England are already facing defeat in the first Test after a Shan Masood-inspired Pakistan dominated the second day at Emirates Old Trafford. Opener Masood worked his way to 156, forming the basis of Pakistan’s 326 all out.
He added 105 with Shadab Khan, who busied his way to 45 in a post-lunch period where England surrendered the initiative with some baffling tactics.
When they came to bat, the hosts were exposed to Pakistan’s skilful, enthusiastic and dangerous attack and limped to 92-4.
Rory Burns was lbw to Shaheen Afridi in the first over and Dom Sibley fell in the same way to Mohammad Abbas. When Abbas bowled Ben Stokes, England were 12-3. Joe Root and Ollie Pope managed to add 50, only for Root to be caught behind off the leg-spin of Yasir Shah for 14.
Pope ended unbeaten on 46 in the company of Jos Buttler, England 234 adrift and looking to the lower order to retrieve a dire situation.
Even if England can get somewhere near Pakistan’s total, they face the prospect of batting last on a dry surface offering turn and showing signs of uneven bounce. (BBC Sport)
