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Home » Live Cricket Score » Pakistan in England, 2 Test Series, 2018 » Summary

England vs Pakistan Live Cricket Score, 1st Test, Pakistan in England, 2 Test Series, 2018, May 24, 2018

ENG 184/10 (58.2) , 242/10 (82.1)
Pakistan beat England by 9 wickets
PAK 363/9 (114.3) , 66/1 (12.4)
Match over
Commentary :
0.0 : Hello and a warm welcome for our coverage of the 1st Test between England and Pakistan to be played at Lords. Just the two-match series. It is pretty important to start well and get that early advantage in such a short series. The visitors will be having good memories of playing at this venue. They won here in 2016 but had an experienced side back then. Now, the pressure will be on the young guns to replicate similar kind of performance and relive those moments.
England, on the other hand, have always been a strong side playing at home and they will be heading into this series with the hopes of crushing the Asian side. News from the English camp - Dominic Bess, the right-arm off spinner from Somerset gets his Test cap and he is all set to make his debut. Do stay tuned as we bring you the toss and the other updates shortly.
TOSS - England win the toss and they have decided to bat first.
England team - Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, Joe Root(c), Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow(wk), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, Dominic Bess, James Anderson.
Pakistan team - Azhar Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed(wk/c), Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas.
We are all set to get rolling. The visiting team is out in the middle along with the two umpires. For England, Alastair Cook and Mark Stoneman walk out to open the innings. Mohammad Amir has the new red cherry and he will be hoping to make it talk early in the morning. Three slips and a gully in place. Here we go...
0.1 : M Amir to Cook, Amir starts with a short of a length delivery wide outside off, Cook doesn't offer a stroke to that one. Harmless delivery from the left-arm seamer. He failed to generate any swing.
0.2 : M Amir to Cook, Some shape for Amir, he bowls it touch fuller and it swings away every so slightly. The batsman covers the line of it and dabs it towards gully.
0.3 : M Amir to A Cook, The southpaw goes on the back foot and opens the bat face. Guides it straight to the fielder at gully.
0.4 : M Amir to Cook, Play and a miss! Tentative poke from Cook! Good length ball, drifts in and moves away nicely after pitching, the batsman goes feeling for it and he nearly ends up edging it.
0.5 : M Amir to Cook, Uses the depth of the crease and defends it with a straight bat.
0.6 : M Amir to Cook, Spears in a delivery on the leg stump line, Cook pushes it to mid on. Good start from Amir, maiden over to start the Test match.
Mohammad Abbas to share the new ball. Three slips and a gully for him as well.
1.1 : M Abbas to Stoneman, Misjudgement from Stoneman! Superb start from Abbas, he gets his line right straightaway, bowls a seam up delivery which nips back in a little. The batsman tries to leave it but he gets hit on the back leg.
1.2 : M Abbas to Stoneman, FOUR! Opens the account with a lovely square drive. England are on their way. Fullish delivery outside off, the southpaw leans into the drive and drives it past backward point for a boundary. The fielder chases the ball only to come second.
1.3 : M Abbas to Stoneman, Bowls it on the channel outside off, covers his stumps and decides to leave it.
1.4 : M Abbas to Stoneman, Well judged by Stoneman, he covers his off stump and shoulders arms to it.
1.5 : M Abbas to Stoneman, Slanting away from the stumps and left alone.
1.6 : M Abbas to Stoneman, Pulls his length back a little and attacks the stumps, Stoneman goes back to flick that but he misses it on the back leg.
2.1 : M Amir to Cook, Innocuous delivery outside off, the batsman doesn't play at it.
2.2 : M Amir to Cook, FOUR! Wrong line and Cook says thank you very much. He gets off the mark with a neat deflection. Slipping it down the leg side and the batsman glances it away to the fine leg boundary.
2.3 : M Amir to Cook, Oh, nearly gets the outside edge! Good comeback from Amir, he bowls a good length ball closer to the off stump and makes the batsman play at that one, who tries to defend that but is beaten by the late away movement.
2.4 : M Amir to Cook, Bowls from wide of the crease, outside off. No shot offered.
2.5 : M Amir to Cook, Wide delivery and easily left alone by the batsman.
2.6 : M Amir to Cook, FOUR! Elegant cover drive from Cook. Overpitced delivery outside off, the veteran gets right to the pitch of it. Bends his front knee and caresses it through the covers. No stopping that one. Both the openers have looked assured so far.
3.1 : M Abbas to Stoneman, Fuller length ball on middle and off, the batsman gets right behind it and defends it solidly.
3.2 : M Abbas to Stoneman, Mark looks to punch that but the ball goes off the inner half and rolls to mid on.
3.3 : M Abbas to Stoneman, Fuller length ball on middle, swings away sharply, Mark looks to defend that but he plays down the wrong line. However, he doesn't go fishing at it and misses it by some distance.
3.4 : M Abbas to Stoneman, Lovely delivery, Abbas needs to be on that channel quite regularly. Bowls it fuller on the off stump line and makes the batsman play, who is beaten once again.
3.5 : M Abbas to Stoneman, And again, he bowls another away swinging delivery, Stoneman is beaten neck and crop as he looks to play the drive.
3.6 : Abbas to M Stoneman, OUT! Jaffa from Abbas, he has been on that probing channel and has been troubling Stoneman regularly. He deserves this wicket. Coming to the ball - Bowls it on a length closer to the off stump, nibbles in just a little, Stoneman plays across the line but he fails to make contact with the ball. It brushes his back leg and hits the top of off stump. An early breakthrough for the visitors, they need to pick few more with the new ball and use the overcast conditions to the
Joe Root is the next man in. The skipper has to face the music now. He has pushed himself at number 3 and it would be interesting to see, how he goes about in his new role.
4.1 : M Amir to Cook, FOUR! Good shot, Amir dishes out a half volley on the leg stump line and Cook flicks it with disdain to the square leg good.
4.2 : M Amir to A Cook, FOUR! Outside edge rolls past the man at gully. Cook played with the soft hands which is the key. The ball finds the gap between the third slip and gully. Races away to the third man fence.
4.3 : M Amir to Joe Root, Badly judged single from Cook, he sold his skipper down the river. Defends it closer to the man at short extra cover and calls for a suicidal single. Root obliges the call and hares across to the other end. Luckily for England and their fans, Haris misses the stumps. Direct hit would have given Pakistan another quick wicket. Will their rue this opportunity? Root is not the man you want to be handing too many chances.
4.4 : M Amir to Root, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
4.5 : M Amir to Root, Root goes on the back foot and defends it down the track.
4.6 : M Amir to Root, Widish delivery and Root leaves it all alone to the keeper.
5.1 : M Abbas to Cook, Bowls a delivery away from the off stump and Cook is happy to leave those.
5.2 : M Abbas to Cook, Fuller length ball on off, the batsman lets it through.
5.3 : M Abbas to Cook, Cook covers the line of the delivery and defends it.
5.4 : M Abbas to Cook, Another easy leave for Cook.
5.5 : M Abbas to Cook, Pushes it down the track, the fielder from extra cover runs to his left and makes a good stop.
