WATCH: Azhar Ali’s lucky escape after ball hits stumps but bails don’t dislodge

The 2nd test between England and Pakistan kick-started at The Rose Bowl, Southampton. Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat first once again for the 2nd time in a row. England dropped their tearaway quick in Jofra Archer and are playing Sam Curran in place of him.

Azhar Ali survived a scare

Pakistan lost the hero of their previous game in Shan Masood very early as James Anderson bowled an absolute peach that caught Shan Masood in front of his crease. The Pakistan captain walked in at #3, who has been massively short of runs and walked in with purpose to score big and lead from the front.
In one of the overs bowled by Chris Woakes, the ball caught the inside edge of Azhar Ali’s bat and rolled on to hit the stumps but bails didn’t fall off as Azhar Ali survived a huge scare.

https://twitter.com/faceplatter49/status/1293882844884811777?s=20

SO CLOSE!

Woakes into the attack and he hits the stumps second ball – but the bails stay on!

Azhar Ali survives and Pakistan are 30-1. ??????????

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The veteran James Anderson was bowling with great purpose and removed the Pakistan skipper for 20 runs who was battling hard till that moment. Azhar Ali’s poor form continues and he is struggling to score a big score.

Can Pakistan take advantage of a good start?

Pakistan have got a good start courtesy a fighting knock from Abid Ali who is unbeaten on 49 after having faced 98 deliveries. The star batsman in Babar Azam has arrived to the crease while he is relatively new to the crease, the classy batsman was looking all class as usual.

England are playing without Ben Stokes, the most impactful player in the world at the moment who opted out of the series due to personal reasons. England have strengthened their batting depth with Zak Crawley replacing Ben Stokes which would mean Crawley bats at #3 and Joe Root back to his preferred position at #4. 

Pakistan are 85 for 2 at the moment. The forecast for the game is looking and not so good and only time can tell how this game is going to unfold.