The Pakistan batting line-up ul ul ul -Haq has never played any Test matches in England until today and he made his
first ever Test match in England and at the Mecca of cricket count by scoring a remarkable hundred and I
must say, his celebration after scoring the hundred was one of the strangest
and finest I have ever seen in my life as a cricket fan.
Misbah-ul
Today, Misbah has earned the respect of those people who are
not his fan and that includes me as well. But, some people know how to respect and
admire remarkable achievements and in that sense, hats off Misbah.
Asad Shafiq was another batsman who impressed me a lot. While most of the Pakistani batsmen, even Misbah, were found to fall across the line, but Asad was rock solid at the crease. He was always behind the ball, watching it closely and defending it like the way the coaching manuals tell you to do. I don’t understand why Asad is taking so long to flourish? He is one of the most competent batsmen among his teammates and has the ability to make a mark international cricket, but sadly, he has not lived up to the expectations. I hope he will bloom.
Since Mohammad Zahid left, Jake Ball has given me the impression of another bowler who uses his shoulder to generate pace. But, like Zahid he doesn’t use his shoulder too much. Ball is a good fast bowler and impressed everyone with his pace and accuracy. England’s bench strength is good.
Asad Shafiq was another batsman who impressed me a lot. While most of the Pakistani batsmen, even Misbah, were found to fall across the line, but Asad was rock solid at the crease. He was always behind the ball, watching it closely and defending it like the way the coaching manuals tell you to do. I don’t understand why Asad is taking so long to flourish? He is one of the most competent batsmen among his teammates and has the ability to make a mark international cricket, but sadly, he has not lived up to the expectations. I hope he will bloom.
Since Mohammad Zahid left, Jake Ball has given me the impression of another bowler who uses his shoulder to generate pace. But, like Zahid he doesn’t use his shoulder too much. Ball is a good fast bowler and impressed everyone with his pace and accuracy. England’s bench strength is good.
I think England’s weakest link has been those vacant areas
in the second and third slip. The Pakistani batsmen fetched plenty of runs in
those areas. They were edgy and engaging two slips would have been productive
for Alastair Cook.
Two late wickets made the first day a well balanced one and overall, it was a great day of Test cricket.
Two late wickets made the first day a well balanced one and overall, it was a great day of Test cricket.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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