5.6 : M Abbas to A Cook, That one kept a little low and Cook tries to punch that but the ball sneaks through and goes underneath the bat.
6.1 : M Amir to Root, Root stands tall and punches it to the man at point.
6.2 : M Amir to Root, Root gets off the mark with a single. He pushes it to the right of the fielder at point and gets off the mark.
6.3 : M Amir to Cook, Fullish delivery, Cook lunges on the front foot and guides it to gully with the bat face opened.
6.4 : M Amir to Cook, Amir bowls a good length ball outside off which goes straight on. Cook doesn't play at it.
6.5 : M Amir to Cook, Bowls from wide of the crease, angling it in, Cook covers the line of it and defends it back to the bowler.
6.6 : M Amir to Cook, Runs in and delivers it on middle and leg, Cook moves across and pushes it to mid on.
7.1 : M Abbas to Root, Leg bye! Spraying it down the leg side, Root looks to glance that but misses it. The ball kises the pads and rolls to square leg. They steal a leg bye. There is an optimistic shout for an LBW but the umpire is unmoved.
7.2 : M Abbas to Cook, Fails to correct his line, dishes out a wide delivery outside off and Cook doesn't need to play at those.
7.3 : M Abbas to Cook, Tight leave from Cook, he trusted the bounce on that occasion! Good length ball on the stumps, he goes back and decides to leave it. The ball just bounces over the wickets and goes through to the keeper.
7.4 : M Abbas to Cook, Cook hangs back and defends it on the off side.
7.5 : M Abbas to Cook, Slanting away from the stumps, Cook sits in his crease and decides to leave it.
7.6 : M Abbas to A Cook, Short of a length ball on off, the southpaw opens the bat face and guides it square towards cover-point.
Hasan Ali comes into the attack. The young lad who promised a lot in the limited overs cricket at the start of his career but he needs to cement his place in this format. Will this be his game?
8.1 : H Ali to Root, Hits the deck hard and starts with a back of length ball, Root decides to let it go.
8.2 : H Ali to Root, Roots hops on the back foot and taps it on to the leg side.
8.3 : H Ali to Root, Ohhh... that one nips back in sharply! Root just didn't expect that one to seam in so sharply, he goes back aiming to punch that but ends up getting an inside edge on the back leg.
8.4 : H Ali to Root, Repeats the shot and this time he manages to hit it wide of the fielder at backward point. They steal a quick single.
8.5 : H Ali to Cook, Angling away from the stumps, Cook lets it through to the keeper.
8.6 : H Ali to Cook, Pushes it gently to the left of the mid on fielder. Calls for a quick single and gets it safely. Cook retains the strike. Decent start from Hasan Ali!
9.1 : M Abbas to Cook, Good delivery, fuller in length and in line with the stumps, Cook covers the line of it and defends it right under his eyes.
9.2 : M Abbas to Cook, Pulls his length back a little and pushes Cook on the back foot, who defends it with ease.
9.3 : M Abbas to Cook, Nearly, another wicket! He has been excellent throughout this morning and almost gets rewarded once again. He dishes out a fullish delivery closer to the off peg, Cook lunges forward in a hope to defend that but he gets beaten by the away swing.
9.4 : M Abbas to Cook, Similar delivery and similar end result. Play and a miss from Cook to an away going delivery from Abbas.
9.5 : M Abbas to Cook, Cook covers the line of it and defends it solidly. Well-played, after couple of miss, this defensive stroke will give him lots of confidence.
9.6 : M Abbas to Cook, Offers the straight bat and blocks it down the track.
10.1 : H Ali to Root, Some away movement for Ali but it is too wide and doesn't trouble the batsman who lets it go.
10.2 : H Ali to Root, Angles it in from outside off, Root plants his front foot across the stumps and decides to leave it.
10.3 : H Ali to Root, Touch too wide and Root is happy in leaving those. Hasan Ali needs to make him play against this semi new ball.
10.4 : H Ali to Root, There he goes, bowls a delivery in line with the stumps and makes Root play at it. He defends off the back foot to mid on.
10.5 : H Ali to Root, Root lifts his bat and decides to leave another one.
10.6 : H Ali to Root, Shoots through, that one kept low? Definitely. Going by the reaction of the batsman. Root hangs back and brings his bat down just in the nick of time and defends down the track.
11.1 : M Abbas to Cook, Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone.
11.2 : M Abbas to Cook, Fullish delivery outside off, the batsman defensively pushes it on the off side.
11.3 : M Abbas to Cook, Delivers a wide delivery and gives the batsman an easy delivery to leave.
11.4 : M Abbas to Cook, Comes round the wicket and serves another wide delivery. Cook lets it go.
11.5 : M Abbas to Cook, This is not working for Pakistan. Are they playing with the patience of Cook? If yes, then it will be a long vigil for them. Cook is not the player to run out of patience.
11.6 : M Abbas to A Cook, FOUR! Well played by Cook, he stands tall and plays with soft hands. Guides it right between third slip and gully. The ball speeds away to the third man fence.
Faheem Ashraf gets the ball.
12.1 : F Ashraf to Root, Gets to the pitch of it and drives but fails to beat the man at covers.
12.2 : F Ashraf to Root, Uses his wrists and works it to mid-wicket. They take a single.
12.3 : F Ashraf to Cook, Quick single, good running! There is no confusion whatsoever, just a look at each other and off they go. Dabs it wide of the man at point. They sneak a quick single.
12.4 : F Ashraf to Root, This is smart from the English pair, they are rotating strike regularly and not allowing Faheem to settle. Dabs it in the gap on the off side and they take a quick single.
12.5 : F Ashraf to Cook, Angling away from the batsman who doesn't play at it.
12.6 : F Ashraf to Cook, Much fuller from Faheem, Cook defends it right under his eyes off the front foot.
Change of ends for Hasan Ali.
13.1 : H Ali to Root, Bowls from over the wicket, full outside off and Root leaves it to the keeper.
13.2 : H Ali to Root, Fuller length ball on the stumps, Root blocks it back to the bowler.
13.3 : H Ali to Root, Ahhh... Hasan Ali thinks he nearly gets through the defenses of Root. Length ball, tailing in a little, the batsman looks to defend that but the ball goes off the inner half on the leg side.
13.4 : H Ali to Root, Drives it nicely but he fails to find the gap through the covers.
13.5 : H Ali to Root, Wide! Poor poor delivery from Hasan, he loses his radar completely. Bowls a short delivery well down the leg side. The keeper had to rush across to collect that one.
H Ali to Root, OUT! Loose, very loose from the English skipper. He goes for just four and his side is in some trouble. England are 33/2 by the end of first hour. A passage that has belonged to the visitors. Hasan Ali dishes out a sucker ball which lures the batsman into playing at it. Root just can't resist it. Reaches out for it by playing a drive away from the body. He is in no control of that one and gets a thick edge as it shapes away late after pitching. Sarfraz takes the catch almos
Dawid Malan is the next man in.
13.6 : H Ali to Malan, Malan whips it off his pads behind square leg for a brace. Malan is off the mark.
