Cricket is the Winner

Not that old cliche I hear you cry! Well, just read this wonderful piece of journalism from George Dobbell.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan-v-england-2012/content/current/story/551264.html



This has been a wonderful Test Match. I was very pessimistic about this entire series before it started. The thought of playing Pakistan again filled me with dread, as did the thought of 500 plays 400 in front of one man and his dog.

As Mr Dobbell suggests, the loser of this Test Match will be condemned. There will be little mention of England's valiant recovery after the humiliation of Dubai if Pakistan prevail. Equally there will be little mention of Azhar and Shafiq's steely grit if England come out on top.

This is wrong. Both sides deserve huge credit for showing us why the 5 day format is so special.

Tomorrow we will probably find out which side has won a memorable victory. As the fortunes fluctuate and the tension rises, i'll grow bitter. I'm afraid no admiration for Pakistan will be evident in my posts on this forum.

So now, while I have a semblance of cricketing decency in me, let me raise a glass to the players of Pakistan and England. I hope you'll join me.