Pakistan vs England – 3rd Test – Match Update – Game well poised
Abdur Rehman’s deserved five-for saw England ending their first innings on 141, before Pakistan posted 30 for 2 at lunch on Day 2 as the third Test proceedings hangs in equilibrium at the Dubai International Stadium, February 4, 2012.
The morning continued at a rapid pace with wickets tumbling for both sides - neither party establishing a clear day light in the match. The Poms had hoped to strengthen their lead after they resumed on 104 for 6 but their poor showing against quality spin
was again evident as Rehman got his team running with a wicket in his first over.
James Anderson opted to drive but failed to connect and was bowled out though the gap between his bat and pad. Stuart Broad hung around to ensure skipper, Andrew Strauss, brought up a much needed half-century – the only bright spot of the innings.
However, the shrewd tail ender departed shortly after that, adjudged lbw off Saeed Ajmal via the now infamous Decision Review System. It left Strauss to ponder on his watchful play but was left to rue, after he was stumped coolly by Adnan Akmal, providing
Rehman his fifth scalp.
Graeme Swann swung Ajmal for two boundaries and also managed to escape a referral, before falling at deep square leg as the English innings was brought to a close by their nemesis, Ajmal.
A lead of 42 will be seen as handy under the current circumstances, but anything to chase above 150 will ask plenty of questions for the English batters. As Pakistani openers came to bat for the second time, their first task was to ensure that they overcame
the deficit.
However, they faltered again with James Anderson scooping up Taufeeq Umar, who edged behind to depart for 6. His partner, though, looked in good touch –notching up two boundaries off the pacers before confronting with Monty Panesar.
Intent on showing aggression, Hafeez clobbered the left-armer for a straight six before cutting handsomely for a four. However, the attacking instinct eventually came to his demise after he mistimes an attempted sweep and was caught pretty adjacent to the
stumps.
No referral was taken as Hafeez walked of the park disappointed, leaving his team in a bit of bother. Younis Khan and Azhar Ali’s quite approach then helped their team to enter lunch.