Bowlers put England on top in second Test

Pakistan were struggling at 126 for five in their first innings on the opening day of the rain-hit second Test against England at The Ageas Bowl in Southampton yesterday.

Opener Abid Ali hit a top score of 60 from 111 deliveries inclusive of seven boundaries after Skipper Azhar AIi had won the toss and elected to bat first. 

Earlier, Fawad Alam saw his near 11-year wait for a return to Test cricket end with a four-ball duck. 

A prolific run-scorer in Pakistan domestic cricket, Alam played the last of his three previous Tests, in which he averages over 41, against New Zealand in Dunedin, back in November 2009. 
But the 34-year-old, batting with an extremely open stance, was lbw on review to all-rounder Chris Woakes for nought. It appeared Alam had survived when given not out. 
But an England review revealed the ball had pitched in line with a squared-up Alam trapped in front of his stumps to leave Pakistan in trouble at 120 for five.
Earlier, Pakistan managed to keep England at bay after losing the wicket of Shan Masood early, with Abid and Azhar putting on a half century stand. 

While Masood was trapped in front by James Anderson, Abid had a couple of reprieves, with Dom Sibley and Rory Burns dropping catches in the slip cordon. 
Capitalising on the missed chances, Abid built a good stand with Azhar as they showcased good application in testing conditions to ensure Pakistan did not suffer anymore setbacks in the first session.

Anderson (2/35) was the most successful bowler for England while Stuart Broad, Sam Curran and Chris Woakes captured a wicket each.

England, bidding for a first series victory over Pakistan in a decade, made two changes for a match that is once more being played behind closed doors because of Coronavirus. 
(Agencies)