Pakistan bowl England out for 354 at Trent Bridge
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755’s bowling attack was made to look mediocre at best during the 2nd half of the 1st day by England. But it got its act together and knocked over the last 6 English wickets for 24 runs on the morning of the 2nd day.
It was the same duo of Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif that made good use of the early morning moisture. Paul Collingwood and Eoin Morgan, who were looking in absolute cruise control on day 1, found it hard to play one decent stroke on day 2.
Aamer was at his usual best and kept tempting Morgan outside the off stump. The left arm bowler got good movement away from the left hander and the 3 slips and keeper were always in business.
Collingwood was the first one to go, Mohammad Asif trapped him with a trademark in-dipper and he was plumb in front. Collingwood scored 82 runs from 180 balls with 11 fours. Soon after Morgan was also sent back by Mohammad Asif, as he was too was trapped in front of the stumps. This time Asif got the ball to move the other way. Morgan was dismissed for 180 from 216 balls with 18 fours.
Pakistan’s attack suddenly started smelling blood and Mohammad Aamer started imposing more pressure from the other end. The next wicket came from an unlikely source. Greame Swann played a shot on the leg side and after completing 2 runs comfortably, Prior was called back for the 3rd by Swann but he stopped half way and Prior was left in no man’s land. Prior scored just 2 runs from 13 balls.
Mohammad Asif got 2 more LBWs and was on a hat trick. He first got Graem Swann with yet another in-swinger and, James Anderson misjudged the next ball and shouldered his arms to the ball. Asif got a nick from Finn on the hat trick ball but it did not carry to the slips.
Umar Gul also joined the party and finally got his name on the scoreboard. Gul knocked over Stuart Broad and the England innings was finally over at 354. The last 6 wickets added only 17 runs for England. Mohammd Asif claimed his 7th 5-wicket haul in test cricket.
Pakistan had a short batting stint before lunch. Salman Butt after an apprehensive start to his innings, was once again caught in the slips. James Anderson got the ball to bounce and move and the left hander left his bat hanging. At lunch Pakistan was at 16 for 1 and it would take a herculean effort from the young middle order to take Pakistan close to the English score.
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