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Babar Azam struck a fluent unbeaten half-century as Pakistan closed a rain-shorted first day of the first take a look at towards England on 139 for 2 at a dismal and moist Old Trafford on Wednesday. Babar (69 not out) confirmed all his ability and sophistication to climate an early storm from the England bowlers, and wrestle away the initiative together with the extra sedate opener Shan Masood (46 not out).
England had been excellent earlier than lunch, heading into the interval with Pakistan on 53 for 2, however wayward and tepid after the break because the vacationers piled on 68 runs in 16.1 overs earlier than rain introduced an early tea.
The gamers got here again late in the day for 7.5 overs, however unhealthy mild meant England needed to bowl spinners Dom Bess and Joe Root, and Pakistan had been capable of see off their risk.
The closest the house aspect got here to a wicket was a stumping probability for Jos Buttler towards Shan off Bess, however the bounce of the ball eluded the wicketkeeper and the left-hander survived.
Fast bowler Jofra Archer took the first wicket in the innings, bowling Abid Ali (16) with a supply that nipped again and burst by way of the hole between bat and pad after a tentative prod from the batsman.
Seamer Chris Woakes then claimed the massive scalp of touring captain Azhar Ali, trapped leg earlier than wicket for a duck, which left the guests teetering at 43 for 2 because the ball whistled about in the gloom. Yet they had been unable to hammer house that benefit, as an alternative shedding their line, size and depth in a limp post-lunch session as Babar and Shan added an unbeaten 96 for the second wicket.
Pakistan had gained the toss and elected to bat, with England captain Root admitting he would have achieved the identical, hopeful of utilising a sporting wicket late in the sport that’s anticipated to take flip.
It is for that cause they’ve chosen a pair of leg-spinners in Shadab Khan and Yasir Shah, however will need to give them one thing to bowl at by constructing a sizeable first innings complete.
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