England cricket dominated the 3rd day of 2nd test match at Old Trafford. England bowled out Pakistan for 198 in the first and did not enforce the follow-on. Cook and Hales extended the lead putting England in a commanding position with a lead of 489 runs. Here we look at the top five moments of the day.
- Misbah UL Haq leading the way
Pakistan captain Misbah UL Haq showed the way with another gusty captain’s knock. When wickets were falling at the other end, he made sure that he held the innings together. He played wonderful strokes off the fast bowlers and spinners. Misbah UL Haq completed his half-century off 74 balls which made sure that Pakistan does not get all out under 150. He was finally dismissed for 52.
2. Wahab Riaz’s gutsy 39 runs
Pakistan tail end batsmen Wahab Riaz gave full support to captain Misbah UL Haq. Wahab Riaz came at the crease when the score was 119 for 8. Wahab Riaz played wonderful strokes off the pacers and also attacked Moeen Ali. Wahab Riaz looked good and shared 60 runs partnership for the 9th wicket. Riaz was the last batsmen to be dismissed for 39 in 61 balls.
3. Contribution from England’s back-up bowlers
In yesterday’s day play, Chris Woakes was the hero of the day. Today it was the turn of other England bowlers to put pressure on Pakistan batting line up. James Anderson and Stuart Broad bowled 5 overs each in the day only. James Anderson dismissed the overnight batsmen Shan Masood. Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali picked 2 wickets each to bundle out Pakistan for 198 which gave England a huge lead.
4. Strange decision to not give Pakistan follow-on
After bowling out Pakistan for 198 runs, the England captain Cook decided to bat again. He wanted to give James Anderson and Stuart Broad rest before they steam again tomorrow and on day 5. But with Pakistan’s brittle batting line up, the decision seemed strange and if the weather intervenes then the decision could backfire.
5. England piling on the agony
The England deciding to bat again, made an aggressive start to the innings. Captain Cook lead the way with attacking attitude. Alex Hales scored 24 before being dismissed by Mohammad Aamir. Root looked in good touch and is not out on 23 runs off 19 balls while captain Cook not out on 49 runs. England lead by 489 and with 2 days to spare would look to score quick runs before giving Pakistan a tough time in 2nd innings.