Pakistan tail frustrates England to reach 358-8 at lunch

Pakistan’s tail frustrated England as the hosts reached 358-8 at lunch on day two of the second Test in Multan on Wednesday after the visitors took three early wickets.

All-rounder Aamer Jamal and Noman Ali were at the crease on 37 and 29 respectively as they foiled England’s attack with an unbroken stand of 49 for the ninth wicket.

Pakistan resumed on 259-5 and England struck early on a reused Multan Stadium pitch that not only offered some spin but also helped the seamers extract reverse swing.

Brydon Carse (2-43) had Mohammad Rizwan caught behind by Jamie Smith for 41 in the third over of the day.

Rizwan hit five boundaries in his shaky knock.

Carse’s fellow seamer Matthew Potts (2-65) forced an edge off Salman Agha on a sharp rising delivery with Smith taking another regulation catch to leave the hosts on 302-7.

Agha’s knock of 31 also had five boundaries.

Spinner Jack Leach took his third wicket of the innings when he dismissed Sajid Khan for two, caught at short cover by Joe Root.

Debutant Kamran Ghulam struck a century to anchor Pakistan’s innings on the first day.

England lead the three-match series 1-0 following their innings victory in the first Test, also in Multan.