14.1 : F Ashraf to Cook, Cook defends it with the straight bat on the track.
14.2 : F Ashraf to Cook, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Review from Pakistan for an LBW appeal. Cook is the man in question. Pretty close than most anticipated, might be a narrow escape for Cook.
14.3 : F Ashraf to Cook, Cook survives a close call. That was a 50-50 call and Pakistan could have got the wicket had they got the on-field decision in their favor. Length ball on the leg stump line, angling into the batsman who looks to defend that but the ball hits him below the knee roll. There is an appeal for LBW but turned down by the umpire. Pakistan decide to call for a review. Replays show wickets hitting is umpire's call. Pakistan won't lose a review though.
14.4 : F Ashraf to A Cook, FOUR! Short ball and Cook pulls it away with ease. He gets on top of the bounce and hits it away to the mid-wicket boundary.
14.5 : F Ashraf to Cook, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
14.6 : F Ashraf to Cook, Goes on the back foot and defends it to end the over.
15.1 : H Ali to Malan, FOUR! Easy pickings for Malan, he gets a delivery on the pads and whips it away to the square leg boundary.
15.2 : H Ali to Malan, OUT! Edged and taken! Brilliant delivery from Hasan Ali, he gets his 2nd wicket of the morning. So far, it has been a great spell from the pacer. He hits the good length closer to the off stump, Malan with his minimal footwork tries to defend that but he gets a feather touch through to the keeper who accepts it gleefully. Pakistan have taken three already, can they get few more before lunch? Why not, they definitely can with the way they are bowling.
Jonny Bairstow in the next batsman.
15.3 : H Ali to Bairstow, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
15.4 : H Ali to Bairstow, Tight leave from Bairstow. The ball nearly kisses the top of off. It is an incoming delivery from Ali which the England wicket-keeper batsman fails to judge but luckily goes unscathed.
15.5 : H Ali to Bairstow, FOUR! Down the leg side and Bairstow glances it to fine leg. The fielder in the deep tries to stop it with a slide but he fails as the ball touches the ropes.
15.6 : H Ali to Bairstow, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
16.1 : F Ashraf to Cook, In the probing off stump channel, nipping away a shade after landing. Cook knows where his off stump is and makes an assured leave.
16.2 : F Ashraf to Cook, Back of a length ball outside off, Cook plays a mistimed cut shot to the point region.
16.3 : F Ashraf to Cook, Wide outside off, Alastair is in no mood to flirt with it.
16.4 : F Ashraf to Cook, Streaky! Length delivery, going across Cook. He plays at it tentatively and gets a thick outside edge through the gap between third slip and gully. Gets a couple for doing so.
16.5 : F Ashraf to Cook, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot.
16.6 : F Ashraf to Cook, Some extra bounce on this occasion! Takes off from a length and goes past the opener's defense to strike him on the thigh pad.
17.1 : H Ali to Bairstow, Nicely played! Fuller in length outside off, Bairstow leans ahead and caresses it through covers. The fielder chases it down and manages to save a run for his side.
17.2 : H Ali to A Cook, Full length ball attacking the stumps, patted gently to the mid off region.
17.3 : H Ali to Cook, Ali drags his length back a touch and gets this one to shape back in. Alastair punches it towards the bowler who dives athletically to his left but fails to stop it. However, no run conceded.
17.4 : H Ali to Cook, Trying to tuck up Cook with a shortish ball. He hops and works it towards fine leg to rotate strike.
17.5 : H Ali to Bairstow, That's a peach! Ali is bowling with great rhythm and is keeping the batsmen on their toes. He steams in hard, goes wide of the crease and angles in a length ball. After pitching, the ball seams away and foxes Bairstow who fails in attempt to push it through covers.
17.6 : H Ali to Bairstow, Brilliant over from Ali, he has been right on the money. This one swings in prodigiously which induces an inside edge onto Bairstow's pads.
18.1 : F Ashraf to Cook, Pitched up delivery, played with soft hands to mid on.
18.2 : F Ashraf to Cook, Good length delivery on off, moving away from the southpaw. He points his bat skywards to let it be.
18.3 : F Ashraf to Cook, Ashraf keeps it full and Cook is up to it. Drives it nicely to the man at mid on.
18.4 : F Ashraf to Cook, Beaten on the inside! Pakistan have been terrific from the word go. Ashraf bowls a skiddy length ball on middle and off, Cook prods forward to keep it out but the ball sneaks in between his bat and pad and goes over the off stump.
18.5 : F Ashraf to Cook, Substantial away movement on this fuller length ball as Cook keeps his bat inside the line to let it be.
18.6 : F Ashraf to Cook, Foxed again! Ashraf is making the ball talk. Swinging away sharply and goes past Cook's exaggerated front foot defense.
19.1 : H Ali to Bairstow, Perfect Test match bowling! It is in the avenue of apprehension and moves away after landing. Bairstow is circumspect in approach and makes a good leave.
19.2 : H Ali to Bairstow, A bit wider this time, Jonny doesn't fiddle with it.
19.3 : H Ali to Bairstow, Right on target! Fuller in length in the corridor of uncertainty and moves away. Jonny plants his front foot across and lets it go.
19.4 : H Ali to J Bairstow, This one comes back in to catch Bairstow off guard. He plays it tentatively towards the point region.
19.5 : H Ali to Bairstow, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
19.6 : H Ali to Bairstow, Angling in from a length around off, Bairstow stands tall and pushes it to covers. Two maidens in a row, good stuff from the visitors.
20.1 : F Ashraf to Cook, Angling across the southpaw who doesn't flirt with it.
20.2 : F Ashraf to Cook, FOUR! A welcome boundary for Cook. The pressure was building up and this stroke will relieve it a bit. Slightly overpitched on off, Cook goes for a booming drive down the ground but the bat turns in his hands. He still gets enough on it and the ball is racing towards the long off fence. The fielder from mid on chases it but the ball wins the race.
20.3 : F Ashraf to Cook, In the zone around off, Alastair lets it go.
20.4 : F Ashraf to A Cook, Good shot and equally well fielded! Full length ball outside off, Cook drives it elegantly towards Azam at extra cover who dives to his right and makes a great stop. Saves certain runs for his side.
20.5 : F Ashraf to Cook, Continues to pitch it up, Cook mistimes his drive past the right side of the bowler and gets across to the other end.
20.6 : F Ashraf to Bairstow, Brilliant! Angling in substantially, Bairstow tries to block it but gets late. Somehow, he manages to keep it away from the inner half of his bat.
21.1 : H Ali to Cook, Ali comes from around the wicket and bowls a good length ball outside off. It is intially coming in but at the last moment, it hits the seam and swirls away. Cook does well to keep his bat inside the line and evade it.
21.2 : H Ali to Cook, Similar length ball, Cook hangs back and stonewalls it.
21.3 : H Ali to Cook, In the corridor of uncertainty, moving in sharply. Cook knows where his off stump is and makes a brave leave.
