Late wicket tips balance
Pakistan lost the key wicket of half centurion Imam-ul-Haq late on the third day to give England renewed hope in the second cricket test.
Pakistan finished the day on 198-4 and need a further 157 to deny England a second successive victory in the three-match series and also record their highest-ever successful run-chase in a home test match.
England, who held a 79-run first innings lead, had set up another imposing target of 355 runs on a deteriorating Multan Cricket Stadium wicket after they were bowled out for 275 in their second innings.
The tourists had already successfully defended 342 runs on a flat wicket in the first test to clinch a 74-run win at Rawalpindi in England’s first test in Pakistan for 17 years.
The lefthanded pair of Imam, who made 60, and Saud Shakeel (54 not out) had thwarted England seam and spin for just over 21⁄2 hours and shared a 108-run stand before Imam played a loose drive against Jack Leach and was caught in the slips late in the last session.
The lefthander put his head down in despair before leaving the field.
“It was really an important wicket,” said England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick, referring to Imam’s late dismissal. “They (Imam and Shakeel) were building into a nice place and the wicket was pretty docile as the ball gets old, (but) it is always good to get a wicket just before the break.”
Both lefthanded batters showed grit and determination and used their feet well against England’s spinners until Imam’s miscue.
England had earlier missed an opportunity to dismiss Imam soon after he completed his half-century. Television replays showed a tiny spike on Imam’s bat when he tried to glance Mark Wood down the legside and was well caught by Ollie Pope. However, captain Ben Stokes didn’t go for the referral.
“It’s an even match,” Pakistan batting coach Mohammad Yousaf said. “Had we not lost the wicket of Imam, England would have been more under pressure. We will definitely go all out for the victory, there’s no question about it.”
James Anderson, OIlie Robinson and Wood had baffled Pakistan with a superb display of seam and swing bowling in the middle session, claiming three wickets in space of 17 runs before Imam and Shakeel dug in and took Pakistan to 136-3 at tea.
Imam didn’t open the innings after feeling discomfort in his hamstring and went to hospital for MRI scans, but batted without much trouble at No 5 though Will Jacks had a chance to end his innings but couldn’t hold onto a sharp return.