England collapse to heavy second Test defeat as Pakistan’s pitch ploy pays off
After 20 wickets in four sessions, the fourth morning of the second Test dawns with England find themselves confronted by a 12-storey crisis with a magnificent entrance hall, carpeting throughout, 24-hour portage, and an enormous sign on the roof, saying ‘This Is a Large Crisis’. In other words 36 for two, both openers gone including the best sweeper currently in the game, 261 runs from victory on a raging Bunsen with Sajid Khan, the most aggressive finger spinner in terms of vitality, swagger and attitude I’ve seen in decades, bouncing in and driving ragging off-breaks into the rough. Not so much crossing a minefield as a minefield in a rake storeroom post-earthquake and at midnight.
There has been much grumbling about the match essentially being decided by the toss but Pakistan have had to pick themselves off the floor after 11 home Tests without a win and fight. They could easily have crumbled on days one, two and three but their tail wagged to give them a competitive score in both innings, Salman Agha cashed in after being dropped twice in three balls and the two finger spinners have done the rest. If we love the game even more than we love a particular team, then it’s win-win. If England manage to win, it’s one for the ages, if Pakistan do so then it’s good for the long-term viability of a vibrant world Test game.
Too many times in the early hours I have written ultimately futile intros clutching at straws as logic insisted that England’s demise was imminent. And one becomes a master of looking for crumbs of comfort, however unlikely. Yet with Ben Stokes and this team all things are possible. In their favour are Headingley 2019 when they chased 362, Trent Bridge and Headingley 2022 when they reached 299 and 296 then three weeks later made 378 for three to beat India at Edgbaston. When all seemed lost at Headingley in the Ashes last year and staring at 3-0 down after three Tests, they rallied to get over the line with 254 for seven. Messrs Pope, Root, Brook and Stokes all played starring roles in one or more of those victories.
Ll were at home, of course, but Root, in particular, is in fantastic nick, played judiciously last night and ought to have the benefit of a pitch temporarily sedated by the heavy roller for the first half-hour. The odds are heavily against them but one last straw, Pakistan have only two bowlers that the captain trusts. They are likely going to have to take all 10 between them. If England can see one of them off, then game on. It is highly unlikely of course but watching them try is always compelling.
Source: telegraph.co.uk
