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England fought back brilliantly on the second day of the second test, finishing 96-1 at the end of the second day’s play. The Three Lions overcame Ollie Pope’s early loss.

Zak Crawley (64 not out) and Joe Root (32 not out) are unbeaten at stumps.

Pakistan had gained initial control of the first test after an awe-inspiring performance with the bat after winning the toss in Multan, which saw them finally all out for 556. Led by captain Shaan Masood (151), Abdullah Shafique (102) and Salman Agha (104) and a composed 82 by Saud Shakeel, it means that England had it all to do.

In Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, as well as Joe Root and stand-in skipper Ollie Pope, England’s top order is familiar with it. Jamie Smith, a new inclusion to the side, will undoubtedly approach his business in the fearless manner he has so far in his early test career.

But the rest of the England batters will have to overcome the challenge of Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan’s chief spinner, in this lineup.

That’s what the expectation was when England came into bat, but to their credit, after losing Ollie Pope to a second-ball duck, Zak Crawley continued his fine form against them (64 not out), and Joe Root (32 not out) put on an unbroken 92-run partnership for the second wicket.

Pakistan’s spin threat, Abrar, has been dealt with expertly so far. The Pakistan leg-spinner is currently going at 7.75 runs an over in his four-over spell. So that’s how the day would finish. England trail Pakistan by 460 runs with nine wickets in hand.

See you for coverage of tomorrow’s session.

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