England v Pakistan, 1st Test, Day 2 - 5 Defining Moments Of The Day

Pakistan ended the day two in the box-seat after Yasir Shah completely bamboozled the hosts with a spectacular display of leg-spin bowling. Pakistan after resuming the day 282/6 ended up managing 339 before getting bowled in the first hour of the morning session.

The crowd was finally able to see Mohammad Amir in action. But, it was Rahat Ali and not Amir who drew the first blood, snapping Alex Hales in the 2nd over of the day. Skipper Alastair Cook and Joe Root subsequently added 110 runs for the 2nd wicket as England reached a commanding position in the game, however, Pakistan made a superb comeback into the game as Yasir Shah ripped through the English batting order.

1.Chris Woakes 6/70:

Pakistan suffered much damage at the hand of Chris Woakes who seems to be fulfilling the role of Ben Stokes with complete zest. Woakes was the man under the spotlight on day one for England who were thwarted by the resistance of Misbah ul Haq. Woakes finished with 6/70 and found his way to the Lord’s honour board. He kept England in the game with timely blows to the opposition.

2.Alastair Cook nullifies the new ball threat

Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes quickly wrapped up the Pakistan side in the first session of the second day to restrict the visitors for 339.  Mohammad Amir started bowled a good first over. Rahat Ali then snared Hales in the following over to send some sense of warning in the opposition. Alastair Cook, however, felt no urgency and soaked in very easily. The sensible head of Root at the other end made thing more easier as both put up 110 for the second wicket and took England to a commanding position.

3.Yasir Shah 5/64:

Cook and Root made the Pakistan bowlers world hard in the first half of the day and it seemed that it was just a matter of time before England would go on to add surplus on Pakistan’s total. However, Yasir Shah enforced a complete shift of momentum single-handedly. There was not much turn on offer but the leggie rattled the opposition with his accuracy and p[ut his name in the Lord’s honour board by reducing the opposition from 118/1 to 253/7, finishing with figures of 5/64.

4.Mohammad Amir long wait ends:

The pre-match build-up was based on one just one sentence – Mohammad Amir vs England. The most-awaited moment finally arrived when Mohammad Amir was handed the ball by Misbah ul Haq to start the new innings. But success eluded him for quite a long time. Cook looked focused and had no problems countering him. He was dropped twice off Amir’s bowling. The left armer managed to force the Cook nick one to first slip in the 7th over. But Mohammad Hafeez dropped the easy chance. Cook was again dropped off his bowling as frustration began to boil in him. Eventually, Amir had to snap his first wicket on his own by clean bowling Cook on the 46th over.

5.England plummets to 118/1 to 232/7:

Cook and Root took England to a commanding position after losing Hales early. Their sturdy 2nd wicket stand made the Pakistanis work hard for success. However, things soon changed after middle order showed its fragility and succumbed to the spin of Yasir Shah. James Vince, Gary Ballance, Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali all departed without making any substantial contribution. Cook’s departure made things more worrying for the hosts. But, fortunately, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes stood in the middle till the end of the day and ensured that there are no further damages.