[Watch] Gus Atkinson Exposes Saim Ayub's Technique With A Pacy Delivery In PAK vs ENG 1st Test
Saim Ayub loses his wicket vs ENG (Source: Screengrab@cricket543210/X.com)
The first Test between Pakistan and England has started off on a good note for the visitors as Gus Atkinson got the big wicket of Saim Ayub in the fourth over of the match. It was a perfect start for England as the wicket is on the flatter side, and Ollie Pope and company needed early wicket to put pressure on Pakistan.
Also, the wicket exposed Saim Ayub's weakness against short ball. He is a talented batter, but has been troubled by short deliveries in the past. England did their homework perfectly, and though traditionally one tends to bowl full to extract swing with the new ball, Gus Atkinson decided to go short and got the reward.
Gus Atkinson Draws First Blood For England
It was a short delivery around leg and looked harmless to the naked eye. However, Saim Ayub was tentative in his nudge towards the leg side and the ball kissed the glove on the way. Jamie Smith behind the stumps did the rest by taking a good diving catch and Pakistan were handed first blow.
Earlier, Shan Masood won the toss and decided to bat first. Pakistan have brought back Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi back in the XI after leaving them out in the last Test against Bangladesh and Aamer Jamal is also back after recovering from injury. England, on the other hand are without Ben Stokes in this Test and it would be interesting to see how Pakistan batters go about their business after an early wicket.