It at all times felt like a matter of when, reasonably than if, the pitch recycled from the primary Take a look at would play an element within the second.
Earlier than it did, Pakistan should have been struggling deja vu from the primary Take a look at. On that event, they posted a robust 556, solely to be pulverised by England’s Bazballers. When Duckett was going robust, sharing partnerships in extra of fifty with Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope and Root, historical past was repeating.
Sajid was one in all 4 modifications to the Pakistan XI and, even within the face of Duckett’s assault – England have been scoring at 5 an over – Sajid carried the largest menace.
And, late on the seventh day of cricket performed on this pitch, the floor had its say. The ball for Root’s sweep could have stored a contact low, Duckett tried to drive out of the tough and Brook was unwise in making an attempt to power in opposition to the spin. Stokes prodded like a person who has missed 4 Checks with a hamstring damage.
Within the blink of an eye fixed, England have been floored. Desires of a first-innings benefit changed into a grim battle for survival. From right here, even attending to parity can be a exceptional effort.
Then there may be additionally the considered the circumstances England would possibly face within the fourth innings. Pakistan maintain all of the playing cards of their bid to degree the collection.