Not all doom and gloom...

So Pakistan have won. Well done. But England really were rubbish.

But as rubbish as England were, we shouldn't make changes. The only (debatable) question mark in the side was over Ally Cook. And he made 100.

But be happy. This is the first test England have lost since South Africa (well back in January). This is the first test England have looked like not winning since then. But judging by these texts into the BBC live text service, England haven't won a game in 13 years.


From Slingsby, TMS inbox: "England's abysmal effort yesterday afternoon has effectively denied the British cricketing public a whole weekend's Test cricket. What was, at tea, set up to be a fascinating day's play on Saturday was, in a few lazy swishes, reduced to a brisk formality this morning. Fined their match fee? The team should be required to personally refund all ticket money for today, and should turn out for a one-day match tomorrow to compensate. At least."

From Iain from Oldham, via text: "Ponting might be right, 5-0 seems a good bet after this pathetic showing. Big names need to be dropped for next Test."

From Pete from Kempsey, Worcestershire, TMS inbox: "Fully agree with Ramiz's suggestion to give KP a bowl - how else is he going to keep his place in the side?"

From Ian, Barcelona, TMS inbox: "Re: Iain from Oldham at 1337. Big names to be dropped? Not a chance. We don't need selectors at all. They may as well leave a note on the door saying that it will be the same Strauss, Cook, Trott etc etc for all Tests until 2017 and go on holiday for a few years."


Come on - give us a smile! There's no need for knee-jerk reactions to a defeat in which England could very conceivably have nicked it. The reason KP, Trott, Cook, Strauss et al are in the team is because they have justified their places with consistently high international performances in a winning side.

This match wasn't just good for Pakistan - it was good for cricket. The fans who went, watched on TV or by live text will all have come out of the four days having seen a fantastic advert for test cricket. This result means that something hangs on the next test at Lord's. So give us a smile!