England claw their way back into the Test- England vs Pakistan, Test 1, Day 3
England faced an uphill battle on the start of day three. The hosts began the day on 92-4 and were reliant upon Pope and Buttler
Olly Pope made a good start to the day and reached his half century. He played well and attacked the bad balls allowing him and Buttler rotate the strike.
Pope soon fell to the bowling of Shah. He was caught behind and fell for 62. Pope was the key to the England innings and if England were to get close to the Pakistan total, Pope would’ve needed to bat long into the day.
Buttler then fell soon after lunch. He was bowled off the bowling of Yasir. Buttler battled hard for his 38. It took him 155 balls to achieve his total. This was an innings in which Buttler showed great resolve and looked to navigate the difficult patch of batting. Despite not making a half century or more this was a good innings from the England wicket keeper.
Dom Bess only lasted 18 balls when Yasir got a ball to spin massively and caught the shoulder of Bess’ bat who was caught. Yasir was showing why he is one of the best leg spinners in the world.
Shah soon struck again when he bowled Chris Woakes for 19. Woakes tried to pull Yasir Shah into the leg side but missed the ball and was clean bowled by the Pakistani spinner.
England were soon whittled out; Archer was caught by Rizwan off the bowling of Khan and Anderson was out lbw once again off the bowling of Khan.
England were bowled out for 219 and trailed Pakistan by 107.
Pakistan started their innings before Tea on day 3.
England got off the best possible start. Masood for scored 162 in the first innings and was the standout player for Pakistan in their first innings was out early in their second innings. He chased the ball down the leg side and caught by Buttler off the bowling of Broad for 0.
The Pakistan innings didn’t get any better, Dom Bess came into the attack and got a wicket early in his spell. Ali looked to attack the spinner and hit the ball high into the air and was caught by Woakes in the deep. The Pakistan captain only made 20 and left his side 33-2.
Another bowling change by England saw another wicket fall. Woakes came onto bowl and claimed the wicket of the dangerous Barbar Azam. He nicked the ball and the catch was taken by Ben Stokes at second slip. Pakistan were being put under a lot of pressure by England’s bowling attack.
Woakes struck again in the evening session. He hit the pads of Azar Ali straight in front of wickets and removed the Pakistan captain for 18.
Pakistan managed to build a small partnership that enabled them to build on their lead from the first innings. A fantastic piece of fielding from Dom Sibley saw Shafiq ran out. The Warwickshire batsman hit the stumps directly and dismissed the batsman.
Ben Stokes then entered the affray. Stokes who didn’t bowl in the final Test in the series against the West Indies and didn’t bowl in the first innings of this Test match was then asked pile the pressure on Pakistan. Stokes struck the pads of Rizwan directly in front of the stumps. The decision was out and was reviewed by Rizwan but the decision was upheld and he was out for 27.
Broad then followed suit and got Khan out lbw for 15. The golden arm of Ben Stokes got the final wicket of the day as Afridi was caught by Rory Burns for 2.
Pakistan finished the day on 137-8 with a lead of 244.
Day three belonged to England. The morning session and afternoon session saw England battle valiantly with the bat and manage to reduce the lead of Pakistan. England’s bowling attack then bowled the perfect line and length which troubled the Pakistan line-up. They were able to take key wickets at key moments and restrict the Pakistan run rate.
This was a day in which England’s bowling attack was in full swing and at their best. The performance today places England in a great position. If they are able to get the remaining wickets in the early stages tomorrow without conceding many runs, then the victory will firmly in their reach.
The biggest question that faces England now, is their batting. Will this inconsistent batting line-up be able to hold off the Pakistan bowling attack and reach the total set.
The hosts will have to play very well if they are to win the first Test of the series.
