Cricket: In the lead, but not in control

England hit back with two late wickets, Pakistan ahead by 96.

DUBAI:

Mohammad Hafeez conceded that captain Misbahul Haq’s dismissal in the penultimate over of the day was a setback but backed his side to seize the initiative on the third day of the opening Test against England.

A well-set Misbah was dismissed for 52 by spinner Graeme Swann before Abdur Rehman was out to fast-bowler James Anderson as Pakistan ended day two at 288 for seven in response to England’s first-innings score of 192.

However, all-rounder Hafeez, who struck 88, said that Pakistan remained in the driving seat with a lead of 96 and three wickets remaining.

“Misbah’s wicket was costly but we’re in a strong position,” said Hafeez. “With the ball turning, we still have a good chance in this match.”

Misbah’s 13th half-century – his 11th in 13 Tests as captain – had kept Pakistan in front after Hafeez and Taufeeq Umar (58) gave a sound start on a slow turning pitch. But Swann trapped Misbah in front with a sharp incoming delivery and had the not-out decision by Billy Bowden overturned by the Decision Review System (DRS) to boost England’s cause.

Misbah had put on a valuable 52 for the sixth wicket with wicket-keeper batsman Adnan Akmal, who was unbeaten on a gritty 24.

‘We deserved the wickets’

England paceman Stuart Broad said his team deserved wickets at the end.

“We deserved those wickets,” said Broad. “It was Swann’s decision to take the review because we had two and it’s no use keeping them in the hat. So we got that crucial wicket and now need to bowl them out quickly and score big.”

Before Misbah’s dismissal, Pakistan lost the crucial wicket of Younus Khan (37) on the stroke of tea when the experienced batsman was adjudged leg-before to part-timer Jonathan Trott. England took the second new ball and Anderson’s first over with it brought the downfall of Asad Shafiq (16) to leave Pakistan at 231 for five.

It was paceman Broad who gave England the breakthrough in the morning session after the Pakistan openers resumed at 42 for no loss.

Broad bowled Taufeeq, just one ball after Chris Tremlett dropped Hafeez off a miscued hook which resulted in a single. Three overs later, Broad swung one away from Azhar Ali and had him caught behind by wicket-keeper Matt Prior, much to the jubilation of his teammates.

Zaheer Abbas

“England bowled a tight line. Their bowlers weren’t wayward and troubled Pakistan batsmen. I think on this pitch Pakistan should have looked for a lead of about 170 to 180 to remain in the driving seat.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 19^th, 2012.