Pakistan 257/3 at Stumps, 40 runs behind England.

By Abdullah Ansari (4th August, 2016)

Toss: Pakistan won the toss, Misbah-ul-Haq chose to bowl first.

Teams

Pakistan: Mohammad Hafeez, Sami Aslam, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq (c), Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Yasir Shah, Mohammad Amir, Sohail Khan, Rahat Ali.

England: AN Cook (c), AD Hales, JE Root, JM Vince, GS Ballance, JM Bairstow (wk), MM Ali, CR Woakes, SCJ Broad, ST Finn, JM Anderson.

At the end of Day 1, Mushtaq Ahmed had suggested that England had got to a par score and that Pakistan were satisfied with the proceedings. When Mohammad Hafeez lasted all of four deliveries in the morning, Pakistan fans must have had the familiar feeling of dread, which is a common occurrence when Pakistan bats. With a newbie in Sami Aslam and a struggling Azhar Ali at the crease, the supporters would have had even more reason to be uneasy.

Sami Aslam and Azhar Ali had other plans. The youngster started about his business, nudging a few deliveries around the pitch to sneak a few singles, not allowing the bowlers the luxury of bowling to one particular batsman. Azhar Ali also looked to make a conscious effort to stop playing across the line of the straight deliveries. The result was excellent, as Pakistan went to lunch without any further loss.

The afternoon session began with Azhar Ali offering a chance to the slips, which was put down by Joe Root. That was the last chance for a while, as the batsmen showcased excellent discipline, Sami Aslam in particular leaving the ball brilliantly. The runs came at a slow pace with few boundaries, but the batsmen continued rotating strike well. Azhar Ali offered up another sharp caught and bowled chance to Moeen Ali, but he was unable to hang on.

Pakistan came out with more intent in the evening session, as Sami Aslam lofted Moeen for a few boundaries. Azhar also played a few cracking shots, but Aslam's brilliant vigil came to an end via a run-out. Azhar dabbed the ball and went off for a run, but James Vince was equal to the task and hit gold with a direct hit; Sami Aslam out for 82, a partnership of 181 coming to an end. Younis Khan started nervously, jumping around a bit as we have come to expect from him, but Azhar was flawless as he reached his hundred; press-ups and sajdas ensued. Younis Khan settled in as Azhar continued on his merry way, but the day was spoilt for Pakistan's number 3 as he was caught in the slips off the LAST ball of the day, out for a brilliant 139. Pakistan finishing at 257/3, 40 runs behind England's first innings score of 297.

Summary: An excellent day for Pakistan, slightly soured by the last ball dismissal of Azhar Ali. The tourists will hope to take a big lead on Day 3 after stirring performances by Sami Aslam and Azhar Ali, the first time in the Test series that the Pakistan top-order has put up a good show. England will harbour hopes of making a couple of breakthroughs early in the morning and getting back into the match, but Pakistan are in the driving seat for now.

Fall of wickets:

1-0 (Mohammad Hafeez, 0.4 ov)
2-181 (Sami Aslam, 62.2 ov)
3-257 (Azhar Ali, 89.6 ov)

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