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England‘s left-arm spinner Jack Leach made an immediate impact on Day 1 of the second Test against Pakistan in Multan on Tuesday (October 15). Leach took two crucial wickets within the first 10 overs, putting Pakistan on the back foot. His first victim was opener Abdullah Shafique, who was bowled for 7. Leach then dismissed Pakistan captain Shan Masood for 3, leaving Pakistan reeling at 19/2.
Shan Masood falls to a soft dismissal: Jack Leach’s magic
Masood, fresh off a century in the previous Test, was expected to anchor Pakistan’s innings. However, his stay was brief as he fell to a soft dismissal, caught by Zak Crawley at short midwicket off Leach. Masood, trying to flick a delivery that didn’t turn much, played it too firmly and straight into the hands of Crawley. It was a poor shot selection, especially with an attacking field set by Ben Stokes. Leach’s clever use of angles, combined with Masood’s misjudgment, resulted in a crucial wicket for England. This marked the second blow to Pakistan’s hopes early in the day, as the captain’s departure further dented their efforts to build a stable innings.
Here’s the video:
Poor shot by Shan Masood 🫠
Second wicket gone #PAKvENG #PakistanCricket #INDvsAUS #bgt #BenStokes #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/00oOGOL0TC
— Sports and Atheletics (@Sportsatheletic) October 15, 2024
Also READ: All you need to know about Kamran Ghulam – Domestic star who replaced Babar Azam for the second Test against England
Pakistan at drinks: In trouble early on against England
By the time the drinks break arrived, Pakistan were at 42/2 after 16.3 overs, struggling to find any rhythm in their innings. Saim Ayub remained at the crease, battling hard for his 22* off 40 balls, while debutant and replacement of Babar Azam in the side, Kamran Ghulam was trying to settle in, unbeaten on 11. With the run rate hovering around 2.66, Pakistan were clearly under pressure to stabilize after losing their two key top-order wickets. England’s bowlers, led by Leach, had effectively tied down the batters, ensuring no easy runs came by.
Leach’s early double strike has put Pakistan on the defensive, and with over 70 overs remaining in the day, England will be looking to further exploit Pakistan’s tentative start and build on their momentum. Notably, Leach became the first England spinner since Johnny Briggs in 1889 to claim two wickets inside the first 10 overs, highlighting the historical significance of his early breakthroughs.
