Yasir Shah’s triple strike left England struggling to survive in the fourth test on 88-4 at stumps Saturday after Younis Khan’s double century gave Pakistan a first-innings lead of 214 runs. Sarfraz and Riaz fell with the lead a little over 100, but Mohammad Amir joined Younis to add 97 for the ninth wicket.
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Alex Hales is in danger of losing his place as England face the prospect of a heavy defeat in the fourth Investec Test after double-centurion Younus Khan piled on their agony at The Oval. On 57, he edged a drive just over first slip, and had made 75 when an inside edge flew past a diving wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow’s left hand.
Morning everyone. So, those who seized on England’s stunning triumph at Edgbaston to write off Pakistan might be feeling a little chastened this morning.
After day three, England score was 88/4.
Root’s failed review reflected England’s desperation rather than any genuine hope of it being overturned. Much depended on Root but Yasir got the better of him as well, trapping him plumb with a straighter one.
He is Pakistan’s leading runscorer in Tests, breaking Javed Miandad’s 22-year record of 8,832 during the series against England in the UAE late last year.
Sarfraz Ahmed, unbeaten on 17 overnight, was the initial aggressor on Saturday and his typically brisk 44 meant there was no problem in Younis taking 13 balls to add his first run Saturday.
It was not until Younus had his double that Amir got off the mark, from his 24th ball, following the example of his senior partner to do so with a sweep off Moeen for six.
It was Younus Khan who led the batting for Pakistan, and the veteran star, in the midst of substantial criticisms regarding his form, smashed an unbeaten ton (101*). And the way the bowlers back us up, we have a good chance in this game.
England, perhaps because it was Root, reviewed but it was another wasted challenge and the hosts were 74 for 4, with Yasir’s stumps figures of 3 for 15 in seven overs a testament to his effectiveness.
“Coach Mickey Arthur and the support staff had to push me, they were there for me, I worked hard and things came my way”.
He’s 38 now so, barring a miracle over the next two days, it could be the last time we will see Younis in a Test match here.
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But Pakistan did not have long to wait for his wicket when Ali went back defensively to Shah and got a thin edge which Ahmed held at the second attempt to end a stand of 65 and leave England 193 for six.
