ENG vs PAK: "Reshaping Test Cricket": Nasser Hussain After England's Bold 2nd Innings Declaration

England led by Ben Stokes declared their second innings on 264/7 in 35.5 overs on day 4. In the process, they set the hosts a target of 343 to win. By stumps, Pakistan reached 80 for 2 needing another 263 runs to win on day 5. The final day of the first Test is set up beautifully for a result of either resulting in an England or Pakistan win. Either way, it will be a historic moment.

England scored at 6.50 runs per over in the first innings. In the second they raised the bat scoring at 7.36 with clear intentions of winning the Test match. Half-centuries from Zak Crawley, Joe Root, and Harry Brook took them to that score with Root especially playing some unorthodox shots.

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After England were bowled out for 657 in their first innings, Pakistan themselves scored 579. A total of seven batters scored centuries in this game so far with the bowlers from either teams getting no assistance from the wicket. The curator had to cope up with a lot of criticism in the manner in which he prepared the pitch. PCB Chief Ramiz Raja was also targeted by former Pakistan cricketers as they urged him to prepare better pitches if he wants to keep Test cricket alive in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, former England skipper Nasser Hussain who is a part of the commentary team for the series spoke about England’s aggressive approach in this Test match so far. He hailed the team’s bold declaration saying that the bunch of players are willing to make a difference in the format and are playing to win.

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What Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum Are Doing for Test Cricket is Invaluable: Nasser Hussain

“Win, lose or draw on Monday, England are reshaping Test cricket, and that’s something the whole game should celebrate. I thought Stokes’s declaration was outstanding, even if Pakistan end up getting these runs or blocking for a draw” wrote Nasser Hussain in his column for the Daily Mail.

“England knew they needed time to take 10 wickets on this lifeless Rawalpindi surface, and that meant giving themselves enough overs to do it, and dangle a carrot for the Pakistanis. If you can manage to attract interest to a game played in conditions like these, then what Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum are doing for Test cricket is invaluable” he further added.

England gained a 79-run lead by bowling out Pakistan for 579, with debutant Will Jacks claiming six scalps. Their bowlers will make things even tougher for the hosts who are looking to gun down the remaining runs on day 5.

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