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England v Pakistan, 2nd Test Day Three: Five Things We Learned

Britain Cricket - England v Pakistan - Second Test - Emirates Old Trafford - 24/7/16 Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq Action Images via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff Livepic (Reuters)

Another day of domination for England as they eye up a huge win over Pakistan to level the series. Here’s what we learned from Old Trafford, day three…

MAN OF THE DAY - MISBAH UL HAQ

When all about lost their heads, he kept his. It was quite hilariously typical that he would be the one to lather on some respectability to a scorecard that could have looked like a phone number. It was only 52 but it was typical of the man: risky without taking risks, punchy without malice as England were well, well in front. That the middle order fell in the heap was down to a host of shots brought about through muddled thinking as to how to continue on in an innings that started with them 589 behind.

TOP ORDER WOES

With so much English introspection after the first Test, Pakistan’s own worries slipped under the radar. And it’s at the top of the order that they have an issue that needs to be addressed, as soon as possible. Mohammad Hafeez looks like he is a walking wicket: it’s not simply that he gets out, but it is the manner of his dismissals, which often rank as catching practice for the slip cordon. But don’t be fooled by Shan Masood coming out this morning unbeaten. Rarely has an overnight stay seemed so uncertain since Mary and Joseph chanced their arm at a manger.

A MOST COMPLETE BOWLING ATTACK?

Anderson-Broad-Woakes-Stokes-Ali. It’s not one that jumps out at you and makes you think “wow”! but let’s think about it, for a moment. Batting all the way down, incisiveness all the way up. Moeen Ali has his issues, but in India he’ll have back-up in the form of Adil Rashid, with a middle order batsman missing out. When Anderson and Broad don’t quite make the new ball do its thing, Woakes and Stokes do all sorts off the straight with the older one. The 2005 vintage were a class apart but, you know, for the next six months, this cartel could push it close.

FOLLOW OFF

Oh the fuming. Despite a sizeable first innings lead of 391, England decided against following on. Michael Vaughan was bemused – perplexed, in fact. So were others. Twitter was awash with people angry about Alastair Cook batting on, others angry at those angry that Alastair Cook was batting on. No one was sure of the reasons, but everyone was sure they were angry. In an attempt to play Devil’s Advocate… he might have done so to rest up his bowlers, who put in a good shift for 64 overs (not much, I know). He might have also wanted to give more work to Pakistan’s, with Mohammad Amir struggling with a knee complaint and Wahab Riaz struggling with a niggle. Demoralise the opposition further? OK, I’m struggling for now. Ah well, I suppose people with day four tickets aren’t complaining…

WHAT NOW

Well, more needless runs and 10 wickets please. There’s a little bit of weather around, which was even more frustration for the follow-on implorers, but not enough to stem a steady flow of Pakistan wickets across tomorrow. Famous last words…