Twitter Erupts After Counter-Attacking Knocks From Jos Buttler And Chris Woakes Guide England To A Win Over Pakistan

England, courtesy counter-attacking knocks by Jos Buttler [75 off 101 balls] and Chris Woakes, who stayed unbeaten at 84, pulled off one of the greatest victories in their history as they chased down 277 at the Emirates Old Trafford to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against Pakistan.

Starting the day at 8-137, Pakistan added another 33 runs to their lead past the 275-run mark, courtesy some brilliant strokeplay from Yasir Shah. The visitors were eventually dismissed for 169, leaving England the target of 277 runs in the fourth innings. Rory Burns and Dom Sibley safely negotiated the first 11 overs before Mohammad Abbas trapped the left-hander Burns on his crease to give Pakistan a much-need breakthrough.

Joe Root and Dom Sibley stitched 64 runs for the second wicket but just as it looked like the duo were in for a long haul, Yasir Shah saw the back of Sibley, after he induced the right-hander into a cover-drive, resulting in Sibley edging it to Asad Shafiq, who took a brilliant catch in the slip cordon.

Sibley’s wicket caused yet another England collapse as the home side lost key wickets of Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Ollie Pope within the space of 31 runs.

To be honest, each of those three dismissals came off absolute jaffas. While England’s skipper Joe Root was undone was by a beautiful outswinger from Naseem Shah, Ben Stokes was dismissed by a Yasir Shah googly, one that bounced off the rough marks. Stokes couldn’t get his gloves out of the way and Mohammad Rizwan completed the catch off the second attempt.

Simply unplayable ?

Can Pakistan produce a few of these in the evening session? ?#<!---->C<!---->r<!---->i<!---->c<!---->k<!---->e<!---->t<!---->F<!---->o<!---->r<!---->A<!---->l<!---->l | #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K ?????????? p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->T<!---->u<!---->v<!---->J<!---->D<!---->h<!---->U<!---->b<!---->x<!---->J

— Cricingif (@_cricingif) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Ollie Pope has been in cracking form throughout the summer but not even him could do anything about the delivery that got him out on day 04. The ball kicked in from a length, kissing Pope’s gloves before ballooning in the air.

Also Read- World Test Championship Points Table: England Thrash Pakistan To Close Gap On India, Australia

Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes stunning counterattack leaves Pakistan shell-shocked as England win by three wickets

England 5-117, and staring down the barrel, everyone thought? But certainly not what Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes were thinking, it seems! The duo launched a stunning counterattack against the Pakistani bowlers, erasing 50 runs off the target in no time to take the home side within 110 runs of the target at Tea.

Buttler and Woakes continued in their merry way post the Lunch. Apart from the stunning strokeplay from the duo- there were reverse-sweeps, slog sweeps, delightful flicks and drives, ferocious cuts- the most striking thing about the partnership was the calmness that they displayed.

They rotated the strike brilliantly and it’s evident from the fact that Pakistan couldn’t manage a single maiden over during the partnership. The rapid rate at which the duo scored (139 runs in 30 overs) ensured that the new ball was well and truly out of the equation.

The duo soon notched up the 100-run stand and in the process, they also completed their respective half-centuries. Yasir Shah bowled brilliantly, constantly getting the ball to kick-in off the rough but Buttler and Woakes managed him decently well- with a bit of luck notwithstanding- to whittle down the target below the 50-run mark. But the vile leg-spinner was finally rewarded after he trapped Jos Buttler [75 off 101 balls] LBW, thanks to the batsman finally missing an attempted reverse-sweep to breathe some life back in the game.

Stuart Broad played his strokes and along with Woakes reduced the target down to one hit. Shah continued to chip away, nailing Broad LBW on the attempted slog sweep. But it was Chris Woakes day, it was England’s day and it was fitting that he hit the winning runs- not in the fashion he would have liked, an edge towards third man- to take his side past the finishing line.

