Welcome to the complete updates of 3rd Test match of England vs Pakistan at Rose Bowl in Southampton:
Pakistan On The Ropes, Azhar Ali Stands Tall With Unbeaten Century:
Pakistani skipper Azhar Ali scored an undefeated 141, a slap in the face of his critics, but his effort could only offer a hint of respectability to the first-inning effort of the tourists. In response to England’s 583/8 declaration, Pakistan was limited to 273, with James Anderson completing his first five-wheel haul of the year, a haul that left him two wickets away from his 600th.
But even 200 seemed distant at one point. They were 30/4 before they stumbled to 75/5, and it seemed as if England was consigning Pakistan to humiliation. Ali interfered with the necessary assistance of wicket-holder Mohammad Rizwan, who is rapidly improving his image as Pakistan’s late middle-order enforcer.
Weather Forecast:
Showers are expected to interrupt play today in Southampton, even though there is a big enough gap. It is, in fact, predicted to be heavy rain for parts of the day today. It looks like only weather can save Pakistan’s fate in the series.
Day 4 Begins:
Day 4 action is underway in Southampton, England’s eye series win as Pakistan has been forced to follow. Masood and Abid Ali are in the crease. Anderson is opening the attack. And the five runs, the bonus runs! Right at the start, Abid Ali swung it towards the square leg, where the alternate fielder took the goal at the end of the bowler. Anderson didn’t realize it was coming, misses, and the ball ran to the fence. What a start! PAK- 10/0
Ollie Pope Injured, Leaves The Field:
After insulting his left shoulder, Ollie Pope left the field. According to sources, he had recently had an operation on his shoulder, and by the way, that’s where he got injured today. It seems he’s not coming back any more today.
Dropped By Buttler:
Anderson gets a beauty to move on to Shan Masood, and he’s flying over to Buttler, but he doesn’t seem to pick it up at all, as he’s moving right past his gloves and hitting the square on his thigh. Anderson has a smile, but he’s sure to burst inside! How many of them have dropped him now? Losing counts. PAK-18/0 (f / o) over 5.
England Unable To Breakthrough:
“In the last 72 overs, England’s bowlers have only managed to get Rizwan (WK) and the tail-enders. Pitch isn’t doing a lot at the moment. It’s all in the head …. batsmen just need to take it session-by-session and bat until one hour after lunch tomorrow,” says Syed Abid on social media. But the question is whether Pakistani batsmen will be able to demonstrate this kind of mental resilience. PAK- 40/0 (f/o) after 17 ovs | Pakistan trail by 270 runs.
Rain Forces Early Lunch:
Rain hits Southampton as the match is pushed into early lunch. Pakistan’s Abid Ali (22 *) and Shan Masood (13 *) have formed the longest open partnership (in terms of balls) for Pakistan against England in England since 2001. Pakistan slowed things down a bit at the end—-16 runs from the last 10 overs. They ‘re behind 269 runs. PAK is 41/0 after 18 overs.
Rain Finally Stops!:
The rain is finally going to end in Southampton! Much as yesterday and the day before, and so on. The sun is out, and the arbiters will be out to check the pitch at 6:50 PM IST. There’s a lot of water on the covers and even on the outfield.
Pakistan Resume Batting:
The teams are back in the Ageas Bowl after a rain break, with Pakistan’s Abid Ali and Shan Masood resuming. Jimmy Anderson has a ball in his hand with 598 buckets to his name and a quiet one to begin with (just a leg-bye). PAK-42/0 after 19 ovs.
LBW! PAK- 51/1 (f/o):
Hey, Lbw!! Masood makes an mistake by deciding to leave the ball. Yet it’s close to off-stump and bounces around just enough to hit the pads. Umpire lifts his finger as he doesn’t give a shot. Masood went to the review, but the call to umpire is out and he has to go back. Masood Lbw Broad 18(66). Pakistan Trail 259 runs.
PAK Are 55/1 After 30 Overs:
Jora Archer’s maiden and guests try to fight it out. “Considering the situation winning the match and the series is out of the window for Pakistan, but if they can somehow manage to win this match by beating their wits out, it will give them a hell of faith and would certainly shake England’s winning trust,” Asif writes on social media. The Pakistan Trail has 255 loops.
Alis Hanging On For Pakistan:
It’s only three of the last five frames, but no wickets. Only Abid Ali (31 *) and Captain Azhar Ali (5 *) are taking things slowly; very wise, considering the circumstances. Bess and Woakes are both hunting for wickets. PAK is 61/1 after 36 overs.
Pakistan Showing Their Mettle:
Pakistan is really showing its merit here against England’s bowling team, which has the likes of Anderson, Broad and Woakes. Both Abid (42 *) and Azhar (17 *) choose their shots well and even find the boundary once in a while. When Broad is bowling without any slip, it just goes to show how well the top order of the opposition has been battling. PAK is 84/1 after 45 overs.
WICKET!
James Anderson is getting his 599th wicket! Abid Ali, who has been looking so defiant so far, is caught between the wickets by the seasoned pacemaker and goes off on 42. Babar Azam comes to assist his captain. The PAK is 88/2 after 50 overs.
Hundred Up For Pakistan:
When the arbiters came out with a dictatorship requiring England to spin a bowl if they decided to stay outside, Bess and Root were under attack. Babar Azam (4 *) and Azhar Ali (29 *) deal well with singles. Anderson can only smile right now. PAK is 100/2 after 56 overs.
Bad Light Makes A Cameo:
Bad light has stopped play. Pakistan are 100/2, with 27 minutes until stumps.
Stumps on Day 4!
And there’s the confirmation — the stumps! Since poor light and rain made the entrance to Southampton, the arbiters mark it a day. Pakistan will end on 100/2 with Azhar Ali (29 *) and Babar Azam (4 *) in the centre. According to tomorrow’s forecast, another grim day full of showers is expected. Will a washout prove to be a salvation for Pakistan?
