Published: Jul 24, 2016, 04:00 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 24, 2016, 04:04 PM (IST)
On Day 2 of 2nd Test between Pakistan and England, the visitors’ were rather shaken off with fall of wickets allowing the hosts to continue their command in the Test at Old Trafford on Saturday. Pakistan’s batting coach, Grant Flower, felt their top-order collapse was extremely damaging and could cause to loss in 2nd Test. Day 2 and 3 saw some interesting moments that included England skipper’s 29th Test ton and Joe Root’s double century for the second time. Root also had two century stands with Chris Woakes and Jonny Bairstow. As for the bowlers, Yasir Shah, was unable to shake England unlike the previous Test. LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD: Pakistan vs England, 2nd Test at Old Trafford
The left-arm pace trio of Mohammed Aamer, Rahat Ali and Wahab Riaz bowled well in patches, but failed to cause much destruction. However, it was Pakistan’s batsmen who gave in rather easily after nearly two tiring days on the field, and allowed England to impose them in the contest, as reported on cricbuzz.com. Flower said, “That was extremely damaging and it wasn’t good enough, but we still have good players to come in and we will have to bat better second time around. There was weariness, and a huge score like that plays mind tricks. But that’s what happens in Test cricket, so it’s no excuse.” LIVE CRICKET UPDATES: Pakistan vs England 2016, 2nd Test, Day 3 at Old Trafford
Pakistan ended their day at 57 for 4 with Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq and Masood remaining unbeaten at crease. Former Pakistan player, Shoaib Mohammad told Express Tribune, “For the first time on this tour, Pakistan are falling behind instead of ascending, so their determination will be sternly tested. It will be really important for Pakistan for the top three batsmen to fire in the first innings, which will set the tone for others. When the middle-order sees that the top-order has put some runs on board, they will be motivated to fight to stay alive.”
