Key events
Fifty for Shakeel!
33rd over: Pakistan 142-2 (Shakeel 52, Babar 75) Nine off Leach’s over, as Shakeel reaches his second Test fifty with a smartly-executed sweep.
32nd over: Pakistan 133-2 (Shakeel 47, Babar 71) Anderson’s over starts with a mix-up between Shakeel and Babar, Babar sends Shakeel back and, if Crawley had hit the stumps from square leg, Shakeel would have been on his way But he didn’t, slipping as he threw, and Shakeel remains to drive Anderson through extra-cover most beautifully.
31st over: Pakistan 129-2 (Shakeel 43, Babar 71) Leach leaks a couple of fours, a sweep from Shakeel and a glorious wristy dispatch from Babar, but finishes the over passing Babar’s bat, and bamboozling as he props forward.
31st over: Pakistan 118-2 (Shakeel 38, Babar 65) An a la mode back foot punch brings four from Shakeel.
30th over: Pakistan 112-2 (Shakeel 33, Babar 64) The stands are not full, in fact they’re verging on lonely. Perhaps the punters were as surprised as everyone else by the early start. Leach wheels through an over with a dash of turn but no real fizz. I’m going to have to make a trolly dash to the kitchen for a cup of tea. Bowl slowly Jimmy.
29th over: Pakistan 107-2(Shakeel 32 Babar 63) There’s a haze to the Multan air but Jimmy Anderson has the ball regardless. Oh my tired eyes. Jimmy is straight to work, sewing an immaculate line across an immaculate coat. Babar pushes a couple through the covers on a dewy outfield.
Disappointed to report, that in the studio, Stuart Broad’s curate glasses have gone. He is in a brown jacket and trouser combo, Mark Butcher immaculate in navy. Oh ignore me, the players are walking on so play will start pretty much now.
Good morning! It’s cold outside but baby, it’s bubbling at Multan. Can Pakistan haul their way back into the series today after an enthralling first day? Abrar’s debut performance (7-114) was one for the ages, and Babar looked in ominous form as the night drew in. Play starts 5am GMT, don’t miss a ball!