The opening Test of the three-match series Pakistan and England Starting on Monday (October 7) in Multan, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first. Part of this series ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle is an important race for both sides looking to climb the rankings. England’s young pace Gus Atkinson He gave his team a great start by kicking Saim Ayub only during the fourth. Atkinson, in only his second appearance, gave England early control, removing Ayub for 4 runs.
Gus Atkinson presents an early breakthrough: The Fall of Saim Ayub
Atkinson’s early success came in the 4th over with a delivery that was short in length and angled down the leg side. Trying to be proactive, Saim Ayub shuffled his stumps to work the ball properly towards the leg side. However, Ayub misjudged the line in his enthusiasm and carried himself too far from the crease. The ball, while not particularly dangerous, was well placed by Atkinson and Ayub was slightly off balance as he tried to slot past the keeper.
Instead of finding the middle of the bat, Ayub gloved the ball with a delicate touch and sent the ball straight to the side. Jamie Smith behind the stumps. The keeper comfortably collected the edge and completed the dismissal. This thin deflection, caused by Ayub’s misjudged footwork, gave Atkinson his first Test wicket in Pakistan. This key dismissal reduced Pakistan to 8/1 and gave England an early lead in the first session.
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– Cricket Cricket (@cricket543210) October 7, 2024
Also READ: PAK vs ENG 2024 Test Series: Broadcast, Live Stream details – When and where to watch in India, Pakistan, UK, USA, Australia & more
Pakistan held steady after an early setback
At the end of 13 overs, Pakistan reached 56/1 Abdullah Shafiq 31 * and the captain plays a steady knock Shan Massoud 18* unbeaten. The early loss of Ayub, caught behind by Jamie Smith off an Atkinson delivery, put England slightly on top. Despite this, Pakistan maintained a healthy run rate of 4 overs, with both Shafique and Masood looking comfortable at the crease.
Chris Woakes and Atkinson shared the new ball, with Woakes conceding 26 runs from 6 overs while Atkinson bowled with control, taking 1/17 in his 4 overs. Still to come in the form of firepower with plenty of punch Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Saud ShakilThe match continues gracefully as Pakistan try to establish a solid foundation in the first session.
