Pakistan overcame the loss of Shan Masood in the first ball of the afternoon session to reach 178-3 at tea on the opening day of the second Test against England in Dubai on Thursday as skipper Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan found their stride.
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Misbah-ul-Haq ensured the tourists were made to graft on another unresponsive surface in the United Arab Emirates, making good on his decision to bat with a ninth Test century.
“If we apply that sort of pressure throughout a whole innings we’re due a cluster of wickets (but) it’s quite unsafe in this part of the world to look too far ahead”. “All in all, today’s work we can be proud of how we stuck at it”.
Waqar was unsure how long Misbah would remain a test cricketer, saying the captain had hinted the series with England could be his last but also stating he wanted to carry on.
A couple of times I tried to ruffle Misbah, but he got the better idea, so it is one-nil to him.
The Durham pace bowler was looking to press home the advantage after Alastair Cook’s side threatened to take a grip on the second Test in Dubai.
“I have been hitting the ball well and that is why I was more disappointed with the way I got out twice in Abu Dhabi”, Masood said.
Pakistan have included off-spinner Bilal Asif in the squad for the match.
“As a seam group, I think we did our job”, said Wood. “It’ll be interesting to see how he plays if we choose to go for spin early and if he’ll try to attack again”. We gave it a thought (playing another spinner), but you’ve got to stay in the game early on.
Dislodging Misbah proved problematic for Wood and Co on day one and the Durham fast bowler concedes they may have to change tact a little in order to bring about his dismissal from here.
After lunch, Pakistan regained control by claiming the wickets of Ali (1) and Ian Bell, who was taken out for four less than three overs after his teammate was sent back to the pavilion.
“Over the next 10 days of Test cricket we need to show the same resilience”, said Cook, praising Adil. “If we can get 400 plus on a deteriorating wicket we’ll be in the box seat”.
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Cook, who was England’s hero in the first Test after his masterful 263, kept Pakistan at bay, alongside Root, with 113 runs for the third wicket.
