We're going to have to revise our views on Pears?

Don't think that's what you wanted to say is it?

A tad rich!

5 for! youngest test player ever to take 5 wickets on his debut. Pakistan all out 216. Well done Ahmed Rehan! 167 to win.

Ahmed killing 'em. 4 for 44. Not bad for an 18 year old on debut!

Dunno where to put this but FA confirms Southgate to stay on as England manager and will lead the team at the Euros. Opinions?

As I remember he held the ball really low down and gripped it like he was frightened of dropping it. I don't think his style ever changed from when he first played for Lancs.

He certainly did. Best ever.

Ha! Remember him. Haven't heard his name in years. Had a really odd run-up as I recall. Gripped the ball like it was made of china.

Agree with you about Buckley. I"m guessing he's back now for a long spell provided he plays to that standard. Really confident on the ball and we need that in midfield from someone. One unusual thing I noticed, on 3 different occasions we were set up for a final through ball and a clear strike at goal. And on all 3 the passer got the angle right but the ball was so underhit that a defender had time to step in and cut it off. i was wondering if the grass was long or something. That's in addition to another 3 occasions where a player took the shot himself where a colleague was in a much better position and screaming for the ball. Dolan with Diaz late on was one example, can't remember the others.

I'll take that but I want more!!

We must be honest though and admit this was a terrible game--apart from the result. It really looked like 2 mid-table sides slogging it out. We out-muscled them and out-chased them and deserved the win, that's it.

Perhaps they need a week in Marbella between games!

Thought Ahmed was great. Had another one turned down on appeal as well. Astonishing for an 18 year old. Leg spin is the hardest cricketing skill to master I'd think and they peak into their 30's. Spun it much more than Leach. That he can be so good at 18 gives us years or promise to look forward to.

I'm astonished! Never saw that coming.6 changes seems to indicate last weeks selections were wrong but he's obviously learned something. My daughter"s partner is a mad-keen Norwich fan (I've bought him 2 books on then for Christmas) and best of all---they're coming round for tea tomorrow night! I have the replay ready for him!

but for how long?

Quite agree, just pointing out that he wasn't just a loan. We apparently even agreed the fee of £5M. Gallacher all over again except at least we have an opt-out.

with an option to buy?

Let's hope it isn't a tin one Den! I worry that Australia won't. Maybe India won't either.

Have zero confidence going into this game. I'm expecting to get thrashed and to slide down the table. Any other result I'll take.

I can't remember when Archer last played! I was going to refer to him but I couldn't remember his name! So much hope there at one time.

This is what I worry about. If we try that same approach on the MCG or the Gabba we will get pasted again. We simply don't have the firepower. Seamers are great on some pitches---particularly English ones. But we need pace in Australia and we don't have it. Additionally, time after time our top order capitulates to their pace. If Australia need 275 to win does anyone doubt they will get them?

Agree with this but I thought losing the last 5 wickets for 19 in cavalier fashion was a bit over the top. We had loads of time so there was no reason not to put the game out of sight with another 50 or so. Pakistan would have had to defend which was impossible on that pitch. I'm quibbling I know, but there were times on that last day when we looked like losing which would have been farcical.

We know where you stand, its where you always stand. Everything the club does is OK. Crisis? What crisis?

Suppose there's a cabal of eleven?