3rd Test: Rehman spins Pakistan into contention

Spinner takes 3-25 after hosts routed for 99 opting to bat first.

DUBAI:

England edged to a slender five-run lead over Pakistan at stumps on the opening day of the third and final Test against Pakistan in Dubai.

A total of 16 wickets fell during an extraordinary day’s play as Pakistan, routed for just 99 in their first innings by England pacemen Stuart Broad (four for 36) and James Anderson (three for 35), hit back through their spinners to leave England struggling at 104 for six.

England, playing for pride after losing the first two Tests and the series, now hold a slight lead on a seemingly batting-friendly pitch. At close, Andrew Strauss was unbeaten on 41 and James Anderson was on three not out.

Paceman Umar Gul led Pakistan’s fightback by dismissing opener Alastair Cook (one) and Jonathan Trott (two) before Strauss added 57 for the third wicket with Kevin Pietersen (32) during their bids to overcome batting frailties. Abdul Rehman and Saeed Ajmal, who grabbed 34 of the 40 wickets in the first two Tests, then grabbed four more wickets, with Rehman dismissing Pietersen and Eoin Morgan (10) and Ajmal accounting for Bell (five).

Pakistan coach Moshin Khan said the decision to bat first was unanimous. “We thought if we could see off the first hour it would be easier later, but it didn’t happen,” said Khan.

Earlier, Broad and Anderson bowled well to expose Pakistan.  Anderson struck in the first over, trapping opener Taufeeq Umar for a duck.

Broad snared Ali in his third over through a caught-behind and caught Younus Khan off guard with a rising delivery. He then claimed Mohammad Hafeez’s wicket, trapping him leg-before.

Only Asad Shafiq showed resistance with a fighting knock of 45. However, Panesar, who took two for 25 broke the 34-run stand between Ajmal (12) and Shafiq after lunch as Pakistan folded out for 99.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 4^th, 2012.