England vs Pakistan 2020, 3rd Test, Day 1 – Twitter Reactions

England has asserted themselves into the driving seat following unbeaten knocks of 171 and 87 from Zak Crawley and Jos Buttler respectively, as the home side finished at 4-332 at stumps on the opening day of the third Test against Pakistan.

Earlier in the day, England captain Joe Root won the toss and decided to bat first. Rory Burns’s dismal run against Pakistan continued as he was squared up by Shaheen Shah Afridi, giving an easy catch to Shan Masood at fourth slip in the fifth over. But barring that delivery, Pakistan bowlers were largely out of place in the first hour of the morning session as Zak Crawley unleashed his flurry of strokes to put the visitors on the backfoot.

It looked as if Crawley picked up from where he had left in the second innings of the 2nd Test. Pakistan managed to break the 2nd wicket stand between Dom Sibley and Zak Crawley as Yasir Shah, after having sprayed it around in his first spell, managed to dry up the runs and eventually dismiss the English opener for 27.

Crawley, despite playing attacking cricket, got stuck on 49 for a long time but he finally breached the mark in the last over before Lunch.

Also Read- When MS Dhoni’s Six Denied A Pakistan Cricketer A Potential ‘Date’ With An Indian Girl

Zak Crawley and Jos Buttler’s 200+ stand deflate Pakistan as England assert themselves into the driving seat

Pakistan was pretty brilliant in the first hour after the lunch break as they claimed prized scalps of Joe Root and Ollie Pope to put England on the backfoot. Joe Root was undone courtesy a Naseem Shah jaffa- one that nipped off the seam to take an outside edge off his bat, only for Mohammad Rizwan to take a brilliant diving catch.

Yasir Shah then proceeded to bamboozle Ollie Pope’s stumps, after the batsman was caught on his crease to a delivery that came in sharply. But it was Zak Crawley’s day. The right-hander looked self-assured and very composed, stroking almost every stroke in the book. He got great support from Jos Buttler, as the duo proceeded to stitch a 100-run stand.

A special moment for Zak Crawley as he reaches his first Test century!#<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->Y<!---->Y<!---->0<!---->v<!---->W<!---->k<!---->o<!---->Y<!---->b<!---->g

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

In the process, Crawley proceeded to stroke his maiden Test hundred with a firm push towards mid-off, becoming the first England batsman to stroke a 100 at No.3 in home conditions since 2016.

Jos Buttler was absolutely imperious against Yasir Shah, smoking for 16 runs in an over, to breach the half-century mark for the second time in the series as England went past the 250+run mark. Crawley, on the other hand, continued to pile on the agony as he reached his maiden 150 in Test crick.

The right-hander became just the sixth English batsman to rack up a 150+ score before turning 23. Pakistan threw the last dice of the day by opting for the new ball but the fast bowlers- especially Shaheen Afridi- were wayward in their line and lengths and Buttler and Crawley ensured that England finished the day at a commanding 4-332 after 90 overs.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to the first day’s play between England and Pakistan

Two very fine, very young, prospects for England in Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope. Hopefully, batting either side of Root, will take pressure off him and let him rediscover himself.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

https://twitter.com/neilfissler/status/1296841345743704064?s=19

Buttler showing his class playing Yasir with ease ,Yasir needs to vary his pace and get more leg spin #<!---->E<!---->C<!---->B #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->s<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— Danish Kaneria (@DanishKaneria61) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Brilliant innings by Creepy Crawley. Looks a class act, with determination to match his talent. Well batted young man. ???? p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->g<!---->6<!---->w<!---->d<!---->t<!---->I<!---->9<!---->v<!---->r<!---->0

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Buttler and Crawley ✅

— Lovejoy Chawatama (@Ljchawatama) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Hmm iss se behtar toh baarish hee thee. #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— Umair Javed (@umairjav) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

This stat, featuring on the @<!---->S<!---->k<!---->y<!---->C<!---->r<!---->i<!---->c<!---->k<!---->e<!---->t live blog, suggests Shaheen's effectiveness is heavily dependent on the new ball. His numbers are notably poorer once the ball gets older. #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->L<!---->9<!---->4<!---->D<!---->U<!---->2<!---->X<!---->H<!---->j<!---->s

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

After a disappointing period of 23 inngs with just a solitary 50, Buttler has had a nice finish to the summer with three 50s & involved in three crucial partnerships.
140 from 122/4 with Pope vs WI
139 from 117/5 chasing 277 vs Pak
116 & counting with Crawley this Test
#<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

If Crawley looks like a natural No 3, Jos Buttler's beginning to look at home at No 6. Maybe he always just needed the security of a proper batsman at the other end.

— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

What. A. Moment ?

Well batted, Zak ?p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->3<!---->I<!---->d<!---->O<!---->k<!---->J<!---->m<!---->s<!---->l<!---->0#<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K #<!---->R<!---->a<!---->i<!---->s<!---->e<!---->T<!---->h<!---->e<!---->B<!---->a<!---->t

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

First Test tons are a badge of honour .. a seal of approval in your own mind that you belong .. this one is certainly one of many for Zak Crawley .. love the way he plays .. so hard to keep quiet with all his options & he has put England in a winning position … #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

What a moment #<!---->C<!---->r<!---->e<!---->e<!---->p<!---->y<!---->C<!---->r<!---->a<!---->w<!---->l<!---->e<!---->y ???

— Joe Denly (@joed1986) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Congrats to young Zak Crawley on his terrific first test match 100 at the Ageas Bowl ! Well played mate ??????????

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Well played Zak Crawley congratulations for his first test 100 still going looking good #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->s<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K #<!---->E<!---->C<!---->B

— Danish Kaneria (@DanishKaneria61) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Zak Crawley's progression of top-scores in Tests – 1, 4, 25, 44, 66, 76, 85* so far.

To get 7 different top-scores in career, he needed just 12 innings! I doubt anyone did better.#<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

That little session on Day 5 on Monday was anything but meaningless for Zak Crawley.

Not just a solid knock but a supremely confident one. #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— Danyal Rasool (@Danny61000) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

YES!!

Maiden Test Century for Zak Crawley ?!

— Gray-Nicolls (@graynics) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

That's a beaut from Naseem Shah ?#<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->7<!---->Z<!---->8<!---->z<!---->m<!---->T<!---->E<!---->p<!---->d<!---->j

— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Zak Crawley – 22, Test hundred to his name and not on Twitter. That's true contentment right there #<!---->E<!---->n<!---->g<!---->v<!---->P<!---->a<!---->k

— Vithushan Ehantharajah (@Vitu_E) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Zak Crawley and Pope. ENG adding a bit more depth to their batting.

— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Congratulations Zak Crawley. What I would call a ' proper batsman' . No tics or twitches, or odd technique that ' works for him'. V simple method: bat comes down straight and presents full face. And the confidence of youth. One for even younger players to emulate .

— Mike Selvey #StandWithUkraine (@selvecricket) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Zak Crawley's hundred was defined by his positive intent. He attacked 26% of balls (+4% on the match average), scored at 3.54 RPO (+0.31 on the match average), faced 70% dots (-2.5% on the match average) & hit 6.43% boundaries (+0.80% on the match average). #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Just a classy, classy hundred from Zak Crawley. Moved to 50 in the over before lunch and 100 in the over after tea. Terrific stuff.

— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Any particular reason why Pak isn’t trying Rizwan up to the stumps with Abbas bowling considering Eng batsmen are standing out of the crease? #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Crawley's century has been built largely around three shots against the quicks: the drive – 21 off 16 shots, the pull – 16 off 7 shots, and the flick/work 24 off 16 shots. Those three shots have brought 61 of his 87 runs v pace. #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Ollie Pope is now averaging 26.87 this summer – the lowest of England's recognised batsmen. He is clearly a supreme talent but he's not turning in consistent performances yet. He's only fractionally behind Surrey teammate Rory Burns – who has also had a lean summer. #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->d<!---->z<!---->m<!---->R<!---->M<!---->x<!---->6<!---->h<!---->t<!---->n

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

That moment when you get your maiden Test century…

Yes Zak Crawley ???

This is just the start…#<!---->b<!---->b<!---->c<!---->c<!---->r<!---->i<!---->c<!---->k<!---->e<!---->t #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->v<!---->j<!---->a<!---->i<!---->g<!---->o<!---->V<!---->M<!---->A<!---->p

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

First extra of the innings, in the 52nd over. Very disappointing day for extras fans. That's the latest the first extra of an innings has been scored in a Test in England since at least 2001, when Cricinfo's ball-by-ball records began.

— Andy Zaltzman (@ZaltzCricket) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

I'm a big fan of Pakistan bringing Yasir into the attack because Warne is on commentary. #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

https://twitter.com/totallysaqib/status/1296756546966376448?s=19

Pakistan is always kind in making and saving careers . Crawley and Buttler are the examples. #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— Meem Jeem ♡ (@zajawadyum) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->2<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0