Get Newsletter
Notification products, updates
October 11, 2024
On day three, it was Shan Masood’s challenge to creatively adjust the field positions in hopes of getting wickets. This task was always going to be tough on a flat pitch that showed no signs of wear, providing little assistance to the bowlers.
The 96 runs scored by England on the second evening raised concerns for Pakistan, even with their substantial first-innings total. Under the bold leadership of Stokes and McCullum, England has never lost a Test match after conceding over 500 runs in the first innings, highlighting their aggressive batting approach. However, India reminded them earlier this year that, despite their powerful batting, victories come only when the bowlers dominate.
In their first Test in the subcontinent since the tour of India, England fielded a five-man bowling attack, even with their top bowlers unavailable. The conditions were grueling, as is typical on flat pitches in the intense subcontinental heat. Yet, England’s adaptable strategies ensured that Pakistan couldn’t extend their innings beyond 149 overs.
Despite the modern boldness of Test cricket, some principles remain unchanged. While there can be exceptions—like the matches in Rawalpindi 2024, Melbourne 2016, or Lahore 1961—teams still need to take 20 wickets to win a Test match.
Read More: Tamim Iqbal: Local Coaches Should Be Given Time to Take on Top Roles
Pakistan has faced significant challenges in bowling at home since they began modifying the pitches. This decision was made in 2022, largely out of concern for the strengths of opposing teams, but it continues to trouble Pakistan.
Since the return of Test cricket to Pakistan, up until Australia’s recent tour, the team took 81 wickets at an average of 25.77 and a strike rate of 53.1. However, during the series against Australia, they managed only 131 wickets at a much higher average of 49.41 runs per dismissal, with wickets coming after an average of 79 balls.
Shan Masood started the day by positioning four close fielders—at extra cover, mid-off, mid-on, and mid-wicket—for Shaheen Afridi. He added an extra cover fielder for Abrar, hoping to apply more pressure. Despite these efforts, England found it easy to score runs. Afridi bowled a full, wide ball to Zak Crawley, who hit it for four runs, while Abrar allowed Crawley and Joe Root to collect five singles and a double.
This set the tone for the day. Aamir Jamal attempted to give England a taste of their own medicine with some short deliveries, but his pace of around 130 kph often proved too easy for batters, who tickled the ball to fine leg, especially with two close fielders in front of square.
Jamal found some success with reverse swing, trapping Ben Duckett LBW while bowling from around the wicket. However, in his eagerness to maximize lateral movement, he bowled too full to Harry Brook at the start of his innings, which allowed Brook to score freely. England’s aggressive batting style, often referred to as “Bazball,” caused Jamal’s lines and lengths to stray.
Check out: Root and Brook lead England’s charge in a batting fest
“There was a point when the Root and Brook partnership had reached 150 and they had only hit eight to ten boundaries,” Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie said. “One thing we have observed with the England side is how attacking they are with the bat. They are probably a lot more defensive England with the ball in hand. The part of our tactics was to minimise the boundaries.
“We know England are going to go pretty hard regardless of the fields we set. We have managed to minimize boundaries to the areas we wanted to, by and large. The challenge is when you do protect some of your boundaries, it opens up gaps in the field and England were good enough to exploit that at times and rotate the strike.”
Perseverance and patience are essential qualities for Test bowlers, and Naseem Shah demonstrated these during a 30-minute period just before tea. Bowling with good length and effectively reversing the ball, he restricted Joe Root and Harry Brook, delivering 27 dot balls in a seven-over spell.
Consistent lines and lengths, supported by strategic field placements, are crucial for taking wickets, especially on slow, low, and flat pitches where there is little room for error. However, despite having their strongest bowling attack, Pakistan struggled to contain England. This was similar to their previous performances against Bangladesh and Australia, where they let the teams escape after reducing them to vulnerable positions of 26 for 6 and 16 for 4.
If Pakistan continues in this manner, it’s hard to envision a different outcome in future matches.
Read More: West Indies eye Bangladesh scalp to boost semifinal hopes
Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan clarified his political stance on Wednesday, October 9, which may open the door for him to play a farewell Test against South Africa at home, a dream he has long held.
Cricbuzz had previously reported that Shakib’s hope of playing his farewell Test in Bangladesh could become a reality, and his recent public apology suggests that things are progressing as planned. Earlier, Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain stated that Shakib needed to clarify his position before requesting security for the match.
Shakib, a former lawmaker under the Awami League regime, faced accusations of involvement in a murder case last month. He finally addressed his stance on the student movement, which gained attention following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime two months ago. The former parliament member apologized for his silence during that period and requested support from the public for his final Test match at home later this month.
“At first, I respectfully remember all the students who sacrificed their lives or were injured while leading the anti-discrimination student movement. I offer my deepest respect and condolences to them and their families. Although no sacrifice can ever fully compensate for the loss of loved ones, the pain of losing a child or a brother is irreplaceable,” Shakib wrote in his official Facebook post on Wednesday.
“For those of you who felt hurt or disappointed by my silence during this critical time, I sincerely apologies acknowledging your feelings. If I were in your position, perhaps I would have felt the same way,” he added.
Shakib urged his fans to stand by him when he takes to the field for the final time in whites.
“As you know, I will soon be playing my final match. In my final match, in the closing chapter of this story, I want you all by my side. I want to bid farewell with all of you standing with me,” he said.
“I hope, and I don’t just hope, I believe that in this final moment, you all will stand with me. You all will be there to close the story, a story where the true heroes are not me, but all of you,” he concluded.
Love IPL and T20 cricket? Discover ways to earn by trying your hand at T20 betting!