SOUTHAMPTON: Zak Crawley’s maiden Test hundred has put England in a commanding position in the third and final Test against Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl.
According to details, England was 332-4 when stumps were drawn as Zak Crawley and Jos Buttler put on an unbeaten 205-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Crawley finished the day with an outstanding unbeaten 171 whereas Buttler remained not out at 87. Zak Crawley became the first England No. 3 to score a Test hundred at home since Joe Root in 2016.
Despite a delayed toss, cloud cover and strong winds, it was no surprise that Joe Root opted to bat first on a wicket that both captains said looked relatively dry.
Pakistan came out energised and refreshed after the interval, and Naseem soon accounted for Root with a ball that nipped away viciously. Three overs later, Yasir Shah strikes again and claimed the wicket of Ollie Pope.
For Pakistan, leg-spinner Yasir Shah claimed two wickets whereas young pacers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed a wicket each.
England is currently leading the series after securing a three-wicket victory in Manchester whereas the second Test ended in a draw after persistent rain and poor weather.
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