Ouch! Eng. v. Pak. prematch speculation couldn't have been any further from reality. Irrelevant comments about current Australian bowling. Which is far better & vastly improved than has been made out here. Keep believing this nonsense England supporters.

Posted by   on (January 19, 2012, 14:47 GMT)

In this podcast, someone named George (I am not confirmed it is 'George Dobell', the cricinfo.com correspondent in DXB), predicted a crushing of PK in these words "Pakistan team will be crushed under the boots of highly strong English team". Now I wonder if these English have a habit of eating their BIG words?!?!? (remember the 'Grovelling' Tony)...... But, irrespective of how much strongly we win, we will still not undermine the strength of our opposition.....

I've only read the headline, but what a joke it is! Last frontier? They've lost in India, Pakistan, West Indies, Sri Lanka, and only drawn in South Africa. It's a long time before they can talk about last frontiers. And Miller, having heard the opening conversation, what a joke that is too! England are not number one on merit. They are number one because they have played their last six series on the comfortable grounds of England, Australia, and Bangladesh. They are a long way off being a real number one.

I don't think these guys have watched much of Hilfenhaus against India. The comments are irrelevant and ignorant. Against England he was injured. He is now slightly quicker, bowling straight stump to stump with good outswing. The English batting has previously been shown to be a rabble at times (M. Johnson of all people destroyed them at Perth recall). Starc should be far better than Johnson and with his height and left-arm in-swing he will do damage. If these Aussie bowlers stay fit they will rattle England in 2013 especially with 18 months of experience under the belt. Australia's batting, however, remains indifferent as yet and may be the losing factor.

Fair enough for the guys to feel dismissive of Siddle and Hilfenhaus, I guess, as neither was effective against England last summer. However, it is fair to say that both are now bowling faster, moving the ball more, are fitter and are targeting much better lengths than they did last year. They also now have a captain who is tactically far better in the field. I have no doubt that when these guys next confront England they will be a lot more challenging.

Well, i am really surprised how you guys have dismissed Pakistan !! I have noticed the same in other talk shows here. but see what has happened now England all out 192 !!! what do you guys have to say now ?? as the second day is about to begin.... If England don't get a couple of wickets early its gonna be a very long and hard day for England.... plus i noticed you didnt give much consideration to other batsmen of Pakistan team expect Younis and Misbah the Openers especially Hafeez and then Azhar Ali who has been the most consistent batsman for Pakistan for the past year.... i am quite positive your opinions will change 180 degrees by the end of the test match...

I have always loved your talks. Passionate and detailed. But there are some similarities between you and the indian media. quick to criticize the opponents and think highly of your own team and go into too much details for too long. Its good to speak out your mind, scrutinize things, but its better to be fair and balanced.