Summary One of the best wickets of Woakes was that full length delivery to Wahab Riaz that rattled his stump
There’s no better sight in world cricket than watching a leg spinner bamboozle a batsman away. Before the start of the series, Yasir Shah had 76 wickets most of which were taken in UAE. The true test of greatness & skill in the words of Nasser Hussain, comes from the ability to take wickets all around the world. Yasir Shah today proved exactly why he is rated as the best leg spinner in the world currently, when he bowled with guile, control and great variation of pace. He took 4-46 whilst bowling from the pavilion end.
Misbah had initially suggested that Pakistan can exploit Englands fragile middle order. Although the pitch was not a huge turner, but Yasir used his drift and change in pace to perfection on this pitch.Bairstow showed some intent, however could not carry on as he tried to cut a ball that skid onto the stumps.
Vince also fell to Yasir, playing back to Yasir and getting lbw on a decision that went in Pakistan’s favour on umpires call. Moeen Ali who looked good was adjudged lbw to a delivery spinning in from round the wicket, impact in line with offstump and ball hitting leg.
The innings started with a beautiful delivery shaping away by Rahat Ali who got the edge of Alex Hales. Mohammad Amir making his return to Test Cricket after 6 years got the edge off Cook on 22 but was dropped by Hafeez at first slip. He was later on dropped again by Sarfraz on 55. Finally he got the better off him when Cook dragged one onto the stumps during the evening session.
In the morning session, Misbah could only add four more runs to his total and was eventually bowled out by Stuart Broad. Sarfraz added some quick runs, tried to negate the swing by often coming down the pitch and playing some beautiful square drives. Woakes who has had a great test match so far, managed to get his fifth when Sarfraz slapped a short and wide delivery to backward point.
Perhaps one of the best wickets of Woakes was that full length delivery to Wahab Riaz that rattled his stumps. Pakistan will be looking to get quick wickets tomorrow although England have a strong tail with Broad scoring a century the last time Pak played at Lords. Day two though belonged to the man who did the sajda celebrating his name now on the honours board of the Lords Cricket Ground.
Reported by Zainab Abbas
