England v Pakistan: first one-day international – live!
Pakistan #Pakistan
9.24am EDT 09:24
18th over: Pakistan 75-4 (Fakhar 38, Maqsood 19) Time for spin, via Matt Parkinson – his first international since February 2020. He’s turned himself into a very consistent operator, putting a premium on hitting his accuracy rather than trying to spin it square every other delivery, even if that first brought him to attention in 2016.
9.22am EDT 09:22
17th over: Pakistan 72-4 (Fakhar 36, Maqsood 18) Make that eight off the last four overs, Carse going a very good job in these middle overs, banging it in and hitting the splice more often than not. It’s not difficult to see why they wanted him part of this squad.
9.14am EDT 09:14
16th over: Pakistan 70-4 (Fakhar 35, Maqsood 17) That’s a good little passage from England, six runs from the last three overs just when this aggressive pair looked set to shift up a couple of years. Drinks!
9.12am EDT 09:12
15th over: Pakistan 67-4 (Fakhar 32, Maqsood 15) Back to back tidy overs, via Carse here – he’s quick. These two have found the ropes but they’ve struggled to turn the strike over between times.
9.07am EDT 09:07
14th over: Pakistan 65-4 (Fakhar 32, Maqsood 15) Fakhar takes one off Overton through midwicket to start the over but he gives nothing to the dangerous Maqsood – just that single from the over.
9.06am EDT 09:06
13th over: Pakistan 64-4 (Fakhar 31, Maqsood 15) Oiiii! Have some of that! Carse goes short of a length to Maqsood who, making room for himself, flays him for SIX 15 rows back over cover with the horizontal bat. As you do! Easy to see why he’s in this team.
8.59am EDT 08:59
12th over: Pakistan 57-4 (Fakhar 30, Maqsood 9) Maqsood down the ground now with a beautiful on-drive off Overton, who is taking a moment to settle. But around the off-stump on a good length he’s always tough to play, zipping past the right-hander’s outside edge.
8.57am EDT 08:57
11th over: Pakistan 51-4 (Fakhar 30, Maqsood 3) Four more for Fakhar, driving Carse straight past his boots for four. Welcome to international cricket, young fella. Nevertheless, a good start.
“Ultimate mind games from England,” tweets Phil Withall. “Announce team, Pakistan plan accordingly. COVID outbreak offers opportunity to completely change team, Pakistan unprepared. So simple, so brilliant.” Then there’s Saqib… he’s properly ready.
8.53am EDT 08:53
10th over: Pakistan 46-4 (Fakhar 26, Maqsood 2) A good end to the power play for Pakistan, Fakhar getting two opportunities to go back to Overton (the change of bowler) and nailing two pull shots for four. He’ll know that from here, the only way Pakistan post a competitive total is through something special from him, and he’s done it before.
“Afternoon Adam.” Hello, Simon McMahon. “As a Scot who has followed, indeed supported, the England cricket team for many decades now, I’ve got mixed feelings about last night. I can’t honestly say I’m thrilled, but Southgate and his team seem like genuinely nice lads, and it’s not their fault that the football media in England, by and large, makes Fox News look neutral. I try not to get too worked up by it, though the ‘It’s Coming Home’ schtick is wearing a bit thin now I’ll admit. At times last night the commentary / punditry on ITV bordered on embarrassing I thought (in marked contrast to when England won the Cricket World Cup in 2019). But you can hardly blame them for being excited. I’ve often considered why I don’t feel like this about the cricket, I mean it’s not like it doesn’t stir the emotions in the same way. Maybe it’s the lack of historical rivalry between Scotland and England? Or that the game just lends itself to more measured, thoughtful analysis? Anyway, hope you are well, and (checks notes) let’s hope football is the winner on Sunday. Or Italy. Fantastic start by England, by the way.”
A understandable and thoughtful note. I also found it odd the “we” and “us” nature of the call itself. I don’t mind it from the experts/pundits, but it jarred a bit from the play-by-play, but maybe that’s because we’re taught on radio/TV never to do that with cricket. Take the Headingley Miracle in 2019. Nasser, obviously, nails it. But so does Ricky Ponting. Why? Because he was able to immediately celebrate what this was for the sport rather than wallowing in how he might’ve felt as an Australian champion.
