Reflections on Day of First Test

Dickie Bird once said that the first day of a first test at Lords beats any other sporting occasion. For all the talent that has been displayed this summer at the home of cricket the fielding has been something to forget.

England's impressive number of dropped catches in the first test against Sri Lanka was matched today by Pakistan as they allowed no less than five clear cut chances go begging. One has to feel increasingly sorry for the bowlers, especially when a clear caught behind decision also went against them.

Credit should be given to Cook and Collingwood for making the best of their good fortune and putting together an invaluable 200 run stand. This must one of the few occasions when two England centurions are batting together.

England now have the rare opportunity of achieving a victory at HQ, now that is something that would put a real smile on Dickie Bird's lips!