Azhar Ali's heroic knock gives the crucial lead for Pak

Tags: Pakistan tour of England - 2010, ENG v PAK 3rd Test at London - Aug 18-22, 2010, Azhar Ali, Graeme Peter Swann, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Asif, England, Pakistan

Published on: Aug 20, 2010

Scorecard | Commentary | Graphs

Pakistan have put England under pressure by removing their Skipper Andrew Strauss in the 3 overs of their second innings that were bowled on the second day

Pakistan have put England under pressure by removing their Skipper Andrew Strauss in the 3 overs of their second innings that were bowled on the second day. The hosts after conceding a first innings lead of 75 runs are feeling the heat at The Oval.

Resuming at an overnight score of 48 for 1, Pakistan was reduced to 110 for 4 before Mohammad Yousuf (56) steadied the innings with Azhar Ali with a fifth wicket stand of 69. Azhar Ali went onto put 57 runs with Umar Akmal (38) for the next wicket before a silly run out of the latter took place in the 80th over. England then got quick wickets with the second new ball and Pakistan was bowled out for 308. Azhar Ali was stranded on 92* (from 176 balls with 15 fours) with no batsman left at the other end.

England's hero of the day was Graeme Swann who picked up 4 for 68 in 27.2 overs.

Day 1 Report

Left arm quick Wahab Riaz captured a five-wicket haul on debut to help Pakistan bowl out England for just 233 on the first day of the 3rd Test Match at The Oval in London. England batting first after winning the toss could last only 62.3 overs under seaming conditions. The hosts were in shambles at 94 for 7 but a 119-run stand between Matt Prior (84* from 127 balls with 14 fours) and Stuart Broad (48 from 77 balls) took the total to some respectability. Wahab Riaz who bowled consistently over 145 kmph ended with superb figures of 18-6-63-5 while Mohammad Asif took 3 for 68 in 20 overs.

At Stumps on Day 1, Pakistan have started decently well losing only Imran Farhat in the 18 overs that were possible. The other opener Yasir Hameed has batted positively for his unbeaten 36.

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