Late Pakistan fightback stuns England
January 26, 2012 15:20:58 UK
Alastair Cook believes Pakistan's late fightback on day two of the second Test has left the match in the balance after England reached stumps on 207-5.
Alastair Cook made 94 before falling to Saaed Ajmal.England began the day by wrapping up the Pakistan innings in quick fashion, Misbah-ul-Haq's men adding just one to their overnight total as three wickets fell inside 16 balls.
The tourists made a bad start in response to Pakistan's 257 all out, Andrew Strauss falling for just 11 before Cook and Jonathan Trott came to the crease to steady the ship.
The duo put on a second-wicket stand of 139 to put England in control and on course for a first innings led.
However, once Trott had gone for 74 off the bowling of Abdur Rehman, England began to wobble, Cook (94) falling short of his century as Saeed Ajmal began tormenting the top order for the second Test running.
Kevin Pietersen was next to go for 14 before Eoin Morgan went with the last delivery of the day for just three to leave England still 50 runs short of Pakistan's total.
Having controlled most of the day's play the collapse in the last hour has put the Test back in the balance, with England 1.001 to level the three match series and Pakistan 1.001 to take a 2-0 lead. The draw is 1.001.
To wrap up their innings (was good). The last half-hour has shifted it back maybe to evens but we're one partnership away from that 50 deficit being a 50 lead at lunch.
Alastair Cook
Despite the drama in the final session of the day Cook believes there were plenty of positives to take out of it as far as the tourists were concerned.
"I think we've had a good day," he told Sky Sports 1.
"To wrap up their innings (was good). The last half-hour has shifted it back maybe to evens but we're one partnership away from that 50 deficit being a 50 lead at lunch.
"It was nice to get off to a good start, so it was a shame to lose those wickets; it turned a really good day into just a good day I suppose."
Pakistan are 1.90 to win the series, with England 3.50 and the draw 3.75.
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