England vs Pakistan 2018

[ghazi52]

LONDON: Seamer Mohammad Abbas (C) celebrates with his Pakistan team-mates after taking the wicket of England opener Alastair Cook during the first Test at Lord’s

Clinical Pakistan produce the unexpected dissection of England
Mark Wood punched the ball down the field for an off drive, and Mohammad Amir was at mid-on, but made quick ground to catch up to the ball. He came from the left of the ball, but he kept running until he was on the ball's right. Then he squatted as he ran and tried to flick the ball back. Amir missed it, fell over the rope, and didn't even see the ball hit the rope.

Pakistan at their worst.

***

Pakistan would bowl first, by their own choice, or ultimately with England winning the toss. Pakistan wanted to use their strength - this bowling attack - as soon as they could. There is a sameness to Pakistan's seam attack, there are no tall bowlers, no one fast either. Other than Amir's left arm, they're very similar; all rely on skill, all are 130s bowler.

When Rahat Ali bizarrely played in the Ireland Test - despite having not played a first class game before the tour since the end of 2016 - the Pakistan attack did not look that good. They seemed to rely on the sticky tape keeping Amir's knee together, and the occasional breakthrough of Shadab Khan. Hasan Ali has completed his attack, and although he is more of the same, he's high quality more of the same.

But what this allows them is four seamers who don't bowl poor balls, three of which are strike bowlers. The accuracy allows them to build pressure. And that is what they are, a high skilled bowling attack that doesn't give you much, but which can occasionally bowl magic balls. Sure, Mohammad Irfan's height would be handy, as would Wahab's 40 minutes of occasional brilliance, but this is a different kind of attack. They stick to plans; they keep it tight, and they move the ball for long periods of time. It may not work everywhere, but for the first 16 wickets of this match, in this climate, on this pitch, it couldn't have worked much better.

There was no time there wasn't some pressure on the English batting, Abbas attacked the stumps, Hasan the outside edge, Faheem Ashraf kept the scoreboard pressure on, and Amir bowled great spells. And of course there was magic.

But when Hasan bowls a big hooping delivery or Mohammad Abbas nips one violently or Amir produces a supernova, it's not a one-off thing that has to work, it's the cherry on top of an exceptionally well baked medium-fast cake.

***

Even in the #MisYou days, Pakistan struggled for a top three. But against Ireland, it became a scream.

Malahide exploded when Boyd Rankin took Ireland's first Test wicket. The next ball Tim Murtagh added their second. 13 for 2, Pakistan would recover, before losing a bunch of middle order scalps and teetering on the edge at 159 for 6. In the second innings they were chasing 160, Rankin took a wicket, but the real destroyer was Murtagh.

Murtagh is a 36-year-old seamer who's played 211 first-class games, mostly in the County Championship, but has never been that close to English selection. He bowls in the high 120s, and he had Pakistan sweating both times he bowled to them. Murtagh is a good quality first-class bowler, but he's not Jimmy Anderson.

Azhar Ali bats too slow, Imam-ul-Haq is only picked because of his famous uncle, and Haris Sohail is a late bloomer who looks pretty but has a permanent look of impermanence. And now without Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan, there is no safety blanket left. Asad Shafiq's finding batting a hell of a lot tougher away from the cushy number six position. Babar Azam, the white-ball batsman, looks down on Babar Azam, the red-ball guy. And whatever magical land Sarfraz Ahmed's batting came from, it seems to have gone back to.

Yet on a cold grey day, close enough to stumps to make them nervous, Pakistan held on. The following morning, they stepped up again. When their captain played a silly shot in the shadows of tea, their middle order pulled together, even after Babar's arm was smashed up. They out batted England's bowlers on a day England's bowlers bowled well, they handled Wood's short balls, and survived the best Ben Stokes could throw at them.

Azhar did what he does for over 200 minutes; it wasn't his best innings, but in the context of the match, it is heroic. Shafiq looked like the senior batsmen he actually is, and his innings was quality. Babar batted on rails, the exact way someone of his talent should have batting. It's probably the best Test innings of his life. But no one made a big score; it was a decent total, made as the entire team stands up.

They didn't just out-bat England; they out-batted their individual parts. And they withheld.

Asad Shafiq unfurls a perfect drive

Mohammad Abbas is ecstatic after picking up a wicket

 

[Asian.Century]

England v Pakistan Test 2 at Headingley - tickets, test times starts
Friday, June 1 and Tuesday, June 5.

Can Pakistan win series after 1996 and lift the cup
In 23 Years England got defeated in Summers May first time at home.

Tickets
There are tickets still available for some of the dates at Headingley.

