Key events
Read Simon Burnton’s day one report
Shan Masood’s position as captain and in the team has become the subject of debate in recent months, and it had been more than four years and 26 innings since he last scored a Test ton, in which time his average was a miserable 20.69. But it swiftly transpired there were no demons in this pitch, and none in his head either.
Preamble
Hello you. Now, we know a Test series is up and running when one immortal, hackneyed phrase is used for the first time: ‘big first hour’. That’s what awaits Pakistan and England in Multan, with both having the chance to take control of the first Test. Pakistan will be eyeing 600+; England would be very happy to keep them to 450 on a pitch which is likely to secrete runs for the first three days of the match.
Pakistan will resume on 328 for four, with Saud Shakeel on 35 and the nightwatchman Naseem Shah yet to score. The smart money is still on Pakistan going huge, but the first hour could change that.
The second new ball is five overs old, so this is England’s chance, although their seamers are likely to be pretty sore after a six and a half hours of toil yesterday. Then again, that’s a good incentive to take early wickets and ensure they don’t face another day in the dirt.
