England won the toss and elected to bat at Old Trafford earlier today. With the contribution of captain Cook and Joe Root, England ended day 1 on 314 for 4. England tackled Yasir Shah very well and did not give him any wickets on the day.
Let’s look at the top five moments of the day.
- Early wicket of Hales
After winning the toss England elected to bat. Their openers Hales and Cook gave the team a solid start with some good strokes. The England openers played their opening bowlers well. Alex Hales was dismissed by Mohammad Aamir. At that moment England were 25 for 1.
2. Brilliant partnership between Cook and Root setting the foundation
After the early loss of Hales wicket, Cook and Root looked in tremendous touch smashing the Pakistan bowlers to all parts of the ground. Both of them looked comfortable and never allowed the Pakistan bowlers to settle. Root and Cook completed their half centuries in 86 and 90 balls respectively. After completing their half centuries, Cook and Root dominated the Pakistan bowlers. Cook completed his century off 157 balls. At the stroke of the tea break, Cook was dismissed for 105 runs as both of them put on 185 runs for 2nd wickets setting a solid foundation to post a big total.
3. Yasir Shah not picking any wickets
The man of the match award winner from Lord’s Test match did not pick up any wicket in today’s play. He bowled 31 overs and gave away 111 runs. Apart from not picking wickets, he went for 3.58 runs per over. England’s batsmen tackled him brilliantly. Yasir Shah was not at his best and did not create pressure with his leg spinners. Because of his ineffective bowling, Pakistani bowlers struggled to put control on the run flow.
4. Aamir and Rahat Ali pick of the bowlers
Pakistan pace bowlers Mohammad Aamir and Rahat Ali were the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan. Mohammad Aamir provided the initial breakthrough getting the wicket of Hales. At the stroke of the tea break, he dismissed Cook. After the tea break, Rahat Ali picked 2 wickets of Vince and Ballance to end the day on a good note for Pakistan team. Both of them bowled 20 overs each and gave away runs at an economy over 3 runs per over.
5. Root’s brilliant hundred
England’s new number 3 batsmen Joe Root played a brilliant knock. Joe Root and Cook put on 185 runs for the second wicket. Joe Root was not out on 87 at tea. After the tea interval, Root completed his 10th Test century. Vince and Ballance gave him support. Root remained calm and played wonderful strokes. Root remained not out on 141 and would hope to score a double century tomorrow.