Pakistan in the driving seat as England loses early wicket, trails by 179 runs

England were in trouble on the third day of the first Test match at Lord’s on Saturday, as the visitors took one scalp and piled on a lead of 179 runs. 

Courtesy impressive knocks by Babar Azam, Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf, Pakistan were able to put 363 runs on the scoreboard before being bowled out by England.

England were in further trouble when they came out to bat as Pakistan’s latest bowling sensation Mohammad Abbas struck gold when he removed England’s Alistair Cook early on.

England are currently 6-1 and trailing by 173 runs.

The tourists scored 300 runs in Friday’s play, going from an overnight 50 for one to 350 for eight at stumps on the second day of this two-match series.

That left them already 166 runs ahead of England’s meagre first-innings 184, with Pakistan having so far outplayed their hosts in all departments.

A quartet of batsmen made fifties, with England dropping four catches on Friday and missing one other obvious chance — a marked contrast to an impressive display by an often-criticised Pakistan slip cordon.

Their had been hopes a return home would boost Joe Root’s men following their recent series losses in Australia and New Zealand.

Story first published: 26th May 2018

Article source: https://www.samaa.tv/sports/2018/05/pakistan-in-the-driving-seat-as-england-trail-by-179-runs/