Tag: England’s Test tour of Pakistan

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official on Friday provided an update regarding right-arm speedster Haris Rauf’s injury scare during the post-match press conference after the conclusion of Day 2 of the ongoing Rawalpindi Test.

According to the PCB spokesperson, Haris underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at a local hospital here as a precautionary method to examine a likely injury that the former sustained on the first day of the Rawalpindi Test.

Haris rolled over the ball in a fielding attempt on the first day of the match and felt discomfort in his right quad. He is under observation by the team’s medical staff despite showing no signs of injury.

The PCB spokesperson further confirmed that the right-arm pacer will be available for the remainder of the first Test against England.

It is pertinent to mention that Rauf is among four Pakistan debutants in the Rawalpindi Test against England. Besides him, Zahid Mahmood, Saud Shakeel and Muhammad Ali are playing their first match.

Meanwhile, Pakistan scripted a much-needed fightback as their openers Imam-ul-Haq (90) and Abdullah Shafique (89) stitched an unbeaten 181-run partnership before the stumps on Day 2.

Earlier, in the day, England posted their highest Test total against Pakistan (657) and bettered their previous best of 589-9 at Manchester in 2016.

Meanwhile, on the opening day of the Rawalpindi Test, England batters put on a dominant show and tumbled various records including scoring more than 500 runs on the first day of a Test match – the highest score of the first day.

READ: ‘I tried to give my best,’ Zahid on unwanted record on Test debut 

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s debutant leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood commented on his unwanted record on his Test debut and asserted to have given his best in the ongoing Rawalpindi Test against England.

On a question regarding the legacy of Pakistan leg-spinners like Abdul Qadir and Mushtaq and his dismal Test debut in which he registered the worst bowling figure of four for 235 in 35 overs, Zahid claimed to have given his best on the field.

“Look, we play domestic cricket so that we can play for Pakistan one day. So, from my end, I strived to the fullest and bowled,” said Zahid.

“No doubt they played well but it was my first match and I tried my best,” he added.

The leg-spinner then responded to a question regarding the unresponsive nature of the pitch and emphasized as a professional he is determined to prove himself regardless of the conditions.

“Obviously the wicket is good, there is no doubt about that but regardless of how the pitch is, as a bowler it is our responsibility to prove ourselves and we tried to do the same,” said Zahid.

The debutant then went on to predict the nature of the pitch in the last two days by sharing that it has already started to act better than the first day.

“Definitely, it was different to that on the first day as it was offering something. So, I think, on the fourth or fifth day it would help the spinners,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention that England finished their first record-breaking first innings against Pakistan on a mammoth 657 before Pakistan openers Imam-ul-Haq (90) and Abdullah Shafique (89) bolstered the hosts to a fighting start.

The duo put on an unbeaten 181-run partnership before the stumps on Day 2 to cut Pakistan’s deficit to 476 runs.

READ: Imam-ul-Haq completes thousand runs in Test cricket

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s left-handed opener Imam-ul-Haq completed 1,000 runs in Test cricket amid the ongoing first Test against England at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Imam, who was just 27 runs away from the milestone, cut behind the first delivery of the 18th over by Will Jacks to complete the 1000-run landmark in his 17th Test.

Besides the recently-achieved landmark, Imam has two Test centuries and four fifties to his name in 16 matches with the highest score of 157.

.@ImamUlHaq12 completes 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ Test runs ✅#PAKvENG | #UKSePK pic.twitter.com/rJoKGccywA

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 2, 2022

The left-handed batter then went on to score unbeaten 90 runs and stitched a match-saving 181-run partnership with his partner Abdullah Shafique, who scored 89 not out before the stumps on Day 2.

Earlier, in the day, England posted their highest Test total against Pakistan (657) and bettered their previous best of 589-9 at Manchester in 2016.

Meanwhile, on the opening day of the Rawalpindi Test, England batters put on a dominant show and tumbled various records including scoring more than 500 runs on the first day of a Test match – the highest score of the first day.

READ: Pakistan solid after England’s record total as openers dominate Day 2

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan head coach Saqlain Mushtaq commented on England’s baton charge on host bowlers as they amassed a mammoth 506/4 on the first day of the Rawalpindi Test and suggested that the pitch should have been more supportive. 

