![PAK vs ENG [WATCH]: Sajid Khan outfoxes Joe Root with his masterful bowling on Day 1 of 3rd Test](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Sajid-Khan-and-Joe-Root-2.webp "PAK vs ENG [WATCH]: Sajid Khan outfoxes Joe Root with his masterful bowling on Day 1 of 3rd Test")
Table of Contents
England batter Joe Root fell to the bowling of Sajid Khan once more, departing for a mere five runs during the first innings on Day 1 of the third Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on Thursday, October 24.
Sajid had already dismissed Root in the first innings of the previous Test in Multan, showcasing his ability to trouble the seasoned batter with a sharply turning delivery. After a lackluster start from the Pakistan spinners when England chose to bat, Noman Ali and Sajid eventually found some turn. Following the quick dismissals of Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope, Root arrived at the crease with England at 70/2 in the first session.
Sajid Khan’s masterclass: Dismissing Joe Root with a stunning delivery
In a crucial moment of the match, Sajid claimed the prized wicket of Root with a delivery in the 20.6 over that began wide of off stump and turned sharply back into him, catching Root off guard. Deep in his crease, Root was unable to react in time as the ball hit his pads with a loud thud.
Umpire Chris Gaffaney raised his finger promptly, and Root, recognizing the futility of a review, chose not to contest the decision. Ball-tracking technology later confirmed that the ball was on course to hit the middle of the stumps, highlighting Sajid’s precision. This wicket proved significant, leaving England in a precarious position at 81/3.
Here’s the video:
— ViratKingdom (@kingdom_virat1) October 24, 2024
Also READ: PAK vs ENG, 3rd Test: Top 5 key battles to watch out for in Rawalpindi
Root’s ongoing challenges on spin-friendly wickets
After scoring a mammoth double century in the series opener, Root has struggled on challenging wickets favoring spin. In the second Test, he managed scores of 34 and 18 on a difficult surface, and his latest score of five marks his second-lowest in Pakistan. Notably, this was the first time in 17 innings that he failed to reach double figures. The spin duo of Sajid and Noman continued their impressive form from Multan, with the pair bowling all 24 overs in the first session as Shan Masood opted for spin from both ends with the new ball.
England’s batters collapses under pressure
Ben Duckett appeared to be in control, nearing his half-century, while Harry Brook joined the action following Root’s dismissal. At lunch, England were positioned at 110/5 after 30 overs. Soon after the fall of Root, Noman made a significant impact by dismissing centurion Duckett, asserting his dominance in the match. Sajid then took Brook’s wicket for just one run, as England, who had started brightly, found themselves rocked back by some exceptional spin bowling from Pakistan.