Day one - Tickets still available

Day two - Sold out

Day three - Tickets still available

Day four - Tickets still available

England's World Cup matches will be shown on a big screen in Leeds city centre

Tickets start from £5 for juniors and £20 for adults with a five day pass also on sale.
You can get tickets from Yorkshire Cricket Club’s website.

 

[ghazi52]

How the men in green fared in the memorable #PakvsEng
By Hamza Junaid

Mohammad Amir of Pakistan celebrates taking the wicket of Dom Bess of England during day four of the 1st Test match between England and Pakistan at Lord's Cricket Ground on May 27, 2018 in London, England. PHOTO: GETTY

In the first Test at Lords, Pakistan did to England what Pakistan does best – surprise everyone when they expect it the least. I’ll make a confession, I was hopeful for Pakistan to perform but not confident enough to wake up so early and sacrifice my sleep over it, since the match started at 6am in New York. When I woke up, England was four down for a little over 100 runs.


Then, Mohammad Amir ran in and got Alastair Cook bowled with a move that only Amir could have pulled off. From that moment onwards, I was glued to the TV for the next three days.


What made Joe Root choose to bat first in overcast conditions with moisture in the pitch is beyond my knowledge. He could have had a “brain fade” moment or he was overconfident, but either way, it helped Pakistan secure a victory in the first Test match in the series.

Joe Root gets a handshake from Sarfraz Ahmed at the toss, England v Pakistan, 1st Test, Lord’s, 1st day, May 24, 2018. Photo: Getty

Here is how I would rate the performance of each player in this memorable Test Match:

1. Mohammad Abbas: 10/10

Abbas isn’t about Pakistani fast-bowling swag. He isn’t express fast, he doesn’t have long hair and he doesn’t carry a thick golden chain in his neck either. He is none of that. He knows only one thing and that is bowling with discipline that earns you wickets. He is less about style and more about effectiveness. Full marks to Abbas for his eight wickets that crippled England’s batting order.

Mohammad Abbas trapped Alastair Cook lbw, England v Pakistan, 1st Test, Lord’s 3rd day, May 26, 2018. Photo: Getty

2. Babar Azam: 10/10

Babar needs no introduction anymore. He has cemented his place in shorter formats and convinced the viewers he deserves a go in Test matches as well. His past Test match performances were embarrassing to say the least, but his 68 in the first innings were a treat to watch. It’s extremely unfortunate that Babar got injured in the middle of a beautifully constructed innings that seemed to be on its way to a 100. I would recommend him to wear an arm guard next time! I wish him a speedy recovery.

Babar Azam had to retire hurt after taking a blow on the forearm, England v Pakistan, 1st Test, Lord’s, 2nd day, May 25, 2018. Photo: Getty

3. Asad Shafiq: 10/10

Asad scored 59 in the first innings but coupled with the slip catches he took, he deserves full marks for his efforts. Watching Asad construct a fluent partnership with Babar in testing conditions took us all by surprise. If anything, Asad might want to work on the short ball because it was the same ball Mitchell Starc got him out with when he was on his way to make history against Australia.

Asad Shafiq unfurls a perfect drive, England v Pakistan, 1st Test, Lord’s, 2nd day, May 25, 2018. Photo: Getty

4. Amir: 9/10

I have been critical of Amir and that’s no secret. This time around, his bowling efforts were on the mark. He earned five wickets in total but he delivered wickets when we needed them the most. He got Alastair in the first innings when he was becoming an obstacle for Pakistan and then he returned in the second innings to get two wickets in an over to get Pakistan right on top. Jonny Bairstow must feel unlucky to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. It was simply an unplayable delivery.

Mohammad Amir celebrates as England collapse, England v Pakistan, 1st Test, Lord’s 3rd day, May 26, 2018. Photo: Getty

5. Haris Sohail: 9/10

One down is one of the most critical positions to bat in any form of the game and even more so in Test Matches. One down batsman often needs to steady the ship after a fall of an early wicket. Pakistan was 12/1 in both innings when Haris walked in but he made sure nobody pressed the panic button. He played a fluent 39 each innings but we do expect a bigger score from him coming soon.

Haris Sohail and Imam-ul-Haq celebrate Pakistan’s victory in the first Test, England v Pakistan, 1st Test, Lord’s 4th day, May 27, 2018. Photo: Getty

6. Faheem Ashraf: 8/10

Faheem didn’t pile on runs or bagged a handful of wickets but we didn’t expect that from him either, did we? He is brand new to Test cricket and playing in one of the most testing conditions. His 37 off 38 balls were a treat to watch. He showed aggression and the will to score while on the pitch. He also picked up a wicket of Jonny in the first innings.

