ENG vs PAK: 3rd Test – Talking points from the third day’s play
England tightened their grip on the third Test against Pakistan at The Ageas Bowl, Southampton as the hosts enforced the follow-on against the visitors. Pakistan captain Azhar Ali played a defiant knock of 141 not out in their first innings. Pakistan finished their first innings on 273 all out while replying to England’s 583/8 declared. He was ably supported by Mohammad Rizwan who notched a fifty for himself. James Anderson was the pick of the bowlers as the world’s leading wicket-taking fast bowler took his 29th five-wicket haul in Tests.
Azhar Ali’s defiance
Pakistan captain was under fire after not being to defend 278 runs in the first Test against England. Ali’s batting also came under the scanner with the growing number of his LBW dismissals. The batsman made a technical change to his batting stance in this innings and delivered with the bat to live another day. Becoming the first captain from either side to score a century, Ali celebrated his 17th Test hundred. Rescuing the side from 5/75, he batted through the innings and remained unbeaten. He ran out of partners when he batting on 141 runs.
THAT moment ?#ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/0rzf4TDmXQ
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 23, 2020
Mohammad Rizwan continues to impress
Pakistan kept their experienced wicketkeeper-batsman, Sarfaraz Ahmed, in reserves to go with Mohammad Rizwan. The 28-year old has completely justified his selection throughout the series. Not only Rizwan’s keeping has been impeccable but also his batting has sparkled. Scoring his second half-century of the series, Rizwan scored 53 but more importantly added 138 runs with Azhar Ali for the sixth wicket. He helped his captain in rescuing the side from the precarious position of 75/5.
Anderson’s bad luck
Probably give Jimmy a bit of room lads…#ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/7Lrxpo4uxc
— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) August 23, 2020
Anderson began this Test with 593 Test wickets in his account. He took three in quick succession yesterday. The morning of the third day’s play began wonderfully for the pace bowler as he swiftly pouched his fourth scalp. Anderson took four out of four wickets to fall and kindled the hopes of completing his 600 in this innings itself. However, the English fielders had different plans. Rory Burns and Zak Crawley dropped catches in the same over and then Stuart Broad shelled an easy chance at mid-wicket to frustrate Anderson. Dominic Sibley eventually held on to one as Anderson claimed his fifth scalp. The pace bowler finished the innings with the figures of 5/56.
