Ben Stokes’ England Test team recorded a terrific victory on the Rawalpindi pitch that has been criticized by all, including PCB chairman Ramiz Raja who called it “embarrassing” for them.
Until Day 3, it had seemed that the game will peter out to a boring draw, but a brave, courageous declaration by Ben Stokes after Tea on Day 4, giving Pakistan the target of 343 to get in 4 sessions on the track with little deterioration, meant that all three results were possible.
Pakistan even went after the target and were 169/3 at Lunch on Day 5 with 174 runs needed in the last two sessions. England returned after lunch with a spirited bowling effort; they not only contained the runs, but also took wickets to have the hosts 264/9.
But the 10th-wicket pair of Naseem Shah and Mohammad Ali defied the England bowlers for 52 deliveries and under the dying light, Pakistan were in with a chance to escape with a draw. However, Jack Leach struck with about only 15 minutes left in the game to send the England team and their supporting crowd tearing into raptures. Bazball working away from home now too, eh?
Harsha Bhogle left in awe of the Bazball
Renowned cricket commentator and a highly followed personality Harsha Bhogle said he’s been left in awe of the template, the win or lose over draw mentality of this England Test team under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. Bhogle exclaimed on Stokes’ brave declaration that boosted energy into this Test match that, on the flat and dull Pindi surface, had looked like will end in an unentertaining draw.
“Essentially, England have taken a game on a pitch designed for a dull batting draw and converted it into a thrilling test match. I am in awe of how England are playing test cricket,” Harsha Bhogle tweeted.
Essentially, England have taken a game on a pitch designed for a dull batting draw and converted it into a thrilling test match. I am in awe of how England are playing test cricket
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 5, 2022
