England were in a strong position at the end of day two of the second Test in Multan, despite Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed securing his 10th set of the match on his debut.
Spinner Jack Leach led the way for Ben Stokes’ side with 498, who saw off Pakistan at under 202 to give England a useful lead of 79, at Multan Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
England then went 202-5 by the end of the game, securing a 281 lead. Ben Duckett achieved his second half of the game and Harry Brook finished unbeaten with 74.
But Abrar’s dream debut continued with 3-81, in addition to his 7-114 in the first round. He became the second Pakistani bowler to reach 10 wickets on his debut and the 18th overall in Test cricket.
The tourists, however, are well placed to win the three-match series after winning Rawalpindi’s first Test in spectacular fashion.
“I think it’s a very good day for us. We are obviously 280 points clear and hope to take a few more tomorrow before we play them again,” Leach told Sky Sports.
“There’s a bit more going on than in Rawalpindi, so you just have to be patient and work your way through.
” It’s crazy [that four an over seems so calm]We beat so well, it’s great to watch. Harry Brook, Ben Duckett – the sweep there, I know as a spinner how hard it is when someone does a sweep and a reverse sweep.
“It’s really difficult. They played really, really well and put us in a good position. »
When Leach had Saud Shakeel caught by James Anderson for 63 runs, it also marked the left-hander’s 100th innings in Test cricket and he became the 49th England cricketer to reach that milestone.
” I am really happy. I never thought this would happen. It’s amazing and I just want to contribute to a victory.
“It’s crazy to think I got 100 wickets in Test matches just because I found it difficult at times.
“But then you realize there’s been some good times along the way, you’re doing good things and I definitely feel like I’m getting better as I play, so that’s pleasant. »
In the morning session, England made crucial breakthroughs as Pakistan slumped 107-2 overnight after captain Babar Azam was taken off by Ollie Robinson for 75 and was 202 all out at lunch.
Wickets were falling fast, with Leach taking advantage of turning ground and the hosts losing eight wickets for just 60 runs, while Joe Root and Mark Wood contributed twice apiece.
England lost their first wicket early on, with Zak Crawley (3) busting out taking a risky and pointless single with the Tourists 11-1.
Will Jacks came on at post 3 and became Abrar’s eighth player in the game when he was knocked out for just 4.
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Wicket n°9️⃣ in the match for Abrar Ahmed ????#PAKvENG | #UKSePK pic.twitter.com/v7q96MVIOS
– Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 10, 2022
Joe Root fell to Abrar for the second time in the match, for 21 in the final wicket before tea after being caught by a stunning one-handed dive from short-legged Abdullah Shafique.
Duckett had said debutant Abrar was just a googly leg spinner on Friday, but the Nottinghamshire batsman became the 10th scalper of the game for the 24-year-old in the evening session.
Ollie Pope, who came on at number 6 after enjoying a longer break following his spell as wicketkeeper, was knocked out for four times attempting a ridiculous single.
Brook reached his half century and finished the day with 74 undelivered runs. He looked confident and at ease on the pitch, with Stokes also unbeaten on 16 points, having come on as a substitute at number 7.
