England v Pakistan, 3rd Test, Edgbaston, Day 1 - Sohail Khan returns in style

No team has won a Test match at Edgbaston batting first since that eventful Test match in 2005 between England and Australia. Perhaps, this record prompted Misbah-ul-Haq to field first at Edgbaston after winning the toss, but I think, he should have batted first and let Yasir Shah to utilize the track on the fourth or final day which is supposed to aid the spinners. This is a sporting wicket where there is a very good balance between the bat and ball.

But the four-men Pakistani bowling attack backed their captain’s decision and kept on picking up wickets whenever a partnership started to build up. Sohail Khan was the wrecker in chief as he fetched five wickets, including the prized wicket of Joe Root. It was a great return for the man after almost five years. That abysmal bowling average of 245 before this Test surely has improved by now.

Sohail is more about energy rather than skill. In the morning he was steaming in and hit the deck hard. He surprised the batters with his pace and discipline. He doesn’t move the ball that much, but his energy proved vital for Pakistan. But his lethargic figure at the end of the day was alarming – he was just running in to bowl without any intent, but to finish a routine work. During a tiring day he might be found wanting. He should be sued in short spells.

Mohammad Amir bowled brilliantly. He moved the ball at pace and I could notice, he has started to pull his length back. I don’t understand why this guy is not bagging wickets in plenty. Just two wickets don’t justify his efforts on the field. Meanwhile, Yasir Shah frustrated me. He was more about one dimensional bowling – more leg spin and no variations. There was hardly any sign of googly. It allowed the batters to go more on the back foot, whereas, Yasir was needed to bring them on the front foot more.

Moeen Ali and Gary Ballance played very important knocks. They helped to stabilize this English innings when the Pakistani bowlers were at the top of their bowling mark.Staurt Broad and Steve Finn hit some hefty blows and 297 is a competitive total on this track. Pakistan should bat very well tomorrow.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar