England one down before rain stops second test again

SOUTHAMPTON: Bad weather once again interrupted the second Test between England and Pakistan in Southampton today (Sunday).

England was 7-1 in reply to Pakistan’s first innings (236) when rain stopped play on the fourth day.  Shaheen Shah Afridi needed just four balls to remove England’s Rory Burns for a duck.

The left-arm pacer produced a superb delivery that moved away from Burns, who edged to second slip Asad Shafiq. England scored their first run in third over as Dom Sibley and Zak Crawley struggled against both Afridi and Mohammad Abbas.

Earlier, wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan scored a fighting 72 and helped Pakistan post a fighting first innings total of 236. No play was possible on the third day due to persistent rain and bad light.

England’s Stuart Broad took 4 wickets for 56 runs. He also became the first England bowler since off-spinner Graeme Swann to take three wickets in seven consecutive Test innings.

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan had lost its first Test against the hosts England by three wickets. Victory in this match will see England secure their first series win over Pakistan since 2010.