There’s whole lot of attention towards the 2016 Pakistan Test tour of England. It is an extremely important tour for them as this is the first time since 2010 that the two teams are facing each other on English soil. The 2010 tour is remembered for the spot-fixing scandal exposing Salman Butt, Mohd. Asif and Mohd. Amir for their involvement. Pakistan playing its first test against England at Lord’s will play three more test matches in Old Trafford, Edgbaston and the Oval. All the Cricket Pundits are expecting an equal fight but are also inclined towards England’s win.
There is always an air of controversy around any of the Pakistan tours for the past few years. Be it internal PCB conflicts, changing captains, debatable team selection and so often result in negative media across the world. Often opposing teams do not hesitate to play some mind games with them.
This time, Pakistan got their due media focus on Mohd. Amir’s return to the team, Misbah-ul-Haq’s first tour of England and a very unsettled test team. On the other hand, there is a twitter war going on among the players and their opinions targeting Amir’s inclusion after he served his sentenced which he was found guilty on the last England tour.
We have witnessed more than enough fireworks in the first 3 days of the Lord’s test.
Pak skipper, Misbah-ul-Haq produced magic by scoring a fantastic 100. He celebrated his ton in a unique style by doing push-ups, replying to his critics all at once. Let me tell you what Misbah achieved is something that Ricky Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara and Jacques Kallis couldn’t do in their entire careers – A Test Ton at Lord’s!
And this was not all. On Day 2 when England came out to bat, the attention was primarily focused on the likes of Riaz, Mohd. Amir & Rahat Ali. But out of nowhere, Yasir Shah the leg-spinner wrecked havoc and exposed the English weakness against quality spin. He became the first leg-spinner in 20 years to get a Fifer at Lord’s. I REPEAT, a leg spinner’s fifer at a fast bowler’s paradise!
A moment of pride for the English Fans was when Captain Cook’s resilience helped him score a fighting 81 for his team and he made a world record.
With all the records building up, the first test appears to be a start of an exciting series up in our hands. Stay tuned for more!
By: Shubhang Srivastava
Shubhang Srivastava, born and brought up in Delhi, always wanted to become a traveler or something. But, he is currently working as a successful professional in the advertising industry. He loves lounging on his oversized bean bag, listening to Coldplay. A complete movie buff, his knowledge can actually leave you amazed. He has an eye for detail and an unparalleled passion for Formula One, Cricket and Squash. When he’s not working, one can easily find him getting involved in some sports discussion episode with people around.
P.S.: He is a very nice guy. Trust us!
