If ESPN is correct that is the 5th century has scored in 8 innings versus England (sorry England folks). He sure seems to save his best for England.
Apparently he’s now the leading Test run scorer this calendar year … having given the rest of the world’s best batsmen seven month start.
And they get him with a no ball. No excuse for that from a spin bowler.
Today could have gone better. If England lose this game, which seems likely unless the weather intervenes (given the batting performances this series, I am not holding out hope for those guys bailing us out), they should look back on the chances they’ve shelled and their spinner bowling a no ball on a wicket taking delivery and judge that they’re their own worst enemies.
I’m actually pretty pleased to end the day 23/1, all things considered. It probably won’t matter, but Paine might regret not declaring a bit sooner.
Yeah. Jofra’s one was tough, but the catches at mid-on and especially at slip should have been taken.
All in all, it was a rather pleasant day of cricket to watch, especially if you’re an Aussie. I was happy enough with Smith’s 118, but to see him brought back after the no-ball was especially gratifying, especially with so many in the crowd still booing him whenever he enters or leaves the field of play. Nice to see the Aussie tail get some runs too. 82 off the last ten overs was a lot of fun to watch.
England can’t win it from here, but all it will take is one or two nice long partnerships to ensure a draw. The wicket still looks pretty decent for batting, but not so good that the bowlers can’t get anything out of it, and Lyon should get some good spin as the match goes on. Looking forward to tomorrow.
Maybe, but if you can’t get them out twice in three days, then a hour or so might not have made a big difference. And with the speed that the Aussies put on their late-innings runs, it probably bought them more time than an earlier declaration at, say, 450 would have done. It might have been nice to have more than 10 overs to bowl at the end of the day, though, especially to batsmen who have been in the field for a couple of days.
Nice to see Rahmat Khan got Afghanistan’s maiden test century in their first ever match.
I missed that so thanks for the info.
With the Ashes Test I keep thinking that the form of Smith must be temporary- except it is now three series. If Archer was showing fatigue at the end of the innings he will find it difficult on the Sub Continent- particularly if a player of the class of a Kohli gets going.
Indeed but a quibble.
Afghanistan’s first Test century, their 3rd Test (one vs India, Ireland and now Bangladesh)
There’s nothing that can take that achievement away from him.
And he got 98 against Ireland.
Good point my mistake. Still a notable achievement.
As a bit of an aside, an Australian cricket writer (Peter Lalor) has been mistakenly charged $100,000 for a beer in Manchester. There must be a lot of money in cricket writing- I’d like to know someone who has $100,000 limit on their credit card.
That century by Shah has helped put Afg in a strong position, with Bangladesh 8 down and trailing by 196. Raining now though.
And its raining at the start of day 3 at Old Trafford too, although it’s not expected to last long and the weekend is looking clear. England need to be batting at the end of today to stay in the game but, frankly, I’d be happy if they are still there at lunch.
I wish it was that easy (Australian perspective). England have quality players. However it is a worry that Joe Root always seems so worried in the captaincy role (usually with good reason) and never seems to enjoy it.
Well, a good morning session from England, consolidating their position - if you had to be picky, a faster scoring rate would have been nice, but not losing wickets was more important at the moment.
I too hope they are still batting at CoP today; with the important caveat that it is in their first innings…
From what I heard on TMS, it was carried over to his mortgage/savings account. Which strikes me as a bloody stupid way for such an account to work. I imagine the bank will be reviewing its policies on that one.
Starc got Root right in the nuts. That’s gotta hurt, even with a protector. 
He certainly hasn’t seemed very comfortable here, playing and missing quite a bit. Come on Root, hit out or get out, we’ll never win this Test otherwise!
Nice partnership between Root and Burns there, but you have to give the last session to the Australians.
Hazlewood had a great spell, and watching Roy’s middle stump crash to the deck was very satisfying. I thought Cummins bowled really well, and was unlucky not to get another wicket or two. There’s a big contrast, too, between the run rates. Australia’s innings was put together at just under four an over, while the English are scoring at well under three.
Abdul Qadir died suddenly.
While I suspect the name will elicit a blank from most people here, he played many years for Pakistan as a leggie. Over 200 wickets and won several test matches.
Before Wasim and Waqar came through, he was Imran Khans principal backup as strike bowler.