Pakistan’s top and middle-order disintegrated on Day 1 of the Third Test as they fell victim to another disciplined and swinging seam attack that England produced.
Batting on a wicket that favored the English fast bowlers, none of the home batsmen were able to form long or substantive partnerships at the crease, surrendering regular, and rather meek, wickets throughout the crucial stages of the day that the visiting team could exploit for their advantage.
The continuous wavering shown by the national side continues, an opportunity which England have grabbed to consolidate their position on the final test of the series.
A formidable unit themselves and looking in a helpful morning on the test wicket, England’s seams took few scalps in the opening stages, working to very tight lines and seam movement, getting that crucial bounce off the pitch.
The Pakistan top and middle order fell prey to loose shots and impressive movement off the pitch which prevented any sort of partnership for the home side to flourish and sustain.
The lower-middle order showed some resistance to help stabilize the Pakistani innings, batting cautiously, but despite the sensible approaches taken, failed to convert their promising starts into large scores as wickets fell frequently throughout the day. The visiting pacers were on top throughout, stifling any sort of Pakistani retaliation.
With England firmly entrenched in a powerful position, there is now huge pressure on the Pakistani bowlers to provide immediate redress for their struggling batting line in the remaining sessions of the test.
The pace attack at England’s disposal has proved too strong for the Pakistan batsmen throughout this series, and with Pakistan being rolled over by them in a session yet again at the time of writing, the home side are faced with an enormous task, not only in staying competitive in this match but ultimately striving to secure a response that will save them a series whitewash.