8.47am EDT 08:47
9th over: Pakistan 38-4 (Fakhar 18, Maqsood 2) Another fine cover drive from Fakhar, who is building in confidence, through the gap for four more. This time it is against Saqib, who is operating round the wicket. The experienced opener then retains the strike.
“‘Afternoon.” And to you, John Starbuck. “How was it that the all-new, dew-fresh England team were so quickly outfitted with their ODI kit, given that they are of different sizes? Maybe there should be a shout-out to the Costume Department. That’s assuming the players hadn’t already bought their stuff, just in case, you know.”
It’s a good point. My thoughts also went to the social media staff having to go back through the entire online history of every new player to the set-up. Due diligence after the Robinson farrago.
8.43am EDT 08:43
8th over: Pakistan 32-4 (Fakhar 13, Maqsood 1) Gregory is spot on again, albeit a touch lucky with Maqsood’s straight drive crashes into the non-strikers’ stumped rather than the rope beneath the sightscreen. Fakhar makes up for that to complete the over, bisecting the fielders on the cover ring to strike his first four. Shot.
“When looking at the squad selection, your first thought is the quite obvious elephant in the room,” begins Kevin Wilson. “Even with a Covid-19 breakout and a whole new squad, this batsman still can’t make the squad. What has he done to upset the management or maybe even Morgan himself? Just how unlucky is Sam Hain, with a List A average of more or less 60?”
Yes, it’s very odd. I suppose there is a perception that he doesn’t bat quickly enough? That’s what has kept him away from a Hundred contract, or so it has been reported. But a guy with his record (which includes three tons for the England Lions) should be recognised.
8.37am EDT 08:37
WICKET! Shakeel lbw b Saqib 5 (Pakistan 26-4)
Impact just in line and clipping the bails – the decision is upheld! Pakistan are in a world of pain as Saqib celebrates his third wicket. Fantastic pace, up around that 90mph mark – what a handful.
7th over: Pakistan 26-4 (Fakhar 8)
8.36am EDT 08:36
DOES SAQIB HAVE A THIRD? Shakeel is given out lbw on the field but the left-hander is sending it upstairs. Round the wicket, is the impact in line? That’ll be the main query for the ball tracker.
8.32am EDT 08:32
6th over: Pakistan 24-3 (Fakhar 7, Shakeel 4) Gregory very tidy again, a couple behind point for Fakhar the only runs on offer, the big all-rounder down low to stop a straight drive in his follow-through to finish. We get a look at a graphic on Sky showing that the ball Fakhar edged would have hit off-stump flush had it maintained its original line, reinforcing that it was just about the perfect ball.
“England have now won the toss in their last ten ODIs (odds of 1 in 1,024),” reports my old mate Messy Jez on twitter. “The last time they lost was on 4 August 2020, when Ireland beat them. In the last 9 they have won 4, lost 4 & 1 no result.” Oooh! What if they go 12/12?
8.28am EDT 08:28
5th over: Pakistan 22-3 (Fakhar 5, Shakeel 4) Shakeel is off the mark for Pakistan, flicking with ease through midwicket for four. Nice. Meanwhile, that’s the second time that Saqib has located an inside edge with that extra yard of pace, Fakhar lucky not to chop on.
A little plug for a Guardian Cricket Live (online) event coming up on the evening of 2 August. I’m on the panel with Izzy Westbury and Taha Hashim, with the delightful Emma John steering the ship.
Membership Event: Summer of cricket, with Emma John and guests
8.24am EDT 08:24
4th over: Pakistan 17-3 (Fakhar 4, Shakeel 0) Two left-handers now, with Shakeel – the other man on ODI debut – joining Fakhar, who has been watching the carnage from the non-strikers’ end. Four dots to complete Gregory’s successful over – talk about hitting your mark on debut without any nerves to speak of. Getting Rizwan early is huge.
