Chris Woakes Guides England To Famous Comeback Victory
Chris Woakes helped England snatch victory on an enthralling fourth day at Old Trafford in their first Test match against Pakistan. Both Buttler and Woakes were the heroes with the bat as England secured a nail-biting three wicket win.
The day began with a flourish from the bat of Yasir Shah as the visitors added to their lead with quick runs in the first half an hour. However, when Shah edged behind to leave his side nine down, number 11 Naseem Shah stuck one boundary before being clean bowled by Jofra Archer.
Pakistan 169 all out leaving England 276 to win in the final innings of the match on a deteriorating pitch.
Sibley And Root Lay Platform
Opener Rory Burns fell first, LBW to Mohammed Abbas for 10. Dom Sibley and captain Joe Root looked to be building something substantial. However, Sibley soon became Yasir Shah’s first victim as the leg-spinner began his mammoth spell.
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When Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Ollie Pope soon followed back to the pavilion, it seemed only a matter of time until the visitors wrapped up a comprehensive victory.
Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler Counter Punch For England
England’s number’s six and seven though, had other ideas. Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes put on a match-winning 139-run partnership. The Pakistan attack quickly became nullified by their positive stroke play.
When Buttler fell for a well made 75, much needed runs given his recent turmoils with bat and the gloves, the game was in the balance once more. Stuart Broad came out next, a small promotion in the order in search of early runs.
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Broad took England to four runs within victory when he was dismissed. He became Yasir Shah’s fourth victim in what was now his 30th over. One hit away from victory and with Dom Bess at the other end, Woakes edged through a vacant fourth slip area and the ball sped to the third man boundary. Thus, securing a memorable victory for the home side.
Woakes the undoubted Man of the Match with wickets and his match-winning 84 not out on what turned out to be the final day. A dramatic end to a fascinating Test match. England take a 1-0 lead in a series that promises to be a classic between two evenly matched sides.
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The next Test begins on Thursday, this time at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton as the bi-secure bubbles move to to the South Coast. Pakistan will likely need to be mentally strong to fight back. They will feel that they should have won this game. The mark of a champion though, is the way in which they come back fighting.
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