Englands Bowlers Batted Better than their Batsmen: Pakistan v England

First Test: England Batting Performance - Summary

Batsmen
First Innings average	10.8
Second Innings average	13.0
Match Average	11.9
Wicket Keeper
First Innings average	70
Second Innings average	4
Match Average	37
Bowlers
First Innings average	13.8
Second Innings average	17.8
Match Average	15.8

Batsmen .........: Strauss, Cook, Trott, Pietersen, Bell, Morgan
Wicket Keeper.: Prior
Bowlers ..........: Broad, Swann, Tremlett, Anderson

Given that the Bowlers got 33% more runs per player on average than the batsmen, perhaps the batting might have been improved by dropping a batsman for another bowler.

If its Morgan or Strauss for Bresnan then yes

I think Swann showed that if youre playing without fear its possible for an attacking batsman to score runs on these kind of pitches. Its the fear that ties the England batsmen in knots trying to defend against turn that isnt there. They seem to get caught up in feeling they have to defend and not give their wicket away cheaply whilst at the same time trying not to get tied down and throwing in "get out" shots innapropriatly and without full conviction.
The best opener in the world against that kind of attack on that kind of pitch is Sehwag. Its exactly the kind of game where he wouldve "slogged" a rapid century. Its worth noting that post 2008 he started becoming more aggresive and scoring faster, in the same period his avergae in Asia has increased ( whilst its got even more embaresing away from home) It shows a fundamental difference to the way England batsmen play but more importantly the way they feel natural and comfortable.
Sure he is a freak and an exytreme example but he demonstartes the range of stroke play that can work. These are not magic spinners ripping the ball, nor is Umar Gul Lasith Malinga in disguise. Theres no reason to be so bamboozled by the bowling other than sheer tension and getting outside ones comfort zone. The players havent faced spin heavy attacks and seem to be thinking more about what they should be doing than actually just doing it.

Ha, really makes for sad and embarrassing reading, doesn't it?

Maybe it reflects the professionalism and quality of our bowlers all round game. Many of the recnet wins came down to Brensna Broad or Swann banging important 50's. Even Anderson, the non batter of the group, has developed a simple limited technique that makes him difficult to dislodge. Whilst it doesnt negate the failings of teh top order lets celebrate that England have a low order capable of making a fight.
India would kill for it.

Hopefully Englands batsmen will put on a better performance in the next test. It's a shame for the resident population of Dubai that England couldn't last into a fourth day. Tomorrow is Friday - and I think many of the immigrant workers (from Pakistan) would have had time off to attend.

Yes, in the past England were famed for having a very short batting line up and a very long tail. They must still be very good batsmen - but they were unable to adapt to these conditions.