Pakistan vs. England: English batsmen well on course to post a big total
Pakistan started the third day of first test on a positive note. Umar Gul and Mohammad Asif walked to the centre with the bat with an aim to save Pakistan from the follow on. Gul was impressive early in the day when he played some free flowing strokes that created a few nerves in the English camp. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 quickly avoided the follow on and was looking to minimise the deficit. Umar was surprisingly the highest run scorer for Pakistan with an unbeaten 65. This was Umar’s maiden century in which he played four monstrous sixes on the leg side. Strauss was seen discussing different strategies to deal with Gul. The Pakistani camp was hoping for a few more runs when Asif’s insane running between the wickets caused their innings to come to an end. Gul, who looked in dashing form, was unlucky for not getting the chance to bat for a longer duration in the middle.
It was a good start for Pakistan since their tail did some damage control and limited England’s useful lead to 172 runs. Pakistan needs some heroics in the bowling department if they want to keep this test match alive. It was an ideal start for Pakistan’s pacers when they got two wickets with England’s total at 18. Captain Andrew Strauss was the first one to go when he edged a brilliant delivery by Mohammad Aamer. The catch was taken in the slip area in a very funny manner. The ball went towards Umar Akmal, who fumbled it twice after looping it in the air. Finally, it was grabbed by wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, who dived forward to take an interesting catch.
Alastair Cook was the next to go who played a clumsy stroke. Cook, who has recently worked on his technique and footwork in order to avoid off-side edges, was seen hopping against some quality swing bowling by Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer. He managed to survive some breath taking deliveries but nicked a ball that was going down the left hand side. Asif was jubilant for taking his 100th test wicket in only 20 test matches. No doubt Kamran Akmal was also jubilant, because he finally managed to take a clean catch.
Pakistan was hopeful and England looked under pressure for losing wickets so early in their innings. Kevin Pietersen and Jonathan Trott however provided some stability to the English batting line up. It was difficult playing in over forecast conditions. Pietersen and Jonathan were lucky but most importantly, both batsmen showed patience and stayed on crease. However, things suddenly changed as Kamran Akmal took a brilliant catch off Gul’s delivery to send Pietersen back to pavilion. And guess what? Kamran was immediately back to his dropping spree when he dropped Paul Collingwood on the very next ball. Collingwood surely got a lifeline and experts predict that this will definitely cast a dark shadow on Kamran Akmal’s test career.
England’s first innings lead have placed them in a very strong position. It will be very difficult for Pakistan to win the match from here. Pakistan’s batting line up has already failed on different occasions which lack’s temperament and technique. Only extraordinary cricket in all departments can allow Pakistan to make a comeback.
For Pakistani spinner http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Danish-Kaneria-c1314, it’s a make or break situation. Kaneria was preferred over off spinner Saeed Ajmal but Kaneria’s performance has been very ordinary with the ball. It will be very difficult for the selectors to pick him for the second test match against England if he fails to impress here.
It is now for England to lose from such a position otherwise they are well on course to take a 1-0 lead in four test match series. England currently leads by about 240 runs and they still have five wickets in hand.
Salman Butt will face a challenge to motivate his team in the field. Pakistan’s pace attack has the potential of picking up quick wickets. Butt needs to provide his bowlers with some motivation to pick up the remaining wickets otherwise it will soon be a lost cause for Pakistan.
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