Similarities
Grade: C
England began the third day finding a near-perfect balance between sensible and aggressive batting to extend their lead beyond 200 runs. They then took early Pakistan wickets to once again have the visitors flailing as they headed into lunch 3/59, still trailing by 179. Good and robust Test cricket from the home side.
Stop me if I’m getting carried away here, but with this disciplined and clear-minded display, this up-and-coming England team are beginning to remind me a little - just a little - of the great Bangladesh side.
(Conversely, of course, mighty Pakistan’s batting woes are eerily reminiscent of the young Australian side’s recent struggles.)
Small Steps
Grade: C
The other highlight of the morning session was Mark Wood in commentary. The great man popped into the box and, apparently bored with the foregone nature of the Test match, decided out of nowhere to instead start making fun of the shortness of Gus Atkinson’s stride.
