ENG v PAK, 2nd Test Day 3 Review: Pakistan on the brink of heavy defeat

While Day 2 was all about Joe Root and his fantastic innings of 254, Day 3 saw the focus come back on the feeble Pakistan batting attack. In spite of some resistance from the likes of Misbah-ul-Haq, Wahab Riaz, and Sarfraz Ahmed, the visitors simply failed to handle the swing and pace of Stuart Broad, James Anderson, and Chris Woakes. However, Alastair Cook turned a few heads when he decided not to enforce the follow-on and decide to bat yet again.

Day three began with Pakistan reeling at 57/4 following an onslaught by a familiar face – Chris Woakes. The latter had picked three wickets following the openings provided by James Anderson and Stuart Broad. However, Shan Masood, who had seemingly survived the onslaught last evening was dismissed early for 39 after he nicked one to Joe Root positioned at slip. Asad Shafiq gave his skipper some company as he looked good in defense for the long period of time he spent in the middle with Misbah-ul-Haq. However, in spite of the solidity, Shafiq failed to tickle the scorers as he was soon dismissed for just 4 runs, becoming the first victim of Stuart Broad.

While the fighting Misbah blocked his way towards a potential yet unlikely Pakistan safety, his partner at the other end, Sarfraz Ahmed showcased a much more flamboyant batting performance after he smashed the ball to different parts of Old Trafford. Of course, his innings was filled with colorful strokes, but, they were not all necessarily risk-free. One of these risky shots eventually saw the flamboyance come to an abrupt end when Joe Root claimed yet another important catch in the slip cordon to dismiss the wicketkeeper-batsman for 26.

Nothing seemed to be going right for Yasir Shah as he was soon dismissed by Chris Woakes. However, the circling eagles of England would have to wait for their prey a bit longer. Wahab Riaz, the lanky Pakistani pacer ensured that England would certainly not have it as easy as they would have wanted by showing off his batting skills. While Wahab countered the Pakistan pace attack, his partner Misbah reached a well-deserved half-century, showing to one and all that age is nothing but a number.
However, disaster struck at the wrong moment when Misbah himself lost his wicket after having made a patient 52. Wahab Riaz was the last to fall for a well made 39 as the visitors found themselves adrift of almost 350 runs.

Also read – Joe Root and the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

In a move that shocked Piers Morgan of all people, Alastair Cook did not enforce the follow-on as he came out to bat with his partner Alex Hales. In spite of the intermittent rain, England faced 21 overs to complete the day. Alastair Cook remained unbeaten on 49 as Alex Hales was the only person to lose his wicket, once again to Mohammad Amir. Joe Root and Cook remained unbeaten on 23 and 49 respectively.

Brief Scores 

England 1st Innings: 589/8 (J Root 254; W Riaz 3/106)

Pakistan 1st Innings: 198 all out (Misbah 52; C Woakes 4/67)

England 2nd Innings: 98/1 (A Cook 49*; M Amir 1/36)