21.4 : H Ali to Cook, Prodigious movement again! Hasan Ali's wrist position is the key for him and enables him to shape the ball both ways. Coming in sharply, Cook covers his off stump and lets it go.
21.5 : H Ali to Cook, Once again it is almost a replica of the previous delivery and Cook is now assured in leaving it. An away moving delivery might be the way to go for Ali.
21.6 : H Ali to Cook, Loses his radar a bit and strays it on the pads, Cook helps it down to fine leg for a single.
22.1 : F Ashraf to Cook, On a length outside off, not much movement on this one. Cook doesn't fiddle with it.
22.2 : F Ashraf to Cook, Ashraf gets carried away and bowls a sharp away swinger. The line is not correct and it allows Alastair to see it through safely.
22.3 : F Ashraf to Cook, FOUR! That is right out of the textbook! For all the kids out there, this is how you play straight down the ground. Fuller length ball around off, Cook leans into it and offers the full face of the bat. Times his drive to perfection and the ball whistles across the turf to the long off fence.
22.4 : F Ashraf to Cook, In the channel outside off, left alone.
22.5 : F Ashraf to Cook, FOUR! Sublime! He is flowing freely at the moment. The balance was the key in that stroke. Slightly overpitched outside off, Cook comes forward and caresses it through covers. Strong hands and a good base from the opener and the ball races to the fence.
22.6 : F Ashraf to Cook, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. 8 runs from the over.
Mohammad Amir comes back for a bowl. Can he give his side a wicket before Lunch?
23.1 : M Amir to Bairstow, Tight stump-to-stump line, Bairstow makes use of the depth of the crease and blocks it.
23.2 : M Amir to Bairstow, Similar delivery, Jonny has no trouble in keeping it out.
23.3 : M Amir to Bairstow, Fuller in length this time, Bairstow prods forward and defends it.
23.4 : M Amir to Bairstow, Very full delivery outside off, inviting Bairstow for an ambitious drive. He goes at it with hard hands and mistimes it to the cover region.
Shadab Khan is warming up.
23.5 : M Amir to Bairstow, Poor from Bairstow! Gets carried away and almost gifts his wicket away. Fuller in length outside off, shaping away. Bairstow goes at it with minimal foot movement and is lucky not to edge it behind.
23.6 : M Amir to Bairstow, Outside off, left alone. A maiden for Amir.
As expected, Shadab Khan comes into the attack. Let's see what he has got up his sleeve.
24.1 : S Khan to Cook, Starts off with a delivery down the leg side, Alastair tucks it gently towards square leg and takes a single.
24.2 : S Khan to Bairstow, Slips in the googly around off, Bairstow probably picks it late off the pitch and eases it through covers. A run taken.
A slip and a short leg in place for Cook.
24.3 : S Khan to Cook, Slow through the air, Alastair prods forward in defense.
24.4 : S Khan to Cook, Shorter in length, helped away through mid-wicket for a run.
24.5 : S Khan to Bairstow, The slider from Shadab, Bairstow goes deep in his crease and places it to the deep cover region. A single taken.
24.6 : S Khan to Cook, On middle and leg, defended to the leg side.
Nasser Hussain makes a good point on air. He says that Mohammad Amir makes very good use of the crease and keeps the batsmen guessing with his subtle variations. He points out that Hasan Ali has been on the money in this game but he can use the crease to better effect to create even more trouble for the batsmen. Perhaps, take a leaf out of Amir's book.
25.1 : M Amir to Bairstow, On a length outside off, Bairstow points his bat skywards to allow it through.
25.2 : M Amir to Bairstow, Extravagant movement! On a length on middle and off, pitches and moves away prodigiously. Bairstow is on the move as he tries to clip it across the line but only manages to connect with thin air. That was a risky attempt from him to play against the line.
25.3 : M Amir to Bairstow, Good play from Jonny! Taps this one to covers and pinches a single.
25.4 : M Amir to Cook, Tentative! In that tight off stump channel, Cook pokes at it and gets beaten.
25.5 : M Amir to Cook, This one is well outside off, left alone.
25.6 : M Amir to Cook, Fuller length ball outside off, moving away. Cook plants his front foot across and makes an assured leave. THAT'S LUNCH ON DAY 1!
This has been a brilliant start for Pakistan. They have bowled with discipline and passion and have reaped the rewards as well. Mohammad Abbas bowled probing lines and lengths with the new cherry and didn't allow the batsmen to get into their comfort zone. Hasan Ali, the young sensation of Pakistan was in his elements as well. He took two wickets, getting the crucial one of Joe Root in the process.
England fared much better in the second half of the session courtesy Alastair Cook. The opener was resolute in his approach and battled through the tough times along with good company from Jonny Bairstow. He is nearing a fifty and is driving his side towards safe harbors. However, the visitors will know that if they keep bowling well on this helpful surface, another wicket will be around the corner. Join us shortly for the afternoon session.
... Day 1, Session 2 ...
We are back for the afternoon session. The conditions are quite overcast and it will be another testing phase for the batsmen. Alastair Cook and Jonny Bairstow to resume their innings. It will be Mohammad Abbas who will bowl first up after Lunch. Here we go...
26.1 : M Abbas to Bairstow, Starts off with a fullish delivery outside off, swinging away. Bairstow points his bat skywards and lets it go.
26.2 : M Abbas to Bairstow, Better from Abbas! He bowls a length ball around that off stump corridor, no swing this time though. Bairstow covers his off stump and makes an assured leave.
26.3 : M Abbas to Bairstow, In the channel outside off, Jonny doesn't fiddle with it.
26.4 : M Abbas to Bairstow, Makes the batsman play this time with a good length ball on middle and leg. The wicket-keeper batsman hangs back and defends it stoutly.
26.5 : M Abbas to J Bairstow, FOUR! Just wide of the gully fielder! That was a loose shot from Bairstow. Back of a length ball well outside off, the batsman goes for a punch but gets a thick outside edge that flies towards Shadab Khan. He dives full length to his right but the ball flies past him and through to the fence.
26.6 : M Abbas to Bairstow, Length ball outside off, Bairstow doesn't fiddle with it.
Mohammad Amir to bowl from the other end.
27.1 : M Amir to Cook, Fuller length ball around off, Cook shuffles a touch and dead-bats it.
27.2 : M Amir to Cook, Nice shape on that one! Full and swerving away, Cook doesn't fall for the bait and makes a good leave.
27.3 : M Amir to Cook, That's a peach! Amir goes wider of the crease and angles in a fuller length ball but after pitching it straightens, Cook pokes at it but is beaten all ends up.
27.4 : M Amir to A Cook, FOUR! 56th Test fifty for Alastair Cook! He has stood tall in tough times and is playing an important knock. Full ball outside off, Cook pushes at it but gets an outside edge past gully. Raises his bat towards the Lord's crowd and sinks in all the applause.
27.5 : M Amir to Cook, Outside off, left alone.
27.6 : M Amir to Cook, Similar delivery outside off and Cook remains circumspect in approach.
28.1 : M Abbas to Bairstow, Jaffa! Angling in initially on a good length around off and leaves Bairstow at the last moment to leave him clueless.