“Hello Adam.” Allo, Andrew Cosgrove. “It’s nice to have some cricket to burble away in the background while working this afternoon. Also having a whole new team provides something new to be thinking/talking about. I appreciate you’re not likely to be any more informed than I am, but how come Lewis Gregory is playing? He’s supposed to be injured – he didn’t play in Somerset’s championship match this week because of that, and has missed at least one Blast game. Let’s hope he doesn’t break down in his first over.”
I can’t speak to that but I’ve been a huge fan of his bowling in the last year or so – he’s quicker now and lands it in a shoebox. So pleased that he’s been fit enough to take this opportunity.
8.20am EDT 08:20
WICKET! Rizwan c Simpson b Gregory 13 (Pakistan 17-3)
Just about unplayable from Gregory! He finds Rizwan’s edge with the perfect delivery, pitching middle and seaming away. Simpson does the rest – his first international dismissal. Stunning cricket.
8.17am EDT 08:17
3rd over: Pakistan 14-2 (Fakhar 1, Rizwan 13) Shot. Rizwan, who is class, square drives Saqib on the up – delightful shot. Ooh, inside edge later in the over, great pace, skipping away for four more.
“Hi Adam.” Afternoon to Séin Healy in Ireland. “As a regular sender of emails looking for the TMS overseas link, it gives me immense pleasure to share said link for this. Enjoy the days cricket!” Ta!
8.14am EDT 08:14
2nd over: Pakistan 4-2 (Fakhar 0, Rizwan 4) Lewis Gregory now, on ODI debut – not the last time I’ll say that today. I’m glad he’s been thrown the new ball, as I said off the top, a vastly improved bowler and someone who could have a three-format future for England if he can take opportunities like this. And he begins with the tidiest of maidens to Fakhar, who slotted 193 (155) and 101 in his last two ODIs.
8.10am EDT 08:10
1st over: Pakistan 4-2 (Fakhar 0, Rizwan 4) A thick edge from Rizwan through fourth slip to finish the over, too quick for third man. Ruins what could have otherwise been a double wicket maiden to begin an ODI. Blimey. How many of these have started with two wickets in three balls? I’m sure the statisticians will tell us shortly.
8.05am EDT 08:05
WICKET! Babar c Crawley b Saqib 0 (Pakistan 0-2)
TWO WICKETS IN THREE BALLS! Saqib finds Babar’s edge, taken by Crawley at second slip! Outstanding bowling! WHAT A START!
8.04am EDT 08:04
WICKET! Imam-ul-Haq lbw b Saqib 0 (Pakistan 0-1)
Great referral! Just pitching in the tram tracks, three reds, hitting leg. It was Simpson who convinced his captain to review – the perfect start to his international career and the perfect start for the hosts.
8.02am EDT 08:02
REVIEW FIRST BALL! Has Saqib trapped Imam? It’s given not out – just pitching outside leg, perhaps? Stokes wants another look!
8.01am EDT 08:01
The players are on the field. It being the start of a new series, England are marking a moment of unity (alongside Pakistan), wearing their anti-discrimination shirts. “Ben’s babes,” as they are being dubbed on TV, which works quite nicely. Saqib Mahmood has the ball in his hand – giddy up. Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman are opening up for the visitors – a wonderful pair. PLAY!
7.52am EDT 07:52
“Hello Adam.” Hello, Andrew Benton. “Are you mandated to give occasional updates on Gloucs vs Middx? No Tanya and county blog today, and it looks like it could go down to the wire: Middx with 7 wickets but 270ish behind and two more sessions to bat.
Don’t worry, we’ll keep an eye on that – the only domestic game today. Of course, both Simpson and David Payne were both subbed out there after one day to join England in Cardiff. What a world.
7.49am EDT 07:49
Right, so let’s go through some of these names.
Phil Salt BELTS it. Plenty of experience on the T20 circuit, was in great form to start the Blast with a couple of rapid 70s before Sussex had five games rained off in the space of a couple of weeks. Hits long and straight, backs his swing. Perfect for the power play.
