Second Test: Root punishes Pakistan

England captain Alastair Cook won the toss on a good pitch and in sunny conditions ideal for batting

MANCHESTER: Joe Root’s unbeaten 141 was the centre piece of England’s commanding 314 for four on the first day of the second Test against Pakistan at Old Trafford on Friday.

England captain Alastair Cook, who won the toss on a good pitch and in sunny conditions ideal for batting, made 105 and shared a second-wicket stand of 185 with Root.

Pakistan’s left-arm pace trio of Mohammad Amir, Rahat Ali and Wahab Riaz became increasingly threatening as the skies clouded over late on Friday. Amir took two for 63 and Rahat two for 69, with both men bowling 20 overs on Friday.

But star leg-spinner Yasir Shah, who took a man-of-the-match winning 10 wickets at Lord’s, returned figures of none for 111 in 31 overs.

Amir had opener Alex Hales dropped in the gully on six by Asad Shafiq.

Hales was dismissed by Amir as he swung the ball back knocked over his middle and off stumps.

Meanwhile, Cook reached his half-century in style with a straight-drivefour off Shah.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2016.