Anderson’s three wickets put England in commanding position

SOUTHAMPTON: England fast bowler James Anderson took three early wickets as England dominated the second day of the third and final match of the series against Pakistan today (Saturday).

The Green Caps were 24-3 at close of play in reply to England’s mammoth first innings total of 583-8 declared. The visitors trail by 559 runs and still need to score 360 runs in first innings to avoid follow on.

James Anderson claimed three main wickets of Shan Masood, Abid Ali, and Babar Azam. Skipper Azhar Ali remained not out at four.

The hosts declared their first innings at the score of 583-8.

Buttler went on to score a brilliant 152 for the hosts which included 13 boundaries and two sixes. Zak Crawley converted his maiden Test hundred into a superb inning of 267 and shared a record-breaking stand with Jos Buttler

Pakistani bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fawad Alam, and Yasir Shah finished with two wickets each. Earlier, the morning session was interrupted twice due to rain.

England is currently leading the series after securing a three-wicket victory in Manchester last week whereas the second Test ended in a draw after persistent rain and poor weather.