Harry Brook and Will Jacks help engineer England into strong position
England’s first Test against Pakistan is set for a grandstand conclusion after an exhilarating fourth day in Rawalpindi.
An aggressive declaration at tea set the hosts 343 to win and England, bowling almost nothing but bouncers, struck with the new ball.
Abdullah Shafique was caught playing a rash pull and Ben Stokes got the huge wicket of Babar Azam, who was caught behind.
With Azhar Ali also having to retire hurt, Pakistan were effectively 25-3. But Imam-ul-Haq and Saud Shakeel counter-attacked, taking Pakistan to 80-2, needing another 263 to win.
England had earlier bowled Pakistan out for 579 in their first innings, with off-spinner Will Jacks claiming 6-161 on debut.
The tourists then raced to 264-7 from only 35.5 overs, picking up where they left off in their record-breaking first innings. Harry Brook cracked 87 from 65 balls, Joe Root 73 from 69.
In was breathless, barnstorming stuff, with the prospect of more drama to come on the final day.
However this Test plays out, England should be applauded for their intent to force a result on a flat pitch that could have otherwise produced a drab draw.
It is that intent which carried them on a sensational day’s cricket, first through the thrilling assault with the bat then the relentless bouncer attack with the new ball.
Chief scores:
England : 657 all out (Brook 153, Crawley 122, Pope 108, Duckett 107) & 264-7 dec (Brook 87)
Pakistan: 579 (Babar 136, Imam 121, Shafique 114, Jacks 6-161) & 80-2 (Imam 43*). (BBC)