Multan (Web Desk): England resumed batting on the third day of the first Test in Multan on Wednesday in response to Pakistan's imposing total of 556 in the first innings.
On Tuesday, Pakistan’s first innings came to an end with a formidable total of 556 runs on the second day of the first test match.
In response, England scored 96/1 runs at the close of second day play, with Zak Crawley unbeaten on 64 and Joe Root on 32.
England’s innings started on a shaky note, losing their captain Ollie Pope for a duck. He fell to pacer Naseem Shah early in the chase, leaving the visitors at 0 for 1. However, Crawley and Root stabilized the innings with a solid partnership.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan resumed their innings at 328/4, with Saud Shakeel and nightwatchman Naseem Shah at the crease. The two built a steady partnership before Naseem was dismissed for a valiant 33, leaving Pakistan at 388/5. Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan followed soon after, departing without scoring a single run.
Saud Shakeel played a key role for Pakistan, anchoring the middle order with a composed knock of 82 from 177 balls. His dismissal came at 450/7. A late flourish came from all-rounder Salman Ali Agha, who remained unbeaten on 104, guiding Pakistan to a formidable total. Contributions also came from Shaheen Shah Afridi, who chipped in with 26 runs, while tailender Abrar Ahmed added 3 runs before being the last man out.
Playing XI
Pakistan: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmad
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir