Published: Jul 22, 2016, 01:50 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 22, 2016, 01:53 PM (IST)
Not often England find themselves in such position when they are playing in familiar conditions. When Pakistan walked off Lord’s in 2010, they had their heads low in shame but in a dramatic turnaround six years later, they silenced critics by winning the first Test. The hullabaloo over Mohammad Amir’s comeback gave way to Pakistan’s inspiring team show. However, it was fitting when he claimed the final wicket of the Test.
Trailing 0-1, England will hope to stage a comeback at the iconic Old Trafford in Manchester. The good news is the return of James Anderson and he will be united with Stuart Broad. Anderson’s presence holds the key. Chris Woakes had been brilliant and the bowling looks sorted for now. The Old Trafford wicket is expected to play good and historically it has favoured spin bowlers. England may be tempted to bring in leg-spinner Adil Rashid.
Pakistan did suffer an injury scare over Yasir Shah but he seems to be alright. He stands key to their chances at Old Trafford too, a venue where his idol Shane Warne bowled the magic ball to get rid of Mike Gatting in 1993, and it is the same venue where Jim Laker claimed 19 for 90 over 60 years back. ALSO READ: 8 iconic Test moments at Old Trafford
All in all we have another exciting contest on the cards. Will Alastair Cook’s men bounce back? Or, Misbah-ul-Haq’s fairytale run continue. Catch the live streaming of the match on Star Sports.
