The tourists showed heart to fight back on the second morning after centuries from Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood put the home side in control on Monday, but saw a pivotal moment go against them in the afternoon. The score was 420 for six, with Salman on just 15, when Chris Woakes thought he had pulled off a superb take on the long-off boundary. The 35-year-old leapt backwards to pluck the ball as it sailed over his head, tossed it in the air as he cleared the rope then skipped up as he collected it at the second attempt.
An eventful six! 😲 Chris Woakes tries hard but Salman Ali Agha is deemed safe 🏏 #PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/5hqtmSdi6B — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 8, 2024 His team-mates flocked to celebrate his efforts but the decision was immediately sent upstairs and replays were inconclusive as third umpire Chris Gaffaney attempted to determine whether the fielder had touched the boundary while in contact with the ball.
The New Zealander eventually sided with Salman and signalled for a six, leaving Woakes aghast and the batter to make full use of his opportunity. He went on to punish a weary attack, reaching 79 not out with 10 fours and one more maximum. England would have fancied themselves to wrap the innings up in swifter fashion had Woakes’ catch been awarded but instead reached tea with 138 overs in their legs and energy levels plummeting in the Punjab heat.
Resuming on 328 for four overnight, Pakistan were restricted to 69 for t.