Saqlain, in a press conference, following a dominant first day by the English team as four of their batters scored centuries before putting up the highest total on the opening day of a Test match, credited them for their brilliance before complaining about the nature of the pitch.

“England played very well today and we could not bowl according to our plan. There was also a problem with the pitch and I think it should have been more supportive. They just outclassed us and we must credit them,” Saqlain said.

On a question regarding Pakistan’s bowling attack and its struggle against aggressive English batters, Saqlain once again emphasized ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi’s absence and asserted these were the best available bowlers.

“Shaheen was injured, all we had were these bowlers and we were relying on them. They are also good, their performance was also good but we just couldn’t bowl as per plan,” said Saqlain.

“Muhammad Ali was performing well in domestic cricket, while Abrar and Zahid were also putting up wonderful performances in the camp. We strive to be fair in the selection of the team.

“Both the players were bowling brilliantly in the camp and were doing what they were supposed to do. We needed a bowler who can bowl in long spells with Haris and Naseem. But credit goes to England who had planned well against us.”

Saqlain then went on to respond to a question regarding the outcome of the ongoing Test and emphasized not to talk about it on the first day.

“No doubt England played well on the first day but we should think much about the future of the Rawalpindi Test. This Test will become interesting in upcoming days. It was their day and they outplayed us,” Saqlain concluded.

It is pertinent to mention that England batters Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope and Harry Brook all scored centuries to power their side broke a 112-year-old record as they finished the opening day at 506/4.

READ: President Alvi attends historic Rawalpindi Test to celebrate England return 

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressed his hope of competing against a full-strength English side despite several players of the touring party being struck down by illness on Wednesday.

Babar, in a scheduled press conference ahead of the historic Rawalpindi Test, commented on the unfortunate viral spread in the opposition camp, while also hopeful of competing against a complete English side.

“We’ve finalized our plan after the English lineup was unveiled and we will bring our action plan tomorrow. They are tough opposition and play aggressively but we are still hopeful they play with full strength,” said Babar.

“We have been practising for the last week and are well-prepared for the series. The way Naseem Shah and Muhammad Ali are bowling, I am confident my bowlers will make us win,” he added.

The playing conditions and pitches were the most-talked elements of the game amid Australia’s historic tour of Pakistan in April this year, while Babar came up with an assertion this time that the conditions would be favourable for both teams.

“Whenever you play in home conditions, you try to make pitches as per your suitability. However, I think the conditions are still favourable for both teams. The weather conditions are better, fast bowlers and spinners will get a lot of help,” said Babar.

Babar then went on to comment on Pakistan’s chances to make it to the final of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) and shared the team has the potential to make it.

“We will be trying to win at least four of our last five matches so that we can qualify for the final of the World Test Championship,” he concluded.

READ: PAK vs ENG: Trophy unveiling postponed as virus hits English camp 

RAWALPINDI: The trophy unveiling ceremony of the historic Test series between Pakistan and England has been postponed as a viral disease hit the English camp on the eve of the first match, originally scheduled to commence tomorrow.

According to the details, the postponement came in light of the viral ailment that broke out in the touring side’s camp which affected around 14 members of their squad.

England’s Test captain Ben Stokes is reportedly among those 14 members and thus was unable to partake in the unveiling ceremony with his counterpart Babar Azam.

Consequently, the affected members including players and supporting staff were advised to rest at the hotel on Wednesday.

However, the reports further suggest that the trophy unveiling ceremony will now take place tomorrow ahead of the first Test.

Meanwhile, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued a brief statement regarding the incident and shared that only Harry Brook, Joe Root, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley attended today’s optional training session.

It is pertinent to mention that England have already named their Playing XI for the historic Rawalpindi Test with all-rounder Liam Livingstone set to make his Test debut while Ben Duckett will play his first Test since 2016.

READ: PAK v ENG: Start of First Test likely to be delayed after England players fall ill 

RAWALPINDI: The trophy for the upcoming Test series between Pakistan and England will be unveiled tomorrow at Pindi Cricket Stadium.

