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Razaullah's Sixes Spark Pakistan's Fightback Against England
Confirmed
In Short: Debutant Razaullah's explosive batting performance helped Pakistan stage a remarkable comeback in the third Test at Edgbaston.
Razaullah, a raw 21-year-old with just eight first-class matches to his name, came to the crease with England on the brink of victory. He clubbed nine sixes in an astonishing innings of 81 off 63 balls, bringing up his fifty partnership with Abbas off just 57 balls. "It's the first time he's been out there for Pakistan ever, and he absolutely lights up the show. This is the attitude that was needed," said former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja on BBC Test Match Special.
Earlier, Shan Masood scored 95 and captain Babar Azam made 76 as much-changed Pakistan passed 200 for the first time in the series at the sixth attempt. The fast bowler, selected more as a tearaway fast bowler reminiscent of Waqar Younis, was probably not a name on the radar of England's bowlers when he was called up amid wholesale changes made by Pakistan before the final Test.
England captain Joe Root wore the expression of a chess player waiting for someone to tell him it was his move as Razaullah teed off. "He's become a star," said former England captain Michael Vaughan. "England are going to win this Test match, I'm sure," he added, according to BBC. Doubtless many punters will have started to make other plans in the expectation this would all be over swiftly, especially when England racked up 453.
Despite the early deficit, opener Azan Awais and the experienced Masood took the score to 125 before Pakistan lost two wickets without scoring a single run on Thursday. Pakistan all out with a second innings lead of 130 at the close on day three of the third Test at Edgbaston.
What's confirmed
- Razaullah, a raw 21-year-old with just eight first-class matches to his name, came to the crease with England on the brink of victory. He clubbed nine sixes in an astonishing innings of 81 off 63 balls, bringing up his fifty partnership with Abbas off just 57 balls. "It's the first time he's been out there for Pakistan ever, and he absolutely lights up the show. This is the attitude that was needed," said former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja on BBC Test Match Special.
- Earlier, Shan Masood scored 95 and captain Babar Azam made 76 as much-changed Pakistan passed 200 for the first time in the series at the sixth attempt. The fast bowler, selected more as a tearaway fast bowler reminiscent of Waqar Younis, was probably not a name on the radar of England's bowlers when he was called up amid wholesale changes made by Pakistan before the final Test.
- England captain Joe Root wore the expression of a chess player waiting for someone to tell him it was his move as Razaullah teed off. "He's become a star," said former England captain Michael Vaughan. "England are going to win this Test match, I'm sure," he added, according to BBC. Doubtless many punters will have started to make other plans in the expectation this would all be over swiftly, especially when England racked up 453.
- Despite the early deficit, opener Azan Awais and the experienced Masood took the score to 125 before Pakistan lost two wickets without scoring a single run on Thursday. Pakistan all out with a second innings lead of 130 at the close on day three of the third Test at Edgbaston.
What's still developing
- Debutant Razaullah launched a remarkable late salvo as Pakistan finally showed some fight on Friday to keep England waiting for a clean sweep in their three-Test series.
- Fellow paceman Mohammad Abbas also joined the party as the pair took the score from 318-8 to 439-9, with England seemingly powerless to stop the carnage late on the third day.
- Yet it was the swashbuckling Razaullah who really captured the imagination.
- Watch the best shots of Masood's innings on day three at Edgbaston Remarkable Razaullah raises Pakistan spirits on extraordinary day at Edgbaston Get cricket news sent straight to your phone American Shelton to face Zverev in US Open final Razaullah introduces himself as Pakistan thrive in chaos Puzzle lovers: All episodes of Ludwig are available now on iPlayer Is streaming really stealing the big screen’s spotlight?
- 'He's become a star' - watch the best shots of Razaullah's stunning innings Cancel the tee time at the Belfry, rearrange the trip to Cadbury World and abort the shopping jolly to the Bullring.