RAWALPINDI: Batters dominated another day in the Rawalpindi Test as skipper Babar Azam smashed the third century of Pakistan’s innings, after both the openers, as Pakistan reduced England’s first inning lead to 158 runs on the third day of the opening Test, here on Saturday.
Pakistan gave a befitting response to England’s record 657-run total as the home side raised 499/7 before stumps with help of Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique and Babar’s hundreds.
The skipper stitched a magnificent 123-run partnership with Saud Shakeel for the fourth wicket and erected a bulwark against the England bowling attack following the first-session scares.
However, England’s bowlers forced a comeback on the flat surface when Ollie Robinson struck down Saud, who managed a cautious stay on the crease as he scored 37 off 94 balls, soon after Tea.
Spinner Will Jacks then ceased Babar’s phenomenal knock of 168-ball 136 before veteran James Anderson took his first wicket in Pakistan, dismissing wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan for 29 off 44 balls.
Earlier spinners rejoiced England in the pre-lunch session as they took down three wickets before Imam and Abdullah completed their centuries in the first session on day 3.
Pakistan openers piled up an astounding 221-run partnership as Abdullah raised his third Test century early on the third day before Will Jacks gave England the much-needed breakthrough.
Part-timer Jacks had his first Test wicket when he dismissed promising Abdullah in a caught-behind wicket after scoring 114 off 203, including 13 fours and three sixes.
Imam (121 off 207) soon followed the suit and fell prey to Jack Leach, who then went on to hunt experienced Azhar Ali after managing 27 off 47.
