TWIST IN TAIL FOR ENGLAND
ENGLAND’S legendary double act blamed themselves for failing to dismiss Pakistan before bad light caused havoc with the second Test.
Stuart Broad and James Anderson took three wickets apiece but Pakistan’s first innings is still in play on 223-9 thanks to Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten 60.
Bad light called an early halt to the second day with just 40.2 overs possible and both Broad and Anderson admitted they had to accept the umpire’s decision on the light but should have wrapped things up sooner.
“I think we’re a bit disappointed not to have bowled Pakistan out already,” said Broad. “We’ve created enough chances and the ball has done enough. But we’ve
not managed to hold on to the chances or strike when we needed to as a bowling unit.”
Anderson, below, added: “We’re a little bit frustrated we didn’t get a chance to finish them off. The light has been gloomy all day and we’ve been lucky to get the play we have.
“It was gloomy but it’s one of those when it didn’t seem like the batsmen were struggling too much.
“Maybe there could be a bit more leeway there, but I don’t think we can change the colour of the ball when it gets dark.”
The England quicks shouldn’t be too hard on themselves after bowling without a huge amount of luck across the two days, but both showed plenty of skill for their rewards.
Broad’s consistency has been remarkable, taking 25 wickets at an average of just 12 this summer.
He said: “I feel in a great rhythm and I want to wrap it in cotton wool because we know as sportspeople it doesn’t last forever, but it certainly feels good.
“It is one of those summers you don’t want to finish. Things have been going my way as a player and I want it to last as long as possible.”