Jamie Smith smashed a brilliant 89 as England just about survived the perils of a Rawalpindi pitch set up for spin.
Pakistan’s decision to dry out a track normally conducive to batting meant there was uncertainty around how it would play. As it turned out, it was pretty much as expected as uneven bounce and turn were evident with Pakistan employing solely spinners in the first innings for just the second time in Test history, and first since 1882.
England were in deep trouble at 118 for six but Smith and Gus Atkinson put on 105 for the seventh wicket as the tourists made 267 – Sajid Khan claiming six for 128.
Pakistan reached 73 for three by the close, setting up a fascinating couple of days with the series on the line at 1-1.
That’s stumps on Day 1 🤝
Wickets from Shoaib Bashir, Jack Leach and Gus Atkinson have set up an intriguing Day 2 in Rawalpindi. pic.twitter.com/XoNh9eFYvv
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) October 24, 2024
England started well with openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett putting on 56 for the first wicket before the former went for 29.
Ollie Pope (three) and Joe Root (five) were undone by Sajid and when Duckett, who made an excellent 52, and Harry Brook (five) went in successive overs, England were reeling at 98 for five.
Captain Ben Stokes (12) didn’t last long either to leave Smith to battle it out with the lower order.
He found a useful ally in Atkinson, who again showed he is no mug with the bat. His stickability enabled Smith to go on the attack at the other end and six sixes and five fours showed his intent.
Atkinson’s departure for 39 was soon followed by Smith with Jack Leach’s potentially impactful 16 helping England to a workable figure.
It looked like an excellent total when Shoaib Bashir, Leach and Atkinson all struck as Pakistan limped to 46 for three. But captain Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel saw the hosts through to the close with no more setbacks.
