MANCHESTER: A magnificent partnership between Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes propelled England to an unlikely three-wicket win over Pakistan in a topsy-turvy first Test at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Woakes joined Buttler at the crease with England having slumped to 117-5 and seemingly sliding to defeat in their pursuit of a daunting 277 on a bowler-friendly pitch.

But between them, wicket-keeper Buttler and all-rounder Woakes launched a superb counterattack to turn the tide of the match towards the hosts with a sixth-wicket stand worth 139 runs.

In a final twist, Buttler was eventually out lbw for 75 to leg-spinner Yasir Shah with England requiring another 21 for victory, thereby reviving Pakistan’s fading hopes.

Stuart Broad was also dismissed lbw attempting to knock off the last four runs but man-of-the-match Woakes finished on 84 not out.

England had reached 86-1 in reply with skipper Joe Root looking in control, but four wickets fell quickly to leave them reeling in their attempt at the second-highest successful fourth-innings run chase seen at Old Trafford.

Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2020