England vs Pakistan, 3rd Test, Day 4, Report: Visitors Hold Nerve To Push The Test Towards A Draw

Pakistan elevated their chances of securing a draw by playing old-school attritional cricket as England followed on. Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali’s unbeaten 141 from the first innings received ample support from the openers, who played cautiously to avoid any more drama. Nevertheless, rain played its equal part as well, disrupting England’s rhythm.

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Before rains and wet outfield abandoned play for four hours, Shan Masood and Abid Ali built an unbeaten 41-run stand in 17 overs. James Anderson could have had Shan Masood in the fourth over itself if not for Jos Buttler’s drop behind the stumps. It was six overs after their resumption that Stuart Broad struck to remove Masood by a delivery that came in nipping back.

Azhar Ali and Abid Ali continue Pakistan’s rearguard:

Azhar Ali resumed from where he left off to survive testing spells from Dom Bess and Jofra Archer. At one point, Abid Ali copped a blow from Archer that trickled into the leg side. In reality, it hit him hard on the left hand that required a spray. Despite that, the veteran right-handed batsman resumed his vigil.

It was in the 50th over that James Anderson broke his rearguard by a delivery that reversed away from him. It was after 162 balls and 42 runs that Abid Ali departed, ending a partnership of 39; however, he had done an excellent job for Pakistan. Babar Azam and Azhar Ali batted for eight overs more before bad light and showers interfered to end the day. The visitors still trailed by 210 runs with the Test heading for a near-certain draw.

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