Shan Masood, Azan Awais Help Pakistan Resist England in Third Test
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Birmingham: Pakistan showed signs of resistance on the third day of the third Test against England at Edgbaston, with captain Shan Masood and Azan Awais scoring half-centuries to delay England’s push for another comprehensive victory.
Pakistan reached 184 for 3 at lunch on Friday, still 136 runs behind England’s first-innings total, as the visitors looked to avoid a 3-0 series whitewash.
Shan Masood Leads Pakistan’s Fightback
Pakistan had been in serious trouble after losing two wickets without scoring on Thursday. However, Shan Masood and Azan Awais steadied the innings with a valuable 125-run partnership for the third wicket.
Masood remained unbeaten on 83 at lunch, anchoring the innings and giving Pakistan hope of extending the match into a fourth day.
Azan Awais Scores 59
Azan Awais played a confident innings of 59 runs before being dismissed by spinner Dan Lawrence.
He appeared to have survived when the umpire initially ruled him not out after a catch down the leg side. England reviewed the decision, however, and the call was overturned, with stand-in wicketkeeper Jordan Cox completing the dismissal.
Babar Azam Joins Shan Masood
Pakistan captain Babar Azam came to the crease after Azan’s departure and looked comfortable against the England attack.
Babar was unbeaten on 26 at lunch, with Pakistan hoping the pair could build a substantial partnership and reduce England’s advantage.
England Hold a Huge First-Innings Lead
England had earlier bowled Pakistan out for just 133 runs on the opening day before producing an aggressive batting display to reach 453 all out.
The hosts therefore secured a commanding 320-run first-innings lead, putting themselves in a strong position to complete a series clean sweep.
England Dominates the Test Series
England have already won the first two matches of the three-Test series convincingly.
The hosts secured an innings-and-103-run victory in the opening Test, followed by a 194-run win in the second match.
Pakistan are now fighting to avoid a third consecutive defeat and prevent England from completing a 3-0 series whitewash.
Difficult Tour Continues for Pakistan
The Test series has been particularly challenging for Pakistan, who have struggled for consistency throughout the tour.
Following the second Test defeat, Pakistan released seven players and removed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant coach Umar Gul. The team also made four changes to its playing XI for the final Test at Edgbaston.
