PAK vs ENG 1st Test day 4 Update: Despite some solid batting display by Pakistani batters, the visitors still sensed some lead with 5 sessions left in the first test.
Pakistan were bowled out for 579 after adding more 80 during the first hour of the game on day 4, handing England a 78-run lead.
Their bowlers also started the second innings with a good preparation as they removed both the openers of England, who both scored centuries during the 1st innings.
England were at 46 for 2 at the time of Lunch on Day 4 of the first test at Rawalpindi.
PAK vs ENG 1st Test day 4 Update
Earlier, England created an opening day record by scoring 506 runs on day 1 of the test, while added another 151 in next morning’s first 2 hours to put 657 on board in quick time.
Four English batters smashed centuries in the process, including both the openers.
Interestingly, every centurion recorded runs with a strike-rate of over 100. While the young man Harry Brook, who scored the most runs among all stuck 4,4,4,4,4,4 in a single over on day 1, while shot 27 runs on day 2. He played a knock of 153 off just 116 in his second test match.
Riding high on their performances England managed to record 657 runs on board.
Leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood, who gave up 235 for his four wickets in 33 overs, made an unwanted record of leaking most runs in a test debut.
PAK Vs ENG Pakistan 1st innings
Pakistan, however, also gave a tough fight as it was the time for their openers to shine and they did exactly the same by smashing centuries.
Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq both scored centuries and recorded 225 for the first wicket.
The England attack, led by James Anderson, laboured in a similar way to how the home team had earlier as the pitch was once more unresponsive to bowlers.
Azhar Ali, who came at no.3 failed to provide any good numbers in a high-scoring game and got out early.
The skipper Babar Azam, however, stood tall in front of English bowlers and scored the highest runs for his side.,
He and Saud Shakeel added 133 runs for the fourth wicket and helped Pakistan crossed the 400-run mark before Shakeel walked back for 37.
Then Babar departs for 136, while his opening partner in white-ball cricket Rizwan also walked back after scoring 29.
Two more quick wickets during the last session on day three put Pakistan in pressure.
But a good hand by Agha Salam (53) on the fourth day morning put his side a bit closer to the visitor’s total.
Will Jacks bagged 6 wickets for England, Jack Leach grabbed 2, while pacers James Anderson and Ollie Robinson took 1-1 wicket each.
With only 5 sessions remaining in the test, and England are 124 runs ahead, it will be interesting to see if they play in a similar first innings fashion to ask the hosts chase a big total on final day or play bit defensively.
