Meanwhile, on the field(-worma)

Eng are not doing very well. Their batting lineup has collapsed for a second time. And this against an attack which doesn't have a single candidate in contention(atleast in the immediate term) for a test spot. Not good signs for Eng, although these are early days. And its understandable of the tourists to take time to adjust to the vastly different conditions (Giles already has an upset tummy, Vaughan an ear infection). And this is anyway Eng A team, since Flintoff is missing ;-) (credit: Saurabh)

All their fringe bowlers did well, and the Patron's XI lineup does have Hameed and Kamal. Udal took 3 wkts, so did Anderson (and they probably fight for a single place).

Meanwhile, Woolmer says they won't influence the pitch preparation.

The truth is that we can talk to the groundsmen and tell them what sort of pitches we would like but we can't tell them what to prepare. It is their decision.

But, I wonder, why would the groundsmen not accede to such 'requests'? Woolmer also promises to give the openers a longer run, after trying out 9 combinations in past ten matches. Which means we would probably see Shoaib Malik making an extended effort to seal that opener's slot. Good for Pak team balance, if he manages that. They can then think of playing a specialist batsman instead of Afridi/Razzaq in certain cases.

And in passing, Hussey's all set to make his debut for Aus as Hayden's new opening partner. I wonder what would happen if he does well in this one-match opportunity he's got. Would be difficult to get Hayden-Langer combo back again, no?

update: Nice article in Observer by Osman Samiuddin on Pakistan's progress(as well as a status-quo) under Woolmer.