Published: Nov 02, 2015, 06:45 PM (IST)
Edited: Nov 02, 2015, 06:45 PM (IST)
James Taylor survived a close call when he defended a ball that spun back in direction of the stumps but Taylor after being unaware of where the ball was managed to divert the course of the ball at the last moment with his foot. The incident happened after he crossed his half-century for which he has batted really hard especially against the spinners who are getting all the assistance they need from the surface. The partnership between Jonny Bairstow and Taylor is frustrating the Pakistan bowlers.
The duo have put Pakistan in a comfortable position and have made it such that England look sure to take the first innings lead. After the dismissal of Ian Bell for 40, there was expectation that Pakistan would have an easy road ahead, but Taylor and Bairstow have put a thorn in their hopes. Pakistan need a breakthrough soon as the first innings deficit for England is diminishing with every ball and soon they’ll have the lead.
Taylor and Bairstow have played the spinners with great control and restraint and have really ground out for their runs but have remained determined. If England get a big lead, Pakistan’s chances of winning or saving the Test will become significantly scant and they’ll want to get rid of at least one or preferably both these batsmen before stumps are called.
— Amit Banerjee (@akb287) November 2, 2015
For England it has been a largely satisfying day and they seem in command of the proceedings for now.
