Pakistan are well on top in the second day of the first Test at Old Trafford, reducing England to 4-92 in response to their first innings score of 326.
Pakistan have dominated an absorbing second day of the opening Test against England – securing a lead of 234 at Old Trafford.
After Shan Masood’s superb 156 in his side’s total of 326, the Pakistan bowlers blitzed England’s top order to have the hosts reeling at 3-12 before Ollie Pope (46 not out) helped steady his side.
Much will likely depend on the current partnership of Pope and Jos Buttler (15 not out) who must engineer a rebuilding job as the last recognised batsmen.
With Chris Woakes set to come in at number seven, it is a long tail for the hosts and early Pakistan wickets on the third morning could see them finish well behind the tourists’ first-innings total.
Pakistan’s seam attack was highlighted as a danger prior to the series and their first skirmish with the England batsmen ended in their favour.
Shaheen Afridi trapped Rory Burns (4) lbw, before Mohammed Abbas (2-24) did likewise to Dom Sibley (8), and then claimed the prize wicket of Ben Stokes for a duck, with a beautiful delivery that clipped the top of his off-stump.
Captain Joe Root (14) was subdued and then out, edging leg-spinner Yasir Shah to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.
Pakistan resumed the second day on 2-139, but added only 48 runs in the morning session at a paltry rate of 1.85 per over, also losing key batsman Babar Azam (69), Asad Shafiq (7) and Rizwan (9).
But for the first hour after lunch, they upped the tempo considerably as Shan and Shadab Khan (45) punished England’s limp attack, adding 105 runs in little more than 25 overs for the sixth wicket.
Shan batted for 319 deliveries to anchor the innings before he was trapped in front of the stumps by Stuart Broad (3-54).
Pakistan’s long tail was wrapped up with Jofra Archer (3-59) contributing to their demise.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Something is happening in Pakistani cricket.. Good things…. Under Prime Minister Imran Khans insistence, domestic cricket teams now reduced to 6 from 16..fueling regional rivalries and creating a strength VS strength structure..this is going to pay off big time going forward.. They seem to have all bases covered,.. Batting, pace and spin attack.. Fielded better than England so far too.. I know it’s only the first match and recall how we all got interested when the Windies won their first, but the Pakistanis look composed and confident… Are we witnessing a re-emergence of them.
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
What a cracking day's play and a fantastic knock from Shan Masood. England really lost their way with the ball. Too short and gave the batsmen plenty of room to play. They were poor in the field too and the pressure just builds on Buttler The partnership between Masood and Shadab was great to watch. Shadab really threw it away in the end. It then took Archer of all people to pitch the ball up and attack the stumps I only wish I could have stayed up to watch the Pakistan bowling display but the highlights were a pretty good substitute. England surely must already be regretting selecting such a long tail. Hopefully the Manchester weather holds out