According to the details, the trophy will be unveiled in a ceremony at the Pindi stadium where both captains – Babar Azam and Ben Stokes – will participate.

Following the trophy unveiling, both Pakistan and England captains will speak to the presser later tomorrow.

Earlier today, the players of the two squads carried out robust training sessions on Tuesday ahead of the first Test amid tight security at the stadium.

It is pertinent to mention that England and Pakistan will lock horns in a three-match Test series from December 1 to 21. Rawalpindi, Multan and Karachi will host the remaining two Tests respectively.

READ: Babar’s wicket is crucial but goal is to take 20 wickets: Anderson 

RAWALPINDI: England cricket’s famous fan page Barmy Army reached Pakistan after a gap of 17 years to witness the historic Test series between England and Pakistan.

The upcoming Rawalpindi Test of the historic series, scheduled to commence on December 1, will mark the first Test for the English side on Pakistan soil after 17 years.

To witness the historic Test between two decorated Test sides, one of the renowned cricket fan clubs, England’s Barmy Army has touched down in the country.

Taking to Twitter, Barmy Army announced their arrival with a tweet, “Check our bio for a new location.”

Check our bio for a new location 📍

— England's Barmy Army 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) November 29, 2022

 

Consequently, the Barmy Army changed its location from England to Pakistan.

Earlier, the overwhelming response from Pakistan fans left Barmy Army amused as “Welcome to Pakistan” began to trend following their tweet “Assalam-o-alaikum.”

Later, Barmy Army tweeted to praise the overwhelming response of cricket passionate nation.

“How amazing is this. 9:04 am – we tweet ‘Assalam-o-alaikum’ 2 hours later – ‘Welcome to Pakistan’ is trending on Twitter,” wrote Barmy Army.

How amazing is this ❤️

9:04am – we tweet "Assalam-o-alaikum"

2 hours later – "Welcome to Pakistan" is trending on Twitter#PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/iiBWvI2voR

— England's Barmy Army 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) November 25, 2022

 

It is pertinent to mention that England and Pakistan will lock horns in a three-match Test series from December 1 to 21. Besides Rawalpindi, Multan and Karachi will host the remaining two Tests respectively.

READ: England, Pakistan train at Pindi Stadium ahead of first Test

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday revealed a star-studded commentary panel for the historic three-match Test series between Pakistan and England scheduled from December 1 to 21.

England Test team set foot in Islamabad on Sunday to mark the historic tour of Pakistan as the two sides will play the first-ever Test on Pakistani soil after a gap of 17 years.

According to the PCB, Pakistan’s legendary cricketer Waqar Younis, alongside Urooj Mumtaz and Bazid Khan, will be joined by the veteran English commentators Nasser Hussain, Michael Atherton and David Gower in the commentary panel.

These experts will also offer pre and post-match analysis throughout the series which will be hosted by renowned presenter Zainab Abbas.

Star-studded commentary panel for Pakistan vs England Test series 👇

Read more ➡️ https://t.co/nCMp3aCZe5#PAKvENG | #UKSePK pic.twitter.com/EficcpXE8W

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 28, 2022

The production will be done through 28 full High-Definition cameras – including Buggy and Drone cameras. To help with the Decision Review System (DRS), a comprehensive Hawkeye set-up – UltraMotion ball-tracking and UltraEdge will also be used.

The action-filled series will be live-streamed on the digital platform of ARY Digital Network – ARY ZAP in crystal clear HD quality.

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RAWALPINDI: England Test squad started their training for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, set to commence on December 1 at Pindi Cricket Stadium.

For the three-match Test series, the touring side has raced up the preparations by partaking in the net sessions.

The touring players carried out robust practice sessions on Monday ahead of the first Test against Pakistan, scheduled to take place on Thursday.

According to the details, the English contingent partook in an enduring practice session. The players engaged in vigorous fielding drills alongside net sessions for bowling and batting practice.

It is pertinent to mention here that England’s Test team set foot in Pakistan after a gap of almost 17 years to face the home side in a three-match series, scheduled from December 1 to 21.

Pindi Cricket Stadium will host the first match of the series, while the remaining two fixtures will be held in Multan and Karachi respectively.

READ: Ben Stokes announces to donate match fees to Pakistan flood victims