28.2 : M Abbas to Bairstow, Poor from Jonny! He is looking a bit shaky. On a driveable length outside off, Bairstow throws his bat at it but misses.
28.3 : M Abbas to Bairstow, On a length, angling down. Bairstow fails to flick it away and gets hit on the thigh pad.
28.4 : M Abbas to Bairstow, That ball has struck the batsman on the thigh pad.
28.5 : M Abbas to Bairstow, FOUR! Elegance and class written all over this shot. Slightly overpitched outside off, Bairstow allows his hands to flow through and caresses it through covers to find the fence. High elbow, steady head, everything was correct about that one.
28.6 : M Abbas to Bairstow, In the zone outside off, Jonny lets it go.
29.1 : M Amir to Cook, Peach! On a good length and it straightens after pitching, Cook plays for the initial angle and gets foxed.
29.2 : M Amir to Cook, Amir generates a lot of swing on this one but hurls it way down the leg side. Cook tries to flick it but misses. Ahmed dives to his right and makes a good half stop.
29.3 : M Amir to Cook, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
29.4 : M Amir to Cook, Full and wide outside off, Alastair doesn't bother to play at that one.
29.5 : M Amir to Cook, Outside off, third leave in a row.
29.6 : M Amir to Cook, Brilliant bowling! The surprise element is always needed no matter which format you are playing in. Slips in an inswinging yorker around off, Cook is alert to it and jams it out towards point.
30.1 : M Abbas to Bairstow, Back of a length ball, angling in, Bairstow hangs back and punches it away.
30.2 : M Abbas to Bairstow, Similar length ball, shaping in, Jonny makes use of the depth of the crease and stonewalls it.
30.3 : M Abbas to Bairstow, On a length outside off, Jonny gets a bit low and pushes it off the back foot towards point.
30.4 : M Abbas to Bairstow, Fullish delivery around off, patted gently to covers.
30.5 : M Abbas to Bairstow, Bye! The effort ball from Abbas. However, it is a bit wayward. It is too high as the batsman ducks under it. Ahmed leaps to his left but only manages to deflect it towards fine leg. A run taken. One bouncer for the over signaled by the umpire.
30.6 : M Abbas to Cook, Good length ball outside off, Alastair doesn't flirt with it.
31.1 : M Amir to Bairstow, This is testing stuff from Amir. He bowls a length ball around off stump and it swings in late. Good judgement from Bairstow as he plants his front foot across and makes a brave leave.
31.2 : M Amir to Bairstow, Good length ball outside off, Jonny punches it away off the back foot.
31.3 : M Amir to Bairstow, FOUR! Stand and deliver! That shot was full of confidence. Length ball angling across Bairstow. He strokes it on the up over covers and gets the desired result.
31.4 : M Amir to Bairstow, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
31.5 : M Amir to Bairstow, Short of a length outside off, Jonny is early into his punch and mistimes it to mid off.
31.6 : M Amir to Bairstow, Fuller in length this time, the English keeper comes forward and defends it calmly.
32.1 : M Abbas to Cook, This one is way outside off, Alastair doesn't bother to play at it.
0.0 : Hasan Ali is stretching himself. Might come back into the attack soon.
32.2 : M Abbas to Cook, Length delivery, leaving the southpaw. The opener watches it closely and lets it go.
32.3 : M Abbas to Cook, Similar length ball, pretty harmless, Cook points his bat skywards to allow it through again.
32.4 : M Abbas to Cook, That one stayed a bit low! Good length ball around off, skidding after pitching. Cook adjusts in his crease to block it out.
32.5 : M Abbas to Cook, Short of a length ball outside off, not deviating from its line. Alastair punches it off the back foot towards point.
32.6 : M Abbas to Cook, Pitched up this time, tapped off the front foot to covers. Another maiden for Abbas, the sixth one to be precise.
33.1 : M Amir to Bairstow, In line of the stumps, Jonny covers the line and knocks it down to mid off.
33.2 : M Amir to Bairstow, Short delivery, Bairstow arches back and makes a good leave.
33.3 : M Amir to Bairstow, That hurried Bairstow! Short of a length ball around the rib-cage area, Jonny hops and tucks it somehow through square leg. Vacant spaces there and the batsmen pick up a couple.
33.4 : M Amir to Bairstow, Drop and run from Bairstow, sensible stuff! He camps back and taps it towards covers to scurry across to the other end.
33.5 : M Amir to Cook, Amir loses his radar and slips this one down the leg side, Alastair tries to take advantage of it with a whip but misses.
33.6 : M Amir to Cook, Short of a length ball outside off, Alastair shuffles across and doesn't fiddle with it.
34.1 : M Abbas to Bairstow, Brilliant fielding from Imam-ul-Haq! Length delivery around off, Bairstow runs it down with an open bat face towards backward point but the fielder intercepts it. He dives full length to his left and makes a good stop. Has a big smile on his face and his teammates pat him on the back. Pakistan need to maintain this kind of intensity.
34.2 : M Abbas to Bairstow, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
34.3 : M Abbas to Bairstow, On a length around off, defended solidly off the back foot.
34.4 : M Abbas to J Bairstow, Streaky runs! On a driveable length outside off, Jonny goes for an expansive drive but gets a thick outside edge towards third man. Imam-ul-Haq hares after it and keeps it down to a couple. That brings up the 50-run stand between the duo. They have played sensible cricket and have got the results as well. Need to carry on.
34.5 : M Abbas to Bairstow, Leans ahead to the fullish ball and blocks it to the off side.
34.6 : Abbas to Bairstow, A polite inquiry for an LBW is turned down! Good bowling from Abbas. He angles in a good length ball sharply. Bairstow tries to block it but only manages to get an inside edge onto his pads which saves him.
Hasan Ali is back on. He was terrific in his first spell and will be aiming to continue his rhythm.
35.1 : H Ali to Cook, Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
35.2 : H Ali to Cook, Tentative! Angling in initially and then straightening. Cook is opened up a bit in his stance and gets it off the outer half of the bat towards point.
35.3 : H Ali to Cook, Sits back to the short of a length ball and stonewalls it.
35.4 : H Ali to Cook, FOUR! Poor delivery and duly punished! Straying on the hips, Cook rises on his toes and clips it away through square leg. Good timing on that one and the ball whistles away to the ropes.
35.5 : H Ali to Cook, In the zone outside off, left alone.
35.6 : H Ali to Cook, Back of a length delivery and width on offer, Cook slaps it towards backward point. Imam-ul-Haq dives and takes some pace off the ball. Manages to chase it and keep the ball in play. A couple taken.
Faheem Ashraf returns for a burst.
36.1 : F Ashraf to J Bairstow, OUT! Ashraf makes an impact straightaway! He is a skiddy customer and gets rid of the dangerous Bairstow. He runs in with good rhythm and bowls a good length ball in the avenue of apprehension. It comes in naturally with the angle and straightens a touch after pitching. Bairstow attempts a drive straight down the ground. However, he ends up playing down the wrong line and the ball hits the top of off. End of the 57-run stand. The wicket-keeper batsman played some
0.0 : Ben Stokes comes out to bat. Three slips and a gully waiting for the outside edge.
