Rizwan and co dig in to leave England’s attack feeling glum
ENGLAND were left frustrated by a gritty Pakistan batting rearguard and more bad weather on day two of the second Test at the Ageas Bowl.
Rain and bad light meant only 40.2 overs were possible as the tourists reached 223-9.
Babar Azam blunted England in seamer-friendly conditions before falling for 47 to Stuart Broad.
Pakistan were 158-6 but Mohammad Rizwan capitalised on strange England tactics with an unbeaten 60 after being dropped on 14.
He dominated a gutsy ninthwicket stand of 39 with Mohammad Abbas which could prove crucial.
Pakistan are edging towards a good score in conditions that may suit their seam attack.
There have been only 86 overs across the first two days – on day two, rain delayed the start by 90 minutes and bad light took the players off the at 16:45 BST - but there is still be time for a result in a low-scoring game.
When England, who lead 1-0 in the three-Test series, bat they will likely face a stiff examination with more gloomy, humid weather forecast for much of the game.
England began the day on top with Pakistan 126-5. They ended it having allowed Pakistan to battle back. Babar and Rizwan batted well in the delayed morning session, patiently leaving and scoring only 29 runs in an hour-long session before lunch.
When Babar edged a fine delivery from Stuart Broad – one that pitched on a good length and moved away – to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, England had an opening at Pakistan’s long tail.
Rizwan had been troubled by deliveries similar to the Babar dismissal early on. Instead of continuing with that tactic, England changed their approach and offered Rizwan easy singles in an attempt to bowl at the tailenders.
Rizwan – dropped on 14 by Buttler diving high to his left off a topedged pull - punished England with the bowling now scattergun, his five fours coming after he had faced 70 balls.
He also manoeuvred the strike well and Abbas contributed just two in their impressive stand.
The passage of play was similar to two seen in the first Test at Emirates Old Trafford.
After bad light brought an early tea, England came out and reverted to their original plan. Broad immediately dismissed Abbas lbw with a full, straight ball.