England in UAE: Poor preparation punished, says David Lloyd
'I don't blame the players, it's how international cricket is scheduled'
Tuesday 13 October 2015 16:20, UK
England paid the price for limited preparation before the first Test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, says David Lloyd.
Ian Bell dropped two catches and Stuart Broad had a wicket called back for a no-ball to sour a good effort in the field by England in the field on day one, and Bumble puts it down to a lack of practice.
"Preparation is key. You cannot just walk out here and perform. You've got to prepare and put the hard yards in.
"I don't blame the players; it's the way international cricket is scheduled now. But there is no substitute for getting out in the middle and playing meaningful matches.
"It gets you into the swing of things, puts mileage in your legs and gets your body doing what you are expected to do - catch the ball, bowl the ball, chase the ball.
"Two two-day, 15-a-side matches do not count as preparation and as a result you will pay the price, you will drop catches.
"There was lots of effort from the team out there today, good captaincy from Alastair Cook and Jimmy Anderson was excellent.
"He should have had a number more wickets, but that's the way it is. As a whole, the team were ring rusty and Pakistan are only four down."
Pakistan will resume day two on 286-4 with Shoaib Malik continuing his innings on 124 not out, and Bumble was impressed by his patience in blisteringly hot conditions, and after a five-year absence from the Test team.
"It's demanding for batsmen as well," added Bumble. "But when you're at the crease, you have to look to get yourself in as after you've scored 30 or 40 it becomes almost impossible to get out.
"Play sensibly, just like Malik did. He reined it in, picking on the bad deliveries, and will start again tomorrow.
"It's a good position for him, and Pakistan, to be in, just four down getting on for 300. They will be looking to bat for the majority of tomorrow.
"England have that new ball, and the first hour tomorrow will be quite critical, with Anderson and Broad leading the attack again.
"They've coped manfully today in very tough conditions. They've stuck at it."
Live Test Cricket
Coverage of the first Test between Pakistan and England continues with day two live on Sky Sports 2 HD from 6.30am on Wednesday.
