MULTAN: The third day of the first Test between Pakistan and England in Multan saw a crucial shift in momentum as England resumed their innings at 96 for one. However, the hosts maintained their control over the game as star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early, dismissing Zak Crawley and leaving England reeling at a pivotal moment. His dismissal marked a significant breakthrough for Pakistan, who were eager to capitalize on their home advantage.
Earlier, Zak Crawley and Joe Root staged a strong recovery for England on Day 2 of the first Test against Pakistan, guiding their team to 96 runs in response to Pakistan’s imposing first-innings total of 556 at Multan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
England faced an early challenge when skipper Ollie Pope was dismissed by right-arm pacer Naseem Shah in his first over, leaving the visitors at 1-1. However, Crawley and Root quickly took control, combining for 64 runs off just 64 balls. By the end of the day, Root remained unbeaten on 32 runs from 54 balls, with England finishing at 96 for 1.
Earlier, Pakistan’s innings was bolstered by Salman Ali Agha, who scored an impressive 104 runs off 119 balls, and Saud Shakeel, who contributed 82 runs. The hosts amassed a substantial total of 556 runs after batting for 149 overs, ending their innings when Abrar Ahmed was caught out for three runs.
The day began with Pakistan at 328 for 4, with Shakeel and Naseem Shah at the crease. Shah, who scored 33 runs, was dismissed in the 106th over after being caught by Harry Brook. Despite suffering hits to his helmet and bowling hand, Shah showcased resilience, hitting three sixes in his innings.
Shakeel’s defiant innings came to a close in the 125th over when he was caught by Joe Root off debutant Brydon Carse’s bowling. He faced 177 balls and struck six boundaries. Mohammad Rizwan fell for a duck shortly after, while Aamer Jamal added just seven runs before being dismissed by Carse.
Salman Ali Agha’s century came in the 145th over, marked by ten fours and three sixes, solidifying Pakistan’s dominance at the crease. However, Shaheen Shah Afridi could only manage 26 runs before departing.
On the bowling front for England, Jack Leach was the standout performer, claiming three wickets. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse took two wickets each, while Chris Woakes and Shoaib Bashir chipped in with one wicket apiece.
This match marks the beginning of a three-match series, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25.
England, led by Ollie Pope due to Ben Stokes’ hamstring injury, aims to improve upon their last tour of Pakistan, where they achieved a historic 3-0 series victory in 2022. Notably, James Anderson is absent from this tour as he competes in Scotland’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
As the match progresses, Pakistan will look to maintain their advantage, while England seeks to build on their promising start with Crawley and Root at the helm.
