Eight tests in a row the rather curiously ranked number one test side have lost in Asia.
In the two tests so far in this series, they’ve posted scores of 203, 161, 106 and 183 with 36 of the 40 Australian wickets falling to spin.
Australia didn’t take this tour too seriously which is a disappointment. Obviously picking Joe Burns and persisting with Lyon who has never done it on sub continent only reaffirms this. Greg Blewett didn’t even travel and he’s the batting coach. Four players out to straight deliveries could be put down to shabby pitch but no excuses.
Shaun Marsh should have played as he’s good against spin.
England 414/5 at stumps on Day 4, a lead of 311. An unbroken sixth wicket partnership of 132 between Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali.
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Pakistan have collapsed to 150-8, two more wickets needed for an unlikely English victory.
152-9 now, the end is nigh.
190-9 about 16 overs left.
Red rover all out for 201
First morning of the fourth test at the Oval. England have just gone from 69/1 to 74/4 in the space of two and a half overs. Ballance and Bairstow currently at the crease, both still to get off the mark.
England won the toss at The Oval for the 4th test and Cook decided to have a bat. They are 75/4 now on a pitch that, according to Geoffrey Boycott (the real one), you should be capable of getting 600 on.
The old failing at the Oval, taking it easy in the last test. 114/5 now.
Jonny Bairstow gets his 50 to try and steady the ship for England. 170-5.
203/5 now. Moeen has a 50 as well.
Moeen Ali smashes a century off 140 balls, England are 318/9.
England have slumped from 286/6 to 296/9.
328 All out, Pakistan will be delighted with that.
They shouldn’t be taking it easy. With Day 3 washed out in St Lucia and a draw all but inevitable in the 3rd test between West Indies v India and with Australia having lost the series in Sri Lanka, I think I’m correct in saying a 3-1 series win for England would see them leapfrog from fourth to top of the world rankings.
An early wicket picked up before stumps. Pakistan 3/1 after 3 overs in response to England’s 328.
You are correct, Geoffrey. 3-1 gives them the mace.
England regaining the Number 1 slot in the rankings not looking likely now. Younis Khan has just brought up his double century and Pakistan are on 491/8, a lead of 163.
India could now win in St Lucia. The usual Windies batting collapse yesterday right after lunch. They went for 202/3 to 225 all out in the space of 16 overs. India are on 178/4, a lead of 306.
Sri Lanka were in bit of bother when Australia reduced them to 26/5 on Day 1 in Colombo. An unbeaten 188, sixth wicket stand saw Sri Lanka make it to 214/5 at stumps.
Windies 95-8 now needing another 250 or so to win. This will be wrapped up fairly shortly.
You said the rankings were flawed?