Pakistan let the first Test slip out of their hands having seized the initiative in the opening exchanges.
Photo Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
England once again started slowly but found their feet in time to avoid losing another series opener.
The next chapter of what has already been a dramatic series will play out at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.
Second Test | Thursday 13 August – Monday 17 August | Rose Bowl, Southampton | 12:00 start time
To Win Match
England 9/10
Tie 9/4
Pakistan 3/1
England
England survived two top-order collapses thanks to their lower order steel but should seek to avoid testing their tail’s mettle in the second Test.
Despite their collective failure at Old Trafford England’s top five should remain unchanged for the second Test.
Jos Buttler began the English summer on shakey ground but has now made massive contributions to victories with the bat in successive Test matches. His mistakes with the gloves are now more likely to put him in peril.
England have probably hit on their best bowling combination, but the need to rotate could see that thrown out.
Chris Woakes was the quiet match-winner with the bat but also did his bit with the ball in hand at Old Trafford.
Pakistan
Pakistan’s performance came in fits and starts at Old Trafford, but they were more than in the game right up until the end of the series opener.
Shan Masood seems to be in the form of his life, and Babar Azam continues to threaten to make good on his awesome talent.
Pakistan need skipper Azhar Ali to provide more middle-order resistance to give Babar the freedom he needs to be at his best.
Yasir Shah seems to love playing in England and showed that he can influence the game surprisingly early in a Test.
Control is something Pakistan’s pacemen need to exercise with a no-ball problem rearing its head in Manchester. The quicks have the potential to be lethal in English conditions, but they need to show some self-discipline.
If Pakistan can sharpen up in key areas, they will be a match for their hosts, but they have also had a reputation for capitulating on the road.
Verdict: England 9/10
The hosts have Pakistan on the ropes and should be able to keep the pressure up and clinch the series.
Written by James Richardson for Hollywoodbets
