England v Pakistan – Mohammad Rizwan Shines For Visitors
It was a day of ups and downs for England as the hosts were left frustrated by a defiant by the Pakistan wicket keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan. Plus, yet more bad weather on day two of the second Test at the Ageas Bowl.
Rain meant a delayed start to proceedings and then bad light brought the play to an early end. Only 40.2 overs were possible in-between as the Rizwan and the tail steered the tourists to 223-9.
During the little play, there was Babar Azam had looked set to cause England problems in what were strongly weight conditions in favour of the bowlers. However, when he fell from an unplayable delivery off Stuart Broad the Pakistan innings was in danger of collapse.
England excellent versus Pakistan middle-order but Mohammed Rizwan defiant
On the date which marks the nation of Pakistans independence, their cricket team looked in trouble at 158-6. But, Rizwan wasn’t going down without a fight. The tail hung on around him he made his way to an unbeaten 60 after being dropped on 14.
His ninth-wicket stand of 39 with Mohammad Abbas caused particular frustration to England captain Joe Root. The England captain looked bereft of ideas as Rizwan farmed the strike whilst scoring freely when possible.
All this meant when bad light brought a halt to proceedings for the second day running. Pakistan are edging towards a highly competitive score in conditions that have suited bowlers throughout and should continue to do so to their seam attack.
Day 3 Preview
When day three begins Pakistan hero Rizwan will be looking to add as many as possible with his teenager batting partner Naseem Shah. Whilst the hosts will be hoping to pick up the final wicket immediately and set about what promises to be a difficult batting task. England will be hoping that Pakistan will lose their last wicket before Mohammad Rizwan can cause extra damage.
The visitors’ seamers have all spent time in the middle and will have seen first hand how much assistance there is in the pitch and in the air for the bowlers, they will no doubt be relishing the opportunity to get the ball in their hands.
250 seems to be a great score on this pitch. The lavish movement and overhead conditions should aid bowling throughout. Pakistan will hope to reach such a score. It will give them a chance to stay in the series. Their chances of winning though, will rest on their bowlers.
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