36.2 : F Ashraf to Stokes, Full length ball outside off, swinging away. Stokes points his bat skywards and lets it go.
36.3 : F Ashraf to Stokes, Similar delivery, left alone.
36.4 : F Ashraf to Stokes, Good thinking from Ashraf! He bowls a full delivery and it tails in considerably. Stokes tries to get it away on the leg side but gets an inside edge that rolls towards fine leg. Gets off the mark with a single.
36.5 : F Ashraf to Cook, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
36.6 : F Ashraf to Cook, Full length ball in line of the stumps, pushed off the front foot to mid on. Successful over for Ashraf.
37.1 : H Ali to Stokes, Outside off, left alone.
37.2 : H Ali to Stokes, Coming in on a good length, Ben hangs back and defends it solidly.
37.3 : H Ali to Stokes, Length delivery outside off, Stokes plants his front foot across and allows it through.
37.4 : H Ali to Ben Stokes, FOUR! First boundary for Stokes! He will feel good about that. Overpitched outside off, Stokes comes forward and strokes it through extra cover to find the fence.
37.5 : H Ali to Stokes, Length ball outside off, Ben lets it go.
37.6 : H Ali to Stokes, Another one outside off, Stokes is circumspect in his approach and doesn't fiddle with it.
38.1 : F Ashraf to Cook, Pitched right up around off, tapped gently to the cover region.
38.2 : F Ashraf to Cook, Ashraf drags his length back, Cook stands tall and blocks it.
38.3 : F Ashraf to Cook, Full delivery but no swing on this occasion. Cook leans ahead and with a still head, defends it calmly.
38.4 : F Ashraf to Cook, Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
38.5 : F Ashraf to Cook, Fuller in length around off, Alastair presents a water-tight defense.
38.6 : F Ashraf to Cook, Similar delivery outside off, pushed off the front foot to covers. Another tidy over from Ashraf.
Drinks taken. Cook and Bairstow were playing well but Ashraf got rid of the latter with a beautiful delivery. Pakistan have continued to bowl well and are keeping the batsmen guessing. From England's point of view, the ex-English skipper holds the key. He has batted with a lot of composure and needs to continue with the same approach.
39.1 : H Ali to Stokes, Fuller length ball, angling in, Stokes gets a stride forward and pushes it to cover-point.
39.2 : H Ali to Stokes, Bowls it full again and Stokes defends it out.
39.3 : H Ali to Stokes, Offers the full face of the bat and blocks it right under his eyes. Three solid blocks from Stokes in a row.
39.4 : Ali to Stokes, Shout for an LBW but it dies pretty quickly! Tailing in sharply from outside off, Stokes moves across to flick that but he gets an inside edge on the pads. The umpire spots the inside edge and makes the correct decision.
39.5 : H Ali to Stokes, No Ball! Stokes dabs it on the off side. Replays show Hasan Ali overstepped by some margin.
H Ali to Stokes, FOUR! Lovely straight drive from Stokes! Fuller length ball, touch too full from Ali, Stokes leans into the drive and gets his timing right. Beats the man at mid off and the ball speeds away to the boundary.
39.6 : H Ali to Stokes, Excellent delivery from Ali to end the over, he spears in a yorker on middle and leg, tails in a little, Stokes just brings his bat down in time and digs it out.
40.1 : F Ashraf to Cook, FOUR! Vintage Cook. Slightly overpitched by Faheem, Cook gets a nice stride forward towards the pitch of it and creams it through the covers. Timing is spot on and the ball races to the boundary.
40.2 : F Ashraf to Cook, Angling across the stumps, Cook doesn't play at it.
40.3 : F Ashraf to Cook, Leg bye! Short of a length ball, on the leg stump line, Cook looks to flick that but misses it. The ball goes off the thigh pad on the leg side. A leg bye taken.
40.4 : F Ashraf to Stokes, Stokes leaves a wide delivery to the keeper.
40.5 : F Ashraf to Stokes, Stokes dances down the track and seeing that, Faheem drops it short outside off. The batsman decides to leave it.
40.6 : F Ashraf to Stokes, Straighter from Faheem, Stokes moves across and clips it away to deep mid-wicket. Retains the strike with a single.
41.1 : H Ali to Stokes, Bowls a fuller delivery on the stumps, Stokes gets right behind it and blocks it down the track.
41.2 : H Ali to Stokes, FOUR! Firmly driven by Stokes. He gets a half volley from Hasan Ali and dispatches it past the mid off fielder. Gets on the front foot and plays the off drive with perfection.
41.3 : H Ali to Stokes, Ali pulls his length back after being hit for a boundary, angling across and Stokes decides to leave it.
41.4 : H Ali to Stokes, Stokes smashes it and Hasan Ali is in the firing line. He gets hit on the wrist and looks in some pain. However, recovers quickly and is ready to continue.
41.5 : H Ali to Stokes, Pacy delivery from Ali, bowls a yorker on middle and off, Stokes jams his bat down and stops it.
41.6 : H Ali to Stokes, On a length outside off, angling away from the stumps, the southpaw decides to leave it.
Shadab Khan is back into the attack.
42.1 : S Khan to Cook, Slider on the stumps, Cook pushes it to the cover region.
42.2 : S Khan to Cook, Low full toss on the stumps, the batsman mistimes the drive to mid off.
42.3 : S Khan to Cook, Driven through mid on by the batsman. One run added to the total.
42.4 : S Khan to Stokes, Gets to the pitch of the delivery and punches it to long on. Rotates the strike with a single.
42.5 : S Khan to Stokes, On middle and leg, Stokes works it with the spin to deep mid-wicket. A single added to the total.
42.6 : S Khan to Cook, Pushes it down the ground towards the fielder at mid off.
43.1 : H Ali to Stokes, Serves a fullish delivery on off, Stokes sits back and dabs it on the off side.
43.2 : H Ali to Stokes, Oh yes! He bowls a sharp bumper into the batsman. Stokes is using his feet regularly and to counter that, Ali comes up with the short ball. The southpaw ducks under it and lets it go.
43.3 : H Ali to Stokes, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
43.4 : H Ali to Stokes, Huge shout for an LBW turned down! Bowls a fullish delivery, tailing into the batsman, who looks to flick that but gets hit on the front leg. Maybe, it is doing too much and would have missed the leg pole.
43.5 : H Ali to Stokes, FOUR! Great shot from Stokes, this battle between Stokes and Hasan Ali is keeping everyone interested. Now, the left-hander takes a step down the track and whips it to the mid-wicket boundary.
43.6 : H Ali to Stokes, Short ball from Ali to end the over, Stokes lets it go. The keeper collects it with fingers pointing skywards.
44.1 : S Khan to A Cook, Quicker ball on the stumps, Cook pushes it down the track.
44.2 : S Khan to Cook, Flatter from Shadab and Cook hits it back to him.
44.3 : S Khan to Cook, Works it with the spin to deep mid-wicket. Gets off strike with a single.