Also Read- India’s Test Specialists Likely To Reach Australia By October End

Here’s how Twitter reacted to the 4th days play between England and Pakistan-

Of all the things remarkable in this Test, none more than the redemption for Jos Buttler. Woakes stayed to see England home, but it was Buttler who changed momentum of the match when all was looking lost

— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

What Pak missed today,England had in abundance. Self-belief, character, skill and match winners like Buttler & Woakes. Top effort to bounce back from conceding a 107-run lead in the 1st innings & being 117/5 battling last under pressure. You've got to love test cricket!#<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->s<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

2⃣7⃣7⃣

– England's 10th highest Test run-chase
– Second highest successful fourth innings chase at Emirates Old Trafford
– Fifth highest fourth innings total to beat Pakistan#<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->t<!---->X<!---->5<!---->e<!---->N<!---->g<!---->x<!---->4<!---->U<!---->M

— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Brilliant from Buttler and Woakes. Had the skill but it was the attitude that took them home. And with 70 left the opposing captain was looking like the game was lost!!

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Credit to Root & the English team for persisting with Buttler despite a long dry spell, especially when more than a few capable wicketkeeper batsmen were waiting in the wings. The investment finally came good, and how!#<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— Nikhil Naz (@NikhilNaz) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Pakistanis right now#<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->Q<!---->2<!---->D<!---->b<!---->b<!---->S<!---->g<!---->3<!---->u<!---->a

— majaz ul quadri (@Majazulquadri) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

From 12 for 3 at the start of their second innings and then 117 for 5 in the run chase that is one of England's greatest Test victories. #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Fair play to @<!---->c<!---->h<!---->r<!---->i<!---->s<!---->w<!---->o<!---->a<!---->k<!---->e<!---->s (and @<!---->j<!---->o<!---->s<!---->b<!---->u<!---->t<!---->t<!---->l<!---->e<!---->r) I never saw that coming. A fine Test match at Old Trafford and a fine victory for England.#<!---->E<!---->n<!---->g<!---->v<!---->P<!---->a<!---->k

— Lee Wellings (@LeeW_Sport) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Test cricket is one hell of a drug #<!---->E<!---->n<!---->g<!---->v<!---->P<!---->a<!---->k

— Vithushan Ehantharajah (@Vitu_E) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Great game of cricket. Maybe the best of the year. Props to Woakes and Buttler for staging a wonderful comeback. Pakistan not an easy team to beat with runs to chase. It is first time in this century that a team has scaled 250plus target vs Pakistan. #<!---->E<!---->n<!---->g<!---->v<!---->P<!---->a<!---->k

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

"A truly outstanding win!" – Aggers

??????? ENGLAND WIN ???????

In the first Test of the #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K series, a stunning partnership between Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes steals victory from the jaws of defeat for the home team!

An historic win!

Reaction ⬇️
?? h<!---->t<!---->t<!---->p<!---->s<!---->:<!---->/<!---->/<!---->t<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->/<!---->V<!---->l<!---->T<!---->S<!---->c<!---->g<!---->X<!---->d<!---->W<!---->X p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->J<!---->M<!---->1<!---->b<!---->Y<!---->e<!---->x<!---->j<!---->Y<!---->a

— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

If there was a player auction for Test cricketers, wonder how much Chris Woakes would go for. #<!---->E<!---->n<!---->g<!---->v<!---->P<!---->a<!---->k

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

England may not get there, of course, but the second new ball is available in 10 overs – and this has been a new-ball pitch.

— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

The brilliant thing about this partnership between Buttler and Woakes is the speed of scoring. They've basically taken the second new ball out of the equation. #<!---->E<!---->n<!---->g<!---->v<!---->P<!---->a<!---->k

— Vithushan Ehantharajah (@Vitu_E) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Serious Chennai 1999 chillings now. India were 218-5 chasing 271. Pakistan won by 12 runs. #<!---->E<!---->n<!---->g<!---->v<!---->P<!---->a<!---->k

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Buttler and Woakes have scored so rapidly that the second new ball might not be a factor unless a couple of wickets fall quickly #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->s<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Buttler and Woakes going well…

… but imagine what Stuart Broad's got up his sleeve. #<!---->E<!---->n<!---->g<!---->v<!---->P<!---->a<!---->k

— Vithushan Ehantharajah (@Vitu_E) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Twice it happened when two No.6 or lower batsmen scored 50+ in successful Test chase, both 117 years apart!

