MANCHESTER: England were struggling at 92-4 against Pakistan after Shan Masood scored a third century in as many innings and seamer Mohammad Abbas caused mayhem at the top of the English order with two wickets at the close of day two of the first Test at Old Trafford on Thursday.

England still trailed by 234 runs after Pakistan posted a competitive first-innings total of 326, a total boosted by a superb career-best 156 from opener Shan.

Much will likely depend on the current partnership at the wicket as Ollie Pope (46 not out) and Jos Buttler (15 not out) must engineer a rebuilding job as the last recognised batsmen.

With Chris Woakes set to come in at number seven, it is a long tail for the hosts and early Pakistan wickets on the third morning could see them finish well behind the tourists’ total.

Captain Joe Root (14) was subdued be­fore edging leg-spinner Yasir Shah to wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan.

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2020