England are facing their fourth Test defeat in five matches in London, after twice losing to Australia in the capital last summer, before drawing with Sri Lanka and losing to Pakistan at Lord’s. But this time, the task looked much more daunting as they started batting 214 adrift of Pakistan.
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England got through the first 45 minutes without losing a wicket, and early spells from Yasir Shah (four for 49), Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz, before Sohail Khan struck nearly immediately.
But Bairstow’s 72-ball 50, and half-century stands with Gary Ballance and England’s first-innings centurion Moeen Ali, kept Pakistan waiting a little longer than they had perhaps hoped for their extra reason to celebrate on national Independence Day. Younis had managed just 122 runs in six previous innings this series, with a best of 33 in Pakistan’s first Test win at Lord’s.
Having claimed 10-141 at Lord’s but taken only four wickets at an average of 126 in the next two Tests, the leg-spinner wrecked the England top order to such an extent a Pakistan innings victory is not unrealistic.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow was the top scorer for England in the second innings, with a knock of 81 before being caught by Azhar off Wahab Riaz’s delivery.
Dropped on seven, Shafiq made 109, while Younus emerged from his poor run of form to end the second day unbeaten on 101, his 32nd Test century.
In the morning session, Pakistan picked up two wickets including the key one of Moeen Ali as England were reduced to 194 for six by lunch. He quickly made his bowling changes and made Yasir Shah ball from one and Sohail Khan from the other end. Amir and Younis added 97 runs for the ninth wicket before James Anderson (1-78) trapped the latter LBW. He is the most runs scorer in current players as well.
But before and after that he and Pakistan dealt with everything England threw at them with relative ease on a track that still had some pace and bounce in it for the bowlers. Bairstow and Chris Woakes have the calibre to carve out a lead of some description, but Pakistan’s determination to secure a share of the series has been palpable throughout this contest.
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“They may have had hard times with the bat, but everyone in the dressing room backs them to get through it – and we hope they’ll both have long worldwide careers to come”.