ENG v AUS in 1902
Gilbert Jessop 102, George Hirst 58*

SL v ZIM in 2017
Niroshan Dickwella 81, Asela Gunaratne 80*

Buttler and Woakes are set to join this list.#<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

This is glorious to watch …. Test cricket at its finest …. #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K …. England favourites now …. #<!---->O<!---->n<!---->O<!---->n

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Whatever happens from here, this is why I love test cricket! #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— David Howells (@Howellsey) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Balls dropping short of Pakistan players to save them from catch drop embarrassment at this crunch situation. #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Pakistani fans, right now. #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->f<!---->O<!---->j<!---->m<!---->X<!---->c<!---->N<!---->X<!---->K<!---->c

— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Both teams having 100+ partnership for 6th wicket in England:

?Eng v WI, The Oval 1995
Hick, Russell 144 v WI
Chanderpaul, Hooper 196 v Eng

?Eng v Pak, Manchester 2020**
Masood, Shadab 105 v Eng
Buttler, Woakes 100* v Pak

25 years between the two instances!#<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— Sudheesh (@_sudheesh) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Mood rn#<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->9<!---->t<!---->9<!---->B<!---->8<!---->4<!---->q<!---->s<!---->m<!---->9

— Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

The partnership between Buttler & Woakes is now 20 overs long – Pakistan haven't bowled a single maiden since the two have come together.

The pair has managed to hit atleast a boundary in 12 of these 20 overs.#<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Meanwhile Winviz at the moment ?#<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->O<!---->T<!---->E<!---->5<!---->c<!---->w<!---->C<!---->i<!---->O<!---->G

— Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Irrespective of how this match ends, this is outstanding from Buttler and Woakes. They could have defended and found one ball with their name on it. Instead they backed themselves and counter-attacked brilliantly.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

https://twitter.com/benjonescricket/status/1292129360233799682?s=19

Jos Buttler to win it, taking his helmet off with FUCK IT written on his forehead. Come on, universe. #<!---->E<!---->n<!---->g<!---->v<!---->P<!---->a<!---->k

— Vithushan Ehantharajah (@Vitu_E) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

After his problems in the past year, in the last 2 Tests, Jos Buttler has been 2nd top scorer, 2nd top scorer and now top scorer

— Tim Wigmore (@timwig) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Buttler pulls Naseem for four to take the target to below 90. A Saturday Old Trafford crowd with a packed party stand would be loving this.

— Nick Hoult (@NHoultCricket) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Superb from Buttler and Woakes so far. It does have a feel of a potential test career saving innings for Buttler #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— Ian Pont ?? (@Ponty100mph) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Game over. #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->s<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Me After Watching Buttler and Woakes batting p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->p<!---->F<!---->O<!---->L<!---->2<!---->h<!---->H<!---->3<!---->l<!---->M

— Asad Ali (@AsadAlii28) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Neutral commentators should be more of a thing. Love having Michael Holding and Shane Warne commentate this game! @<!---->S<!---->k<!---->y<!---->C<!---->r<!---->i<!---->c<!---->k<!---->e<!---->t #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->s<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— Usama Mir (@iamusamamir) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

England are sinking #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->s<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K h<!---->t<!---->t<!---->p<!---->s<!---->:<!---->/<!---->/<!---->t<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->/<!---->o<!---->U<!---->V<!---->7<!---->M<!---->i<!---->p<!---->L<!---->q<!---->a

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Absolutely loving this!#<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->s<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K #<!---->t<!---->o<!---->p<!---->t<!---->e<!---->s<!---->t<!---->c<!---->r<!---->i<!---->c<!---->k<!---->e<!---->t

— Mpumelelo Mbangwa (@mmbangwa) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

No team has chased 250plus vs Pakistan in Tests in last 20 years.

Pakistan's record while defending 250+ targets since 2000 is:

Matches 34
Won 26
Draw 8
Lost 0 #<!---->E<!---->n<!---->g<!---->v<!---->P<!---->a<!---->k

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

Feel for Pope ! Super ball but what’s with the bounce. #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->s<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— Vikram Sathaye (@vikramsathaye) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

That’s the big man gone! Bounce and Stokes had little chance. #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->s<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K Rizwan has been excellent.

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0

And Shaheen dismisses Ollie Pope with a snorter! Very tough to play those. Even in the first innings he got a ripper from Naseem. Jos Buttler is the key here. If he attacks & puts pressure on Pakistan then England have a chance #<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G<!---->v<!---->s<!---->P<!---->A<!---->K

— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) A<!---->u<!---->g<!---->u<!---->s<!---->t<!----> <!---->8<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->0