PAK vs ENG, 2nd Test: Match Highlights

Rain prevented any play before lunch on the third day of the second Test between England and Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl on Saturday.

Day 1

After winning the toss and electing to bat first in somewhat challenging conditions, things started poorly for pakistan as centurion from last test, Shan Masood got trapped LBW in
front by Jimmy Anderson.

Masood, who failed to make a mark in consecutive innings after his hundred in first test, departed for just 1 run.

In the third over of the innings, Stuart Broad produced the edge of Abid Ali but the catch was put down by Dom Sibley. Rory Burns joined the guilty party by dropping Abid Ali again in slip Cordon of Chris Wokes (Ben Stokes absence was felt early in the match).

Rain brought an early lunch with Pakistan 1-62 on the board. Abid Ali on 33 and Azhar Ali on 20 looked determined.

Pakistan’s post lunch session didn’t start well as Anderson nicked off Pakistan’s captain as Burns held onto the catch this time.

Azhar Ali, The most experienced Batsmen In Pakistan’s batting Lineup averages just 17 in his last 20 test Innings. His overall average in England is 27.5 which isn’t impressive either. So, What has been the issue for the Captain?

The simple answer could be his “Balance”. Azhar Ali’s body falling over towards the offside may not harm him much in UAE but with sideways movement of Dukes ball in English Conditions, it’s definitely going to be exploited.

As his head falls over and stance stays off-sidish, the in-dippers and in-swingers on pads become lethal. That is why, majority of his dismissals in England have been Leg Before Wicket.
His constant focus on balance and leg side often produces edges off straighter deliveries like in this innings. But expect a big Innings from the captain soon.

Let’s get back to the report. The consistent Babar joined Abid Ali on crease as rain interrupted again with Pakistan 85-2.

Abid Ali’s edgy innings of 60 from 111 balls came to an end when Burns held on to another one off Sam Curran’s bowling.

Stuart Broad joined the wickets column by removing Asad Shafiq for just 5 as Sibley took an easy catch in the slips.

Asad Shafiq, who is currently playing his 71st consecutive test beats Miandad (53) easily for the record of consecutive tests played for Pakistan. Averaging 38 in his test career, Shafiq is the first name in Pakistan’s playing eleven in all conditions. With Pakistan’s tail that consists of 4 genuine bowlers who could hardly add 20 odd runs, Shafiq’s responsibility as a lower order batsman becomes immense. Is he the best Pakistan have? Maybe its time to rest him for a match or so..maybe?

Fawad Alam joined the Party after a decade of wait but could only last four balls as he was trapped LBW by Chris Woakes – Thanks to a successful review by Joe Root.

There has been a lot of talk about Fawad Alam’s stance that with such a stance against such an opposition in english conditions, he stands no chance. Yes, it’s awkward and not from the books but right before the ball meets his bat, he gets in a pretty regular position. Just a note – Shivnerine Chanderpaul with a similar stance averaged 66 in english conditions. Also, we are living in the era of Steven Smith who hardly follows anything from the cricketing manual…So, not a problem Eh?

With Babar and Rizwan on the Crease, rain forced an early end to day’s play.

Day 2

Play resumed on 5-126 in overcast conditions, Babar and Rizwan both survived till lunch.

Stuart Broad found the edge of Babar Azam with a ripper after the break, denying babar his half century.Yasir Shah’s stay on crease was not lengthy as he nicked off to Anderson for 5.

Shaheen Shah Afridi was caught doing silly running on the pitch by Dom Sibley who hit the bulls eye with a direct hit.

Rizwan changed the gears and played some aggressive shots including a front foot advancing pull and an upper cut for fours. He brought his impressive fifty of 104 balls and Pakistan’s score to 210-8.

Abbas got trapped LBW By Broad and soon bad light stopped the play for rest of the day.

Pakistan ended the day with 223-9 on the board with Rizwan still not out. With just 40 overs bowled on the day, bad light stopping play still remains a debate in the cricketing world.

Day 3

Constant drizzle which led to an extremely wet outfield forced the umpires to call it a day in Southampton. Draw is on the cards as Pakistan is still batting in first innings with just two days remaining. The weather forecast of remaining two days isn’t very promising either.

This article has been written by Mr. Faraz Haider.