The first test match between England and Pakistan has ended in a draw at Lord’s. The result is more than justified given the easy nature of the pitch, strong batting by either side, complimented by ordinary fielding and lack of imaginative captaincy. Probably both the injury-ravaged sides feared losing and, therefore, preferred to play safe.

Troubled times welcomed Pakistan to the test match as they had lost their potential first-choice seam attack due to injuries. Having already lost Shoaib Akhtar and Rana Navedul Hasan, the depleted attack took a further blow as Mohammad Asif was also ruled out. On the eve of the match, Pakistan also lost vice-captain Younis Khan and Shoaib Malik. From there on, Pakistan started as second-favourites with a depleted side in England’s own backyard. England were also missing several players, most prominently Andrew Flintoff.

Andrew Strauss, in his first test as captain, won the toss and elected to bat. After a good opening partnership, Pakistan struck back with three wickets. At lunch, Pakistan held the upper hand, an advantage they lost primarily because of themselves. Appalling fielding was on display, as they dropped no less than six catches – Imran Farhat leading the pack with three, including Alastair Cook’s chance on nought. Cook and Paul Collingwood made full use of the opportunities as they brought up their centuries. Sami ended the record 233-run partnership, bowling Cook for 105, but Ian Bell motored alongwith Collingwood in another vital partnership of 120 runs. Collingwood was stumped off Danish Kaneria for a career-best 186. England declared at 528 for nine, as soon as Ian Bell brought up his second test century. Kaneria bowled 52 marathon overs, picking up three for 119.

Pakistan started off poorly as Salman Butt and Faisal Iqbal fell in the space of three balls. A spectacular catch by Collingwood, the only fielding highlight of the match, left Pakistan at 28 for two. Two more wickets either side of the day meant Pakistan were under enormous pressure at 68 for 4. That is where Pakistan needed the most from their most experienced batsmen – Mohammed Yousuf and Inzamam ul Haq. The two put on 173 runs between them before Inzamam shuffled across to be bowled round his legs by Liam Plunkett for 69. Useful contributions by Abdul Razzaq (22) and Kamran Akmal (58) helped Pakistan to support the magnificent Yousuf, batting with supreme confidence in his first century at Lord’s. On the fourth morning though, Pakistan lost wickets in a hurry as Mohammad Yousuf barely notched up his second consecutive double-century versus England. He was the last man out for 202 as Pakistan finished on 445, a deficit of 83 runs. Harmison led the England figures with four for 94 while Hoggard with three and Plunkett with two wickets supplemented his efforts.

Coming out looking for a win, England kept the run-rate high from the beginning in the second innings. Pakistan, though, kept on getting the breakthroughs at one end with Andrew Strauss staying firm at the other. Kevin Pietersen made 41 nad Ian Bell 28. In the final session, England looked to press on for runs as Strauss raised his 9th test century - his third at Lord’s in only five tests. Shortly after he was dismissed for 128, England finished the day at 258 for 7 – an overall lead of 341 runs.

The trickiest part for a captain comes when he’s not sure what total and time to give the opposition to press home their chances of victory. Strauss’ decision to bat eight overs on the final day was criticised by many experts. England declared on 296 for 8. Kaneria once again led the Pakistan attack with three for 77. An improbable target of 380 runs from 80 overs and the first-ball dismissal of Salman Butt meant Pakistan were only playing for a draw. Faisal Iqbal remained extremely cautious, scoring eight runs off his first fifty balls! Double-blow by Monty Panesar brought life into the game as England sensed an opening. Yousuf fell LBW not offering a shot to a delivery hitting the middle-stump. Faisal Iqbal edged Panesar to Cook. Both the batsmen made 48 runs each. Inzamam and Razzaq combined to push forward Pakistan’s aim of a draw. At tea, England had 32 overs to knock over Pakistan’s six wickets. The pitch did not help their cause either as it offered no assistance to the bowlers. The two captains, knowing a result looking improbable, shook hands with seven overs still to play. Inzamam finished not out on 56, his ninth consecutive half-century against England and Abdul Razzaq on 25. Hoggard and Panesar picked up two wickets apiece.

Mohammad Yousuf’s supreme 202 earned him the Man Of The Match award. With the series still level, there is all to play for at Old Trafford from the 27th of July. Andrew Flintoff is expected to make a comeback to lead his side whereas Younis Khan has also been given the green signal to play.

© Copyright 2006. PointCricket.