The opening Test of the three-match series between Pakistan and England got underway in Multan from Monday (October 7), with Pakistan winning the toss and electing to bat first. This series, part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle, is a crucial contest for both sides as they seek to climb the rankings. England’s young pacer Gus Atkinson provided his team with an excellent start by dismissing Saim Ayub in just the fourth over. Atkinson, in only his second overseas appearance, removed Ayub for 4 runs, giving England early control.

Gus Atkinson provides early breakthrough: Fall of Saim Ayub

Atkinson’s early success came in the 4th over with a delivery that was short of a length and angled down the leg side. Saim Ayub, trying to be proactive, shuffled across his stumps in an attempt to work the ball fine towards the leg side. However, in his eagerness, Ayub misjudged the line, getting himself too far across the crease. The ball, while not particularly dangerous, was well-placed by Atkinson, catching Ayub slightly off-balance as he aimed to glance it past the wicketkeeper.

Instead of finding the middle of the bat, Ayub ended up gloving the ball with a faint touch, sending it straight to Jamie Smith behind the stumps. The wicketkeeper comfortably collected the edge, completing the dismissal. This thin deflection, resulting from Ayub’s miscalculated footwork, handed Atkinson his first Test wicket in Pakistan.  This key dismissal reduced Pakistan to 8/1, giving England an early advantage in the first session.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: PAK vs ENG 2024, Test Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Pakistan, UK, USA, Australia & other countries

Pakistan steady after early setback

By the end of 13 overs, Pakistan reached 56/1, with Abdullah Shafique playing a steady knock of 31* and captain Shan Masood unbeaten on 18*. The early loss of Ayub, caught behind by Jamie Smith off Atkinson’s delivery, put England slightly on top. Despite this, Pakistan maintained a healthy run rate of over 4, with both Shafique and Masood looking comfortable at the crease.

Chris Woakes and Atkinson shared the new ball, with Woakes conceding 26 runs from his 6 overs, while Atkinson bowled with control, picking up 1/17 in his 4 overs. With plenty of batting firepower still to come in the form of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, the match remains delicately poised as Pakistan looks to build a solid foundation in the first session.

Also READ: Stuart Broad confident of England’s ‘Bazball’ approach in upcoming Test Series against Pakistan