Yousuf defiant as Pakistan close on England total
Yousuf defiant as Pakistan close on England total
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Saturday, 15, Jul 2006 08:11
Mohammad Yousuf reached a magnificent 185 not out as Pakistan finished 409 for seven at close of play and neared England's formidable first-innings score at Lords.
It had all seemed very different at the start of today's play as Matthew Hoggard removed nightwatchman Mohammad Sami in only the second over. Pakistan were apparently floundering at 68-4 at that point.
But Yousuf, ably supported by his captain Inzamam ul-Haq, was at the centre of Pakistan's stubborn resistance.
The pair shared 173 for the fifth wicket before the hard-working Liam Plunkett uprooted the Inzamam's leg stump and returned him to the pavilion.
Abdul Razzaq looked to be forming a similarly persistent partnership with Yousuf before England's bowlers were granted the new ball.
It proved the boost they needed and the Pakistan number seven fell for 22 during a spell of fiery deliveries from Steve Harmison.
Akmal was full of attacking intent and, after being put down at cover early on, went on to score 58 before gifting Kevin Pieterson his first Test wicket.
Wicketkeeper Geraint Jones capped a good day, snapping up his third catch after a lazy shot from the right-hander.
Pakistan finished 119 runs behind England, and with Yousuf looking to secure his double-century the English attack still has work to do tomorrow morning.