 250, if not more out of this first innings. The pitch is, by all accounts, a superb track for batting on (unless you have Harmison bouncing the ball at your chest/head of course!).

KP in now - expect a few of these from the umpires tomorrow...!

168 - 2 at close of play B)

great day for us.

a strong partnership between Cook and KP will be enough to win the match..thats if the bowlers don't give away the runs in Pakistan's 2nd innings :rolleyes:

It was a perfect pitch for Harmison today, and he exploited it, 6 for 19 are pretty impressive bowling figures

:rolleyes: was pleased to see Monty get in on the act too.

Yea he had a good day, took 3 wickets.

Cook is on 99. Collingwoods being a prat though and hogging the crease at the moment.

He's got his 100 now. Well deserved for the young man as well.

I thought you were 14... ;) :D

:haha:

he is isn't he? :huh:

Well, y'know, I meant in cricket terms... :)

:haha:

England have no excuses if they do not win this test now. In a truly commanding position

Pakistan to be bowled out for under 342 I think.

In the South Africa v Sri Lanka match, there is an unbroken partnership of 471 by 2 SL batsmen. No i wont bother typing out their names.

Its the 2nd highest partnership ever.

Wow that is mightily impressive.

Blimey!

:lol: they've both scored more individually than than the entire South African team did in their 1st innings.


anyway,back to England...


Hope Harmison's fit for tomorrow :pray:


Really can't afford to lose another bowler.

Sri Lanka are bloody inconsistent.

but what a stand today..truly amazing batting me thinks.

England won the test. Panesar got 5 wickets :scarf:

The Sri Lankan partnership went on to break the record. Id laugh if they didnt win the test though.

That is always the risk when your team goes onto achieve a huge total in cricket.


Hmm...well it has gone to the last day now....Sri Lanka should be capable of getting the 6 remaining wickets, but...you never know...

Sri Lanka won the test.

Geraint Jones has been dropped for Chris Read who flopped for England when playing for them previously.