Pakistan-Australia Trent Bridge Test first day analysis
Andrew Strauss won the match and opted to bat first. Strauss after winning the toss said he would to like to post a good score on the board and put Pakistan under pressure. The opening session of the match was equally poised with Pakistan picking up 2 wickets while England scored almost 100 runs.
Mohammad Aamer once again immediately impressed with his quality bowling. English Captain, Andrew Strauss nicked a delivery bowled by Aamer, only to be dropped by Kamran Akmal. The Pakistani keeper continues his poor run of form behind the wicket. Strauss failed to capitalize on his chance and once again nicked a similar delivery bowled by Aamer. This time Kamran Akmal managed to make a clumsy catch behind the stumps, to send Strauss back to the pavilion for 45. Next to go was Cook, who once again failed to post a high score and was out for 8 runs. The first session belonged to Mohammad Aamer, who picked up two wickets.
Jonathan Trott was given out LBW but Trott was quick to react and used the Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS) option. “Hot Spot” showed that the bowl had hit the bat first and then pad. The decision was overturned and Trott was given another life.
Pakistan started the second session on a high note and the English batsmen were clearly having problems while facing seam bowling. Early in the second session http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 lost both its referral options and were left at the mercy of umpires.
Mohammad Asif’s picked up one wicket. Asif outplayed Kevin Pietersen with a brilliant in-swing delivery. KP was surprised by how the ball managed to beat his rock solid defense and found a way between his bat and pad. Trott was once again given lbw and Trott had the same reaction of taking a referral option. This time the decision stayed the same and Trott had to make a long walk back to the pavilion.
Pakistan looked to be in a comfortable position after picking up 4 wickets giving just 118 runs. Collingwood, who recently played down the hype of Pakistani bowling attack, made his way to crease. England will look to build some partnerships in order to post a decent score against Pakistan. It will be interesting to see if Pakistan’s specialist spinner http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Danish-Kaneria-c1314 can pick up any wickets. Kaneria bowled some good deliveries and was getting the required turn from the pitch.
Eoin Morgan, who is naturally an ODI player, gets another chance to display his skills. Eoin will be desperate to perform, if he wants to cement his position in the playing eleven. Commentator Michal Holding rightly pointed out the need for wicket keeper and slip fielders to stand a few steps ahead of their mark in order to carry the ball. A lot of nicks have fallen short of wicket keeper and slip fielders. It is frustrating for bowlers to see edges falling short of fielders.
Salman Butt also introduced Shoaib Malik for a few overs in the hope of picking up Eoin Morgan. Malik’s off spin is especially threatening for left hander Eoin Morgan. The left hander was very lucky to get away with an edge that fell inches short of Kamran Akmal.
Trent Bridge’s pitch supported the seam bowlers. Only a solid technique will allow the batsmen to handle such seaming deliveries. Pakistan will be hoping to pick up another two wickets in order to expose the English tail on the first day of the test match. England on the other hand will try to stay at the crease and build up some partnerships.
The match is heading towards an exciting competition with bowlers likely to play an important role in coming days. The pitch conditions are likely to deteriorate in coming days. English spinner Swann will hold the key for England. Spinners are likely to receive more help from the pitch in coming days.
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