England’s determination and persistence were rewarded with crucial late wickets on day three of the first Test against Pakistan.
In grueling conditions on lifeless ground in Rawalpindi, tourists looked set to be frustrated with a chic century from local captain Babar Azam.
But when Babar cut Will Jacks off for 132, James Anderson followed by removing Mohammed Rizwan, before the debuting Jacks snapped Naseem Shah into the middle of the wicket.
It gave Jacks 3-132 and put Pakistan 499-7 in the end, still 158 behind.
It was nothing more than England deserved on a day when they tried everything to create chances despite the minimal assistance on offer.
Saturday started with Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq completing centuries, making it the first test in history where each opener for both sides has made a hundred in the opening innings.
A first Test wicket for Jacks and two for Jack Leach left Pakistan 290-3 and gave England an opening.
Then came the genius of Babar and the late drama.
England rewarded for its long labor
It was a magnificent display from England, just as impressive as their record feats of accumulating 657 with the bat.
Rawalpindi is a notoriously difficult ground on which to force a result – only 14 wickets fell in the last Test at this venue.
Still, England are adamant they are not playing to draw – all seven matches in the Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum era have had a positive result – and their hard work has left them with excellent chances of victory.
Hampered by the absence of Liam Livingstone, who didn’t take the pitch all day with a knee injury, England’s bowlers never lost their discipline, while Stokes played and tinkered with his pitches.
They will return refreshed on Sunday, confident of wrapping up Pakistan’s story and securing a sizable lead.
Then how England go about securing a target in Pakistan and allowing themselves enough time to topple the hosts again is likely to be exciting.
Brilliant Babar delights Rawalpindi
Only a handful of spectators were enthusiastic enough to show up on a quiet Saturday morning but, as Babar’s score rose, so did the crowd.
On the hottest day of the game so far, home fans chanted Babar’s name, often dueling the trumpeter who tried to keep England spirits up.
Although he didn’t match England’s quick score, Babar was the smoothest of the Pakistani centurions. He jumped to shoot anything short and eagerly used his feet against spinners, including hitting Leach for six to elevate his half.
He slapped Stokes through the covers to reach the game’s seventh century and arguably the most popular.
So comfortable, Babar looked set to continue on Sunday. Out of nowhere, he tricked Jacks into leaving Pindi Stadium in silence.
It was the first of four wickets to fall for 84 runs, a decisive turn in favor of England.
Early and late success for England
England’s effort and creativity have rarely faltered, it’s just that their successes have come from either side of the Babar masterclass.
Even when faced with a 405-3 score, Stokes employed as many as seven wide receivers.
Pakistan took over 181-0. Shafique went from 89 to register his third hundred in just eight events, Imam went from 90 to earn his third ton on this ground.
Debutant Jacks induced a Shafique advantage for his first Test wicket before Imam moved Leach through long-range. Then, bowling the second new ball, Leach rammed one into the pads of Azhar Ali, who was lbw.
Off-spinner Jacks had just 21 first-class wickets before this game and none will be more valuable than the error he induced from Babar.
Another sign of England’s invention was Anderson going around the wicket for Rizwan to pass in the middle of the wicket and Jacks strike again via an excellent catch from Leach in the middle of the wicket deep on the wasteful shot by Naseem.
“We tried to make it fun” – what they said
England’s Joe Root, speaking to Sky Sports: “A brilliant day. This last session, all the work we put in paid off.
“It was attritional. We had to be creative throughout the day and got our rewards at the end.
“If you feel like you don’t have a chance, you make it extremely difficult. But we stuck together, tried to make it fun and interesting and get them to think outside the box.
“We have three big wickets to take in the morning and then we will try to plant a few and reach a reasonable total.”
Pakistani fly-half Abdullah Shafique to Sky Sports: “It was a good day for Pakistan because we played well. Yes, we lost a few wickets but we are in a good position.
“We have a positive approach. There is no question of a draw. England will play attacking and give us a good total. So we will fight.”
