Pakistan Vs England 3rd Test: Visitors Produce Brilliant Fightback; Restrict Hosts To 3-Down At Stumps, Day 1

Pakistan Vs England 3rd Test, Day 1: The visitors are back in the game, as they send Pakistan's in-form top order back into the pavilion at Stumps, Day 1. Read below for more.

Pakistan Vs England 3rd Test, Day 1: England have come roaring back on Day 1 of the third Test match against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, as they hand the hosts a huge blow by restricting them to three-down in their first innings.

Pakistan end their Day 1 at 73/3, with skipper Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel at the crease for them. The hosts lost the opening duo of Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub inside the 50-run mark, as the latter was dismissed at 43, thereby, marking the poor run of their opening partnership, which has now failed to register a 50-run stand in a very long time.

In the previous match, either of Abdullah Shafique or Saim Ayub used to click and score vital runs, but the spin duo of Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir made sure they do not repeat the mistakes of the 2nd Test.

Last Test match's hero, Kamran Ghulam, also failed to get going, as he was dismissed by a lovely delivery from Gus Atkinson, who enjoyed a memorable Day 1 with both, bat and ball.

Very few people would have expected England to bounce back after losing the 2nd Test in a humiliating manner, and going 118/6 in their first innings of the third Test match, but Jamie Smith had other plans, as his knock of 89 might just prove to be the series-decider for England, who aim at sealing yet another Test series in Pakistan.

Sajid Khan Reflects On Memorable Day 1 Of Pakistan Vs England, 3rd Test

Sajid Khan picked up an excellent 6-wicket haul to trouble English batters in Rawalpindi, as the Pakistan spinners is enjoying a great run of form as of late.

"Well, domestic cricket is really important. I have played in domestic cricket for the last 7-8 years and I have experienced different kinds of tracks. Well it surprised me today at Rawalpindi that the ball was turning so much and I really enjoyed my time bowling here. Well, when you are playing regular cricket, you know what to do and what not to. I have planned a lot on how to bowl to Joe Root and get him out early in his Innings. I have said it before, Root is one of the best batter in the world. Jamie Smith batted brilliantly but overall I am happy with my performance," said Sajid Khan during an interview.