Pakistan vs England 3rd Test Day 1 Review: Bowlers make it England’s day

Pakistan vs England 3rd Test Day 1 Review: Bowlers make it England’s day: After A astonishing end to the second Test, the much-anticipated 3^rd Test finally kicked off today, and it did not disappoint the neutral cricket fans. In what can be considered as a clinical performance by the English pacers, Pakistan were bowled out for a miserly 234 in 85 overs, thus bowling them out within the first day of the final Test of the series. At stumps, the English batsmen ensured that there weren’t any jitters at the fag end of the 3^rd session.

Earlier, Misbah won yet another toss, and chose to bat first in what can be considered as a recap of the second Test.  Cook, who desperately wanted to bat first in a pitch which had a history of assisting the spinners, was a little disappointed for not getting an opportunity to bat first in a decent pitch, but came back strongly.

Anderson, bowling in a pitch with a hint of moisture, started right on the mark, removing the experienced Azhar Ali early in the innings. Azhar, who has an impressive record at UAE, edged a delivery to Baristow.

Anderson, who has been a silent accumulator in this series, troubled the batsmen with his accuracy and the nip he got off the pitch. Also, he edged past Shaun Pollock in the list of highest wicket-takers, overtaking his tally of 421 wickets.

Also read: Top 8 Current Bowlers with most wickets in Tests

Shoaib Malik, who had an up-and-down series was struggling to adjust to the pace of the pitch. It took him 19 years to finally get off the mark with the boundary, which was the first boundary of the innings.

Then came in spinners, and in spite of Pakistan’s experience at UAE, they were having a hard time to get going against the spinners. And immediately struck, with Moeen Ali removing Mohammad Hafeez for 27. Malik, meanwhile, had a shaky stay at the crease, also surviving a close LBW shout against Moeen Ali. Younus, on the other hand, looked cautious, and did not take several risks. With 87 for 2, the teams went back to for lunch with even honors.

But immediately after Lunch, Broad struck to remove Malik for 38, thus ending his scratchy stay at the crease. Stuart Broad was deservingly rewarded his consistent bowling, having bowled 7 maidens in 8 overs till lunch. But the troubles did not end for Pakistan, as the in-form Younus was removed within a short span by James Anderson, a decision which was actually ruled as not-out. The next batsman, Shafiq, had a miserable stay at the crease scoring just 5 runs off 35 run. At 116 for 5, things were looking bleak for Pakistan.

But a sturdy partnership from the captain Misbah Ul Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed ensured that Pakistan went for tea without any more causalities. Just when it looked like the captain and Ahmed were looking around to turn the fortunes, Ahmed hold out a Moeen Ali delivery straight to deep mid-wicket, getting out for 39. It was just overs after Anderson spilled Ahmed. Meanwhile, Ben Stokes had a nasty fall in the outfield, and probably dislocated his shoulder. He will undergo further scans tomorrow.

Misbah, who was pretty patient on the other side, switched gears and went after the bowlers. He was especially severe against Samit Patel, against whom he scored 17 runs off an over. But he was running out of partners, with Patel cleaning up Riaz for a duck.

But Misbah’s aggressive knock came to an end immediately the next ball after Yasir was dismissed, and Pakistan were reeling at 224 for 9. Eventually Pakistan were bowled up for 234, with Misbah being the highest scorer at 71. Anderson was the best amongst English bowlers, picking up 4-17 in 15 overs, an astonishing bowling figures coming in a semi-placid track.

English bowlers were exceptionally good in a turning track, especially the pacers. Work cut out for Pakistan going into the second day of the final Test.

Overview:

Losing the toss was a blessing in disguise as the English pacers were unplayable in a decent batting track. The spinners chipped in with crucial wickets, whereas the Pakistani batsmen, except Misbah, lacked the intent to play a long innings. Another exciting day awaits at the UAE.

Brief Scores

Pakistan 234 all out in 85.1(Misbah 71, Sarfaraz 39; Anderson 4-17)

England 4-0 in 2 overs ( Moeen Ali 4*)