Misbah leads the day with an unbeaten century
The day belonged to captain Misbah-ul-Haq.
LONDON (Zainab Abbas) - The day that belonged to the oldest captain to score a century at Lords started with an unconvincing looking Mohammad Hafeez edging to third slip at 11. In the absence of James Anderson, Jake Ball got the chance to make his debut and got the wicket of Azhar Ali with a brilliant yorker.
Chris Woakes was the pick of the England bowlers, got four wickets including the prized wicket of Asad shafiq who looked in fine touch. Shafiq with his fine temperament took his time on the crease and played a flawless innings of 73 providing great support to Misbah-ul-Haq.
Shan Masood who looked slightly unsettled edged one to Woakes and could not utilise the time at the crease and manage a big score. Younis Khan who looked like he was going to get a big one managed to hole out to midwicket throwing his wicket away to Stuart Broad.
However the day belonged to captain Misbah-ul-Haq. His much talked about celebration of push-ups were a dedication to the army camp in Kakul and the hundred itself was a dedication to his wife. Misbah as per the usual started with some restraint, watching the ball carefully and leaving it well when required.
England however tried to bowl some short deliveries at Misbah (considering he looked suspect against them in the UAE series) but to no avail. He did give a low chance to Joe Root at second slip, but that was dropped off the bowling of Steven Finn.
Steven Finn, often reputed to be a wicket taker but erratic with his line and length stayed true to his reputation and struggled through out the day. Misbah, once he managed to get his eye in, really took the attack to Moeen Ali, showing his expertise against spin with two sweeps and two reverse sweeps to move into the 90s.
Pakistan dominated for most parts of the day, however the two quick wickets at the end may have brought the balance back in favour of England. Though Pakistan possess a quality attack in the form of Amir, Wahab, Rahat and Yasir Shah, it is important that they capitalize on the innings by Misbah and bring the total closer to 400. For now its time for the Pakistani fan to cherish the memories of this glorious 100 at the home of Cricket by the Captain Misbah-ul-Haq.
