As for the second match in the series, I blame the flies for that defeat. What a horrible thought, players having to keep their mouths shut for fear of swallowing the flies; worrying about moths flying up their noses. That can't have been much fun.
Even worse, though, was a return, after being 116 for one, of the famous England collapses. Unfortunately, not even the flies could be blamed for the comprehensive defeat suffered yesterday. Saqlain was able to pick off the England batsmen at will with an awesome spell of five for 20 off eight overs.
In the second and third games, we were not good enough.
As I said earlier we need to find a way to play these spinners. If we don't we will suffer a long and shotless death in the Test matches, as these matches really are the spinner's playground. It really will be jelly and ice-cream for five days for Mushtaq, Saqlain and Afridi.
To be able to play good quality spin is a true test of a batsman's technique and temperament.
Unlike facing the fast bowlers, it is not all over in a flash, there is time to react. A batsman has to almost second guess every move the bowler makes and be able to counter it with his own.
Our boys must try to dismantle the spinners' plans and make them bowl where they want to score their runs. The other option is to close your eyes and have a heave but somehow I don't think that this tactic will come too highly recommended by coach Duncan Fletcher.
These battles of wills and mind games will be the highlight of the tour, as well as taking up the bulk of all the many team meetings.
Oh how I wish I could be out there to try and tie the Pakistanis into knots of their own. Come on lads, you've faced these boys on flat, non-bouncing, non-turning wickets in England, what difference is there playing them on their bouncing and turning wickets?
Seriously though, the lads have to put the one-day games behind them, get in the nets, and get the England spinners, and some local lads if possible, to help them find a way to play the spin trio. All the best guys, I still reckon we can do it.