Lewis Gregory is a vastly improved cricketer; might take the new ball with Saqib Mahmood. Brydon Carse, from Durham, will make a case for that too – has wheels, can also bat. A very modern player.
Matt Parkinson is a twitter favourite, so it’ll be no surprise that I’ve been pushing his cause for about five years. After spending three months on tour this winter without playing, this is the perfect time to get him back into England colours (… and then the Ashes).
As for John Simpson – what a story. As I noted off the top, one of the four players in this squad not picked in the extended training group of 55 ahead of last season’s Covid-secure games. Had a great Blast season in 2020 and played a wonderful innings against Hants out at Radlett a couple of weeks ago. Some of the best gloves in the country with his best hitting between long off and cow corner.
Oh, and Saqib was bowling at 90mph swinging it both ways in the Roses game I was at in late May. He’s taken the next step. Fun!
7.41am EDT 07:41
Jimmy Anderson fancied a game today. Of course he did. Busy earlier in the week, was the ageless quick, snaring his 1000th First Class wicket. Here’s a lovely piece by Tanya Aldred, who saw it live.
7.39am EDT 07:39
And here’s Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Sohaib Maqsood, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf.
Saud Shakeel, the left-handed batsman, is their one debut.
7.36am EDT 07:36
England XI: Phil Salt, Dawid Malan, Zak Crawley, James Vince, Ben Stokes (c), John Simpson (wk), Lewis Gregory, Craig Overton, Brydon Carse, Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Parkinson.
7.34am EDT 07:34
Ben Stokes wins the toss, England are bowling
“We have been a successful team bowling and just because we have a change of personnel doesn’t mean we’ll change our way. It’s an exciting time for everyone involved here at the moment. When something like this comes along, and we can bring together a group of this callibre, it shows we are in a strong position.”
11 changes, Stokes jokes, with five players on debut, but struggles to remember all of them. Fair enough! We’ll have the full XI shortly.
7.32am EDT 07:32
The TV coverage begins. “What an opportunity,” says Ian Ward. That’s how Tim Gilkison feels about it as well. “Is it wrong to be more excited about this series because of all the debuts? I mean, I shouldn’t say I’m happy with what’s happened, but …”
Perfectly reasonable, I say. And here’s the toss…
7.28am EDT 07:28
Here was Ben Stokes speaking yesterday. Sitting in a captain’s press conference just 48 hours after it was said that his return to national colours wasn’t going to be rushed. But needs, must.
7.15am EDT 07:15
Preamble 
The morning after the night before in England, the wave of goodwill towards the nation’s footballers one that’s impossible not to get swept up in. But from one unusual experience to another: the cricketers turning out today in Ben Stokes’ Replacements XI.
Of course, it is hardly the fault of any of the players called up that they have been pulled from around the country to Cardiff, up to nine of whom could make their one-day international debuts in the first of these three matches against Pakistan. But it’s still utterly bizarre. Whatever happens, this will be a series remembered for a long time.
Who of the new 18 will be on the teamsheet when the coin is tossed? Absolutely no idea, so let’s not spectulate. It’d be lovely if they were all given at least one chance, so to have made this a fulfulling and worthwhile experience. Take someone like Gloucestershire’s David Payne, now 30 years of age, who last played with Ben Stokes when the pair of them were running around in England’s Under 19s.
He’s one of four players who weren’t in the extended bubble of 55 last June, giving some sense of the rise he’s had, with 25 wickets at 20 so far in the Championship, including 11 at Lord’s in a dominant display against Middlesex. It’s from that county that John Simpson, the 32-year-old gloveman, also gets this unexpected opportunity.
As for Pakistan, Babar Azam’s side look like a model of experience with Mohammad Rizwan one of the in-form players in the world so far in 2021 and a pace attack as good as any going around. However, they have lost mainstay Haris Sohail from the middle order with a hamstring tear confirmed by the PCB this morning. A big omission.
Right, let’s take a beat with the toss about 15 minutes away at Sophia Gardens. Have you… recovered from last night? Tell me your story.