44.4 : S Khan to Ben Stokes, FOUR! Outside edge, rolls past the man at first slip! Loopy googly on the middle and off stump line, Stokes lunges forward and jabs at that one but he gets a thick outside edge. The ball strolls to the third man fence.
44.5 : S Khan to Stokes, Uses his wrists and works it in front of square leg for a single.
44.6 : S Khan to Cook, FOUR! Boundary to end the over, Cook has played drives with precision in this innings. He gets a massive stride forward and drills it against the spin. The ball races away to the cover boundary.
Mohammad Amir is back on. Can he break this 36-run stand?
45.1 : M Amir to Stokes, Short of a length ball outside off, Stokes stands tall and slaps it to the right of mid off. Azhar Ali hares after it and pulls it inside the ropes, saves a run for his side.
45.2 : M Amir to Cook, Slightly wide from Amir and that's enough for Cook to make a leave.
45.3 : M Amir to Cook, Bowls from wide of the crease, angling in, Cook sits back and watchfully leaves it alone.
45.4 : M Amir to Cook, Third leave on the trot, but this one is slightly tighter. A nip backer from Amir, which threatens to kiss the off stump but misses it by a few inches. So, we can label it as a good leave in the end.
45.5 : M Amir to Cook, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
45.6 : M Amir to Cook, No shot offered by Cook. Three runs from Stokes, followed by five leaves from his partner.
46.1 : S Khan to Stokes, Slider on middle and leg, Stokes stays back and punches to mid-wicket. Good stop there by Babar Azam.
46.2 : S Khan to Stokes, Turns in just a little, Stokes sits back and dabs it wide of the keeper.
46.3 : S Khan to Stokes, SIX! Bingo! Stokes breaks the shackles with a biggie. That's the first six of the innings. Loopy delivery on the stumps, he clears his front leg out of the way and slogs it over the mid-wicket boundary for a maximum.
46.4 : S Khan to Stokes, The batsman works it down the leg side.
46.5 : S Khan to Stokes, Pushes it to the cover region, the fielder mops it and throws it back to the bowler.
46.6 : S Khan to Stokes, Much quicker in pace from Shadab, the all-rounder blocks it down the track.
47.1 : M Amir to Cook, Angling into the pads, Cook stays back and pushes it gently to mid-wicket.
47.2 : M Amir to A Cook, Plays a square cut, only to find the man at backward point.
47.3 : M Amir to Cook, FOUR! Punched off the back foot. Cook stays in his crease and forces it with nice timing through cover-point for a boundary.
47.4 : M Amir to Cook, Defends it to the cover region.
47.5 : M Amir to Cook, OUT! Cracking nut from Amir, he gets the vital wicket. Cook was looking good to get a big one today, but he gets an unplayable delivery from the talented left-arm pacer. He bowls from wide of the crease and angles it into the batsman. Cook looks to play for the angle but he is decieved by the late movement. The ball whizzes past the outside edge and smashes into the top of off. Cook departs for 70 and England have lost half their side before tea. Can Pakistan pick one or t
The on-air commentators speak about Stokes who has spent a lot of time with Shane Warne in the Indian T20 League which might be the key here. He will face Shadab with a lot of confidence which was evident in that big shot he played in the last over.
Jos Buttler walks out to bat. He was in some phenomenal form in the Indian T20 League and it will be interesting to see whether he can replicate similar kind of performances in the longest format of the game.
47.6 : M Amir to Buttler, AHHH... almost gets the another wicket. Smartly bowls a yorker closer to the off stump, Buttler is late on it and gets it off the inner half to fine leg.
48.1 : S Khan to Buttler, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
48.2 : S Khan to Buttler, Buttler defends it down the track with the dead bat.
48.3 : S Khan to Buttler, Sits down on one knee and paddles it away to fine leg. A couple more added to the total.
48.4 : S Khan to Jos Buttler, FOUR! That's the shot of a man in prime form. Floated leg break on the stumps, gets to the pitch of it and whips it against the spin to the right of mid on. The ball races away to the fence.
48.5 : S Khan to Buttler, Slider outside off, Buttler dabs it on the off side.
48.6 : S Khan to Jos Buttler, FOUR! More runs from the bat of Buttler, he certainly looks in rich vein of form. He reaches out a little for that one and blasts it through the covers for a boundary.
49.1 : M Amir to Stokes, Stokes sits back and defends it towards cover-point.
49.2 : M Amir to Stokes, Stokes dances down the track. He looks to flick that but is rushed there and gets hit on the thigh pad.
49.3 : M Amir to Stokes, Closes the face of the bat and glances to fine leg. Single taken.
49.4 : M Amir to Buttler, Amir ensures he doesn't provide any room to Buttler. Bowls it full on middle, the batsman defends it on the off side.
49.5 : M Amir to Ben Stokes, Direct hit would have made things interesting! Buttler dabs it to square leg and calls for a quick single. Stokes responds but the fielder is quick to the ball and makes a clean pick up. Shy's but misses.
49.6 : M Amir to Stokes, Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
50.1 : S Khan to Buttler, Flatter leg break outside off, Buttler powers it to the sweeper cover for a single.
50.2 : S Khan to Stokes, Pushes it through and Stokes dabs it to mid-wicket.
50.3 : S Khan to Stokes, Serves a quicker delivery on the stumps, Stokes defends it out.
50.4 : S Khan to Stokes, Loopy leg break outside off, gets on the front foot and blocks it.
50.5 : S Khan to Stokes, Dabs it to the mid-wicket region. That's another dot ball.
50.6 : S Khan to Stokes, Ends the over with a single, Stokes powers it to the left of the bowler and the ball rolls to long on.
51.1 : M Amir to Stokes, Muted appeal for an LBW! Length ball, sliding down leg, Stokes misses on the flick shot and wears it on the front leg. Amir goes up quickly but aborts his appeal even quicker.
51.2 : M Amir to Stokes, Slanting it down leg, Stokes advances and moves across his stumps. Looking to glance that but fails to make contact with the leather.
51.3 : M Amir to Stokes, Amir rushes Stokes with a quick delivery which hits him on the thigh pad. He just has no answers to what Amir has to offer in this over.
51.4 : M Amir to Stokes, Smart thing from Stokes, he pushes it to mid on and gets off strike with a single.
51.5 : M Amir to Buttler, Good length ball on the stumps, Buttler stays back and defends it down the track.
51.6 : M Amir to Buttler, Solid block from Buttler to end the over. That's Tea on Day 1!
Session stats - 26 overs, 93 runs scored for the loss of 2 wickets. A decent session for England, despite them losing a couple of important wickets. England were in a bit of a tricky position when they started after the lunch interval. However, a 57-run stand between Cook and Bairstow got them to a safer position. Both the batsmen were trying to stabilize things for the home team but a brute of a delivery from Faheem got the better of the latter.
A wicket was followed by another decent stand, Cook joined hands with Stokes to add another 49 runs to the total. The opener continued on his merry way while Stokes looked confident. Sarfraz got Amir back into the attack to break the stand and the pacer didn't disappoint. He dished out a special delivery and got rid of the well-set opener. Buttler has looked positive so far in his short stay at the crease and it will be entertaining if the two Englishmen continue to do well post Tea. Join us bac
... Day 1, Session 3 ...