Faheem Ashraf couldn’t quite convert into a century on Test debut, Ireland v Pakistan, Only Test, Malahide, 3rd day, May 13, 2018. Photo: Getty

7. Shadab Khan: 8/10

If there is one player with a certain bright future ahead of him, it is Shadab. At such a young age, the guy has made his place in all three forms of the game for Pakistan, which is absolutely incredible. His 50 in the first innings, along with a few handy wickets, puts us in a dilemma on how to keep him on the side when Yasir Shah returns.

Shadab Khan celebrates, Ireland v Pakistan, Only Test, Malahide, 3rd day, May 13, 2018. Photo: Getty

8. Hasan Ali: 8/10

Hasan is new to Test cricket as well and still has plenty to learn as he plays more. His four wickets in the first innings nonetheless setup Pakistan’s dominating position. I hope someone is managing his workload because he along with Amir is playing all three formats.

Hasan Ali claimed the big wicket of Joe Root for 4, England v Pakistan, 1st Test, Lord’s, 1st day, May 24, 2018. Photo: Getty

9. Azhar Ali: 7/10

Azhar was critical in the first innings. When conditions were tough and England’s bowlers were trying to roll over Pakistan, Azhar stood there and negated the new ball. His 50 came at a time when we were most nervous of a batting collapse from the top order. However, as one of the most prolific Test batsmen in Pakistan’s current side, we expect more runs from Azhar. Hence, some marks are taken off for not converting a 50 into a bigger score, and falling early in the second innings.

Azhar Ali anchored Pakistan’s batting on the second morning, England v Pakistan, 1st Test, Lord’s, 2nd day, May 25, 2018. Photo: Getty

10. Sarfraz Ahmed: 7/10

Six and a half out of that seven is for his captaincy and catches. The other 0.5 is for his batting. Sarfraz has been a great leader but his personal contribution in the batting department has been lacking. There is a sense of urgency and rush when he comes out to bat. He needs to take a deep breath, calm his nerves and spend some time on the pitch to give himself a chance to score big.

Sarfraz Ahmed held onto a blinder to remove Dawid Malan, England v Pakistan, 1st Test, Lord’s 3rd day, May 26, 2018. Photo: Getty

11. Imamul Haq: 6/10

Imam didn’t get a chance to bat much in the second innings and his first innings ended far earlier than he would have liked. His contributions in this Test were not as prominent as other players but he looks determined. Hopefully, he will get a bigger score in the next Test match.

Imam-ul-Haq ducks underneath a delivery, England v Pakistan, 1st Test, Lord’s 4th day, May 27, 2018. Photo: Getty

Out of the 10 sessions played, Pakistan dominated England in nine of them. This wasn’t just a win; it was a stamp of authority from Pakistan. While the English media will grill England’s Test side over the next few days, Pakistani players will be flying high on confidence. A similar performance from Pakistan would be expected in the next Test match as well. A whitewash is very much on the cards and this time it would be against England, in England itself.

Good luck to Pakistan for the second Test match!

 

[ghazi52]

Amir eyes golden memory as Pakistan look to finish off England

LONDON: Mohammad Amir claims bowling Pakistan to a Test series win in England would be "the best memory" of his life.

Fired-up Amir was a key figure in Pakistan´s nine-wicket win over England in the first Test at Lord´s.

The 26-year-old pace bowler took five wickets in a triumph that put Pakistan on course for a series victory.

The second Test of the two-match series begins at Headingley on Friday and Amir has his sights set on completing a success that would ranked as the finest achievement of his career.

"It´s a big achievement winning in Test cricket in England against England at home," he said on Wednesday. "If we win the series I think it will be the best memory of my life."

Amir was delighted with Pakistan´s dominant display at Lord´s but he expects England´s wounded pride will ensure the hosts push them much harder in Leeds.

"Winning games at Lord´s - the home of cricket - it is very hard to win (in England). We did well at Lord´s, but it´s passed now," he said. "Everybody knows England are a very good side - I think one of the best sides in Test cricket - and they will come harder at us here. But we are ready for that challenge."

Mohammad Abbas was Pakistan´s most potent seamer at Lord´s, with eight wickets, while Hasan Ali took four in the first innings.

Amir believes they all have Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood to thank for the damage they caused to England´s creaky batting line-up.

"Credit goes to all the bowlers, especially Mohammad Abbas. He´s bowling very well - and Hasan Ali," Amir said.

"But credit goes to Azhar Mahmood as well. He´s working hard with us and keeps telling us, ´Pitch the ball up, pitch the ball up´. I think that was the main difference at Lord´s.

