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England off to a sound start against Pakistan

England off to a sound start against Pakistan

LEEDS – England were 106 for two in reply to Pakistan s first innings 174,a deficit of 68 runs, at the close of the first day of the second Test atHeadingley on Friday.

Joe Root, the England captain, was 29 not out and nightwatchman DominicBess unbeaten on nought.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed s decision to bat backfired asEngland took advantage of the overcast and swing-friendly conditions.

Pakistan lost all of their top order before lunch and another clatter ofwickets left them 79 for seven not long after the interval. But Shadab Khanrallied the tail with 56, the teenager s third fifty in as many Tests.

England s veteran new ball partnership of Stuart Broad (three for 38) andJames Anderson (three for 43) each took three wickets.

Meanwhile recalled Warwickshire paceman Chris Woakes finished with threefor 55 from his 11 overs.

Stuart Broad enjoyed an early double strike on his way to lunch figures oftwo for for 23 in nine overs, with recalled all-rounder Chris Woakes takingtwo for 17 in six overs.

Pakistan lead this two-match series 1-0 after thrashing England by ninewickets in the first Test at Lord s.

Pakistan arrived at Headingley after thrashing England by nine wickets inthe first Test of this two-match series at Lord s.

Friday s pitch looked a good one to bat on but humid and overcastconditions offered to assist the bowlers, with Sarfraz s decision at thetoss especially bold given Pakistan had dismissed England for just 184 intheir first innings at Lord s.

Broad might have had Imam-ul-Haq lbw for nought, but the decision wasoverturned on review because of height. Left-hander Imam, the nephew ofPakistan selection chief and former Test batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq, was stillout for a duck, however.

England s catching, as well as their batting and bowling, had been belowstandard at Lord s but when Imam drove loosely outside off stump againstBroad, England captain Joe Root held a sharp chance at third slip on hisYorkshire home ground. APP/AFP