Factors that may determine Old Trafford Test

Even pitch might play into Pakistan’s hands but what is expected to be a close tie can swing on several factors

KARACHI: After the pulsating action at Lord’s, the pitch for the second Test between Pakistan and England at Old Trafford also promises to deliver a closely fought competition.

The even pitch that offers prolific spin on the last two days might play into Pakistan’s hands but what is expected to be a close tie can swing on several factors.

The Pakistan top-order

Openers Mohammad Hafeez, Shan Masood and number three Azhar Ali combined for a worryingly paltry 101 runs in the two Lord’s innings.

The three are in for a sterner test at Old Trafford with the return of England’s bowling spearhead James Anderson.

Hafeez looked the best of the lot in the first innings — scoring 40 off 59 balls — before a duck in the second innings. Both his dismissals were largely due to his expansive approach and he will be looking to tighten up without losing his natural flair.

Masood looked overawed by the occasion and was caught fishing outside the off-stump to Chris Woakes in both innings. With Sami Aslam and Sharjeel Khan knocking on the door, the left-hander may well be playing for his spot.

Azhar, who scored hundreds in both warm-up games before the Tests, occupies the all-important number three spot and might find himself out in the middle earlier than he would like, especially if Anderson and co hit their groove early on. The time he spends out in the middle will be absolutely vital for the visitors.



Adil Rashid vs Yasir Shah

England are likely to bring in leg-spinner Adil Rashid in place of Moeen Ali, but the hosts are also keeping the option open of playing two spinners.

Rashid might be a spring chicken as far as Test cricket is concerned but has adequate experience of Old Trafford conditions. The spinner took a vital five-for on the last day of his Test debut in Abu Dhabi last year and can ask some serious questions of Pakistan’s right-handers.

But Rashid has his work cut out if he is to have the same impact as Yasir. If Pakistan bat first and post anything in excess of 275, they will put a lot of pressure on the hosts, especially with Yasir’s leg-spinners on their minds.

Conversely, the tourists will feel the heat too if the situation is reversed.



James Anderson vs Wahab Riaz

Anderson returns to the England side after bowling long spells in a county game against Durham.

His return of 45 wickets in 10 Tests against Pakistan is his best against a leading Test nation in terms of bowling average (17.06) and economy rate (2.15). Over the years, he has maintained a stranglehold on the top-order and if he finds his rhythm and outswing then he can once again run through the batting line-up.

Wahab Riaz, on the other hand, might have only taken two wickets at Lord’s but his reverse-swinging spell on the fourth day was of the very highest level and severely tested the English batsmen.

In recent months, Wahab has been extremely unlucky in terms of wickets, but almost every second Test spell of his catches the attention of the connoisseurs. With the Old Trafford pitch likely to be bouncier than Lord’s, Wahab may well claim a bagful of wickets with his extra pace and bounce.



Catching and fielding

The slip fielders and wicketkeepers of both outfits were guilty of some inept catching at Lord’s. Both captains were given early reprieves; Cook being gifted two chances on his way to 81, while Misbah survived a run-out chance and a half-chance at slip.

Sarfraz Ahmed and Jonny Bairstow were also untidy at times, dropping a catch apiece. With the pitch expected to take turn and bounce, the close-in catchers will have to be on top of their game.

It may be a cringe-worthy cricketing clichés but catches might well win the match at Old Trafford.