"We are looking for the same here, and I always give the credit to Azhar Mahmood because he is working so hard - and he is the man behind this."

 

[Dalit]

Need to go hard at England. England are in a fix. The last couple of days England players and media have not had any sleep. Clearly the Brits are hurt badly after the loss.

Pakistan will have to play excellent cricket. Just pretend that dirty India is the opponent at the other end. No need to celebrate or become complacent. We will have to be at our best from toss to the last ball of the second test. These moments don't present themselves every time. We are in a unique position to win the test. Let's make the absolute most of it.

 

[ghazi52]

2nd Test, Pakistan tour of England at Leeds,
Jun 1-5, 2018

• 
  Pakistan
  68/4 * (26 over)

• 
  England
  

Day 1: Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat

 

[CIS-TRANS]

2nd Test, Pakistan tour of England at Leeds,
Jun 1-5, 2018

• 
  Pakistan
  68/4 * (26 over)

• 
  England

Day 1: Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat

Pakistan is again in deep trouble due to their futile batting, still unpredictable as far as batting is concerned.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Sarfraz got this .....100 runs today

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

If Pakistan can get to 180 ... it would be a recoverable situation

 

[ghazi52]

Pakistan collapse against England in second Test after winning the toss

LEEDS, United Kingdom: Sarfraz Ahmed found himself batting before lunch after winning the toss as Pakistan collapsed on the first day of the second Test against England at Headingley on Friday.

At lunch, Pakistan were 68 for four with all of their top-order dismissed.

Test debutant Usman Salahuddin was three not out and Pakistan captain Sarfraz six not out.

Stuart Broad enjoyed an early double strike on his way to lunch figures of two for for 23 in nine overs, with recalled all-rounder Chris Woakes taking two for 17 in six overs.

Pakistan arrived at Headingley after thrashing England by nine wickets in the first Test of this two-match series at Lord´s.

Friday´s pitch looked a good one to bat on but humid and overcast conditions offered to assist the bowlers, with Sarfraz´s decision at the toss especially bold given Pakistan had dismissed England for just 184 in their first innings at Lord´s.

Broad might have had Imam-ul-Haq lbw for nought, but the decision was overturned on review because of height.

Left-hander Imam, the nephew of Pakistan selection chief and former Test batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq, was still out for a duck, however.

England´s catching, as well as their batting and bowling, had been below standard at Lord´s but when Imam drove loosely outside off stump against Broad, England captain Joe Root held a sharp chance at third slip on his Yorkshire home ground.

Pakistan were now none for one.

Azhar Ali tried to grind it out but his two off 29 balls ended when he was lbw to a Broad inswinger.

England made three changes, with 19-year-old Surrey seamer Sam Curran given a Test debut after all-rounder Ben Stokes was ruled out with a torn hamstring.

Meanwhile Woakes replaced fast bowler Mark Wood and Keaton Jennings was recalled instead of struggling fellow opener Mark Stoneman.

Asad Shafiq showed his class by cover-driving James Anderson for four.

But Warwickshire seamer Woakes removed Haris Sohail, who had battled his way to 28, when the left-hander carelessly opened the face and edged a simple catch to second-slip Dawid Malan.

Salahuddin, selected after Babar Azam suffered a broken arm batting against Stokes at Lord´s, might have caught behind for a duck off Woakes but England barely appealed after a thin deflection.

Woakes though removed Shafiq, whose 27 featured five boundaries, when he edged a rising delivery to Alastair Cook at first slip.

Former England captain Cook dropped several chances at Lord´s and he needed a juggle to hold this one.

 

[ghazi52]

2nd Test, Pakistan tour of Englandat Leeds,
Jun 1-5 2018

• 
  Pakistan
  174

• 
  England
  53/1 * (17 over)

Day 1 - Session 3: England trail by 121 runs with 9 wickets remaining in the innings

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

50-50 Game, if bowlers have a good healthy session they can peg back england around 220-225

 

[litman]

i saw on cricinfo and read"pak won the toss and opted to bat". i called names to sarfaraz and went to sleep. when i got up i saw pak 94/7 i stopped watching the match. i dont know who was the idiot who told them to bat first?

 

[ghazi52]

• 
  England
  106/2 * (37 over)

Day 1: England trail by 68 runs with 8 wickets remaining in the innings

 

[Proudpakistaniguy]

everyone was suggesting to bat first ..even root wanted to bat first but i think Pakistan should not bat first considering their batting is fragile and only hope is when blowloer do job in restricting England . It wasa snot easy wicket in the morning but when wicket got better then Pakistan had no batsman to play so Engalnd took advantage and now its very difficult for Pakistan to win from here