We are back for the final session. Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes to resume their innings. Hasan Ali to bowl first up after Tea.
52.1 : H Ali to Stokes, Back of a length ball on off, punched off the back foot to covers.
52.2 : H Ali to Stokes, This one moves away a bit more and Stokes has nothing to do with it.
52.3 : H Ali to Stokes, Angling in sharply, Stokes hops back and gets hurried a bit but does well in the end to work it to fine leg. A run taken.
52.4 : H Ali to Buttler, Fuller in length around off, Buttler leans ahead and strokes it to mid off. Nice timing on that one.
52.5 : H Ali to Buttler, Similar delivery, Buttler perhaps goes at this one with hard hands. Gets it towards extra cover where Azhar Ali moves to his left and stops it. A run taken.
52.6 : H Ali to Stokes, Swinging in, cramping Stokes for space. He tucks it off the inner half of his bat through square leg and picks up a run.
Mohammad Abbas to bowl from the other end.
53.1 : M Abbas to Stokes, Goes down the pitch and leaves it to the keeper. Some intent from Stokes.
53.2 : M Abbas to Stokes, Another leave. This one was back of length from Abbas and Stokes had no intention of playing that either.
53.3 : M Abbas to Stokes, Back of length, Stokes defends it back to the bowler.
53.4 : M Abbas to Stokes, Another confident defensive stroke from Stokes off the back foot.
Seems like this one pitched outside leg but Sarfraz has decided to take a review after a conversation with his bowler. Have the visitors got this one right?
53.5 : M Abbas to Stokes, OUT! Yes, the visitors have got this one right. Judicious use of the review from Pakistan. Abbas has been brilliant today and gets another one. He bowls a length ball around leg stump, Stokes tries to flick it across but misses to get pinged on the pads. Abbas roars in an appeal but the umpire stays put. Sarfraz has a chat with Abbas and decides to challenge the decision. Time for the replays. Well, well, well. It has pitched in line and is also crashing into the stumps
Dominic Bess, the debutant, strides out to bat. He is a handy lower-order batsman. Can he make an impact with the bat?
53.6 : M Abbas to Bess, On a length around off, kept out watchfully. A wicket maiden for Abbas, brilliant stuff.
54.1 : H Ali to Jos Buttler, OUT! What a catch! Take a bow, Asad Shafiq. It was a poor shot from Buttler though. He seemed to be in the T20 mode and pays the price for it. On a driveable length wide outside off, Buttler throws his bat at it but only manages to get a thick outside edge. It is traveling at the speed of knots towards Shafiq at second slip. He is cool as a cucumber and times his leap to perfection. Takes a sharp catch and then tumbles over. His teammates barge towards him and hug hi
0.0 : Mark Wood comes out to bat.
54.2 : H Ali to Wood, Outside off, left alone.
54.3 : H Ali to Wood, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
54.4 : H Ali to Wood, Four Leg byes! Bonus runs. Back of a length ball, angling in, Wood tries to play it away but the ball brushes his pads and runs past the slip cordon and through to the fence.
54.5 : H Ali to Wood, On a length outside off, left alone.
54.6 : H Ali to Wood, Streaky! Looks to turn it to the leg side but is early into his shot. A leading edge is induced and the ball rolls to mid off. A single taken.
55.1 : M Abbas to Wood, Backfoot punch from Wess, he gets his first run on his debut. this was bowled back of length, outside the off stump. He scampers for a single through the empty cover region.
55.2 : M Abbas to Bess, Straighter one from Abbas and nicely defended by the batsman from the front foot.
55.3 : M Abbas to Bess, Wess leaves the length ball. No run.
55.4 : M Abbas to Bess, Straight delivery at the stumps and Wess flicks it to the sqaure leg. No run.
55.5 : M Abbas to Bess, Wess was in two minds. He wasn't sure as to play it from the backfoot or front and ends up poking at the wide delivery. No harm done in the end.
55.6 : M Abbas to Bess, He swings his bat but misses the ball. Abbas is not allowing the batsmen to get any easy runs.
56.1 : H Ali to Wood, On a length outside off, Wood taps it towards backward point for a brisk single.
56.2 : H Ali to Bess, Similar length ball outside off, played with an open bat face towards third slip.
56.3 : H Ali to Bess, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
56.4 : H Ali to Bess, In the zone outside off, left alone.
56.5 : H Ali to Bess, Full delivery well outside off, Bess is not lured into a false stroke and makes a good leave.
56.6 : H Ali to Bess, Straying on the pads this time, tucked through square leg for a run.
57.1 : M Abbas to Bess, Good length and Bess lets it go.
57.2 : M Abbas to Bess, FOUR. Nicely done this. Got into good position to play the flick through mid wicket region. Welcome runs for the England team.
57.3 : M Abbas to D Bess, OUT! Another one bites the dust! Abbas gets his man. He bowled last two balls into the batsman and deliberately throws this wide of the off stump, enticing the batsman to go for the expansive drive. Bess wanted to make full use of the loose ball and goes after it, only to get a thick outside to Shafiq at second slip. He moves quickly to his left and pouches it safely near his mate at first slip. What a start to this session by Pakistan. They are going through the lower
Stuart Broad is the new man in.
57.4 : M Abbas to Broad, On a length around off, kept out watchfully.
57.5 : M Abbas to Broad, OUT! Abbas is having a gala time, gets a 4-fer to his name, can he get one more and finish with a five-wicket haul? Great exhibition of pace bowling from him. He bowls a fuller length delivery outside off stump and gets it to angle in sharply from around the wicket. Broad is caught in the crease as he attempts to keep it out but gets hit on the pads. Pakistan appeal in unison and up goes the umpire's finger. Broad doesn't even think about challenging the decision, takes
James Anderson is the last man in.
57.6 : M Abbas to Anderson, In the channel outside off, Anderson lets it go.
58.1 : H Ali to Wood, FOUR! Shot! On a fuller length around off, Wood punches it nicely off his back foot and gets it past the bowler. The fielder from mid off races after it. Amir looks to flick that inside the ropes but tumbles over it and the ball touches the rope.
58.2 : Ali to M Wood, OUT! Ali finishes with a 4-fer as well! The young Pakistani sensation has proved his mettle. He hits the deck hard and catches Wood by surprise who goes for a pull but miscues it completely. The ball flies towards mid on. Amir backtracks and dives full length to take a great catch. ENGLAND ARE BOWLED OUT FOR 184!
What a start for Pakistan! On a helpful surface, they bowled with needle-like precision and got the rewards as well. Two young Pakistani bowlers, Mohammad Abbas and Hasan Ali blew the home side away, taking four wickets each. Apart from a couple of decent stands, England just catapulted. Only Alastair Cook played with composure and scored a well-made fifty but he failed to carry on.
The visitors were brilliant in the field as well. A couple of sharp catches from Asad Shafiq in the slip region was a testimony to that.