Whoever was batting against Pakistan on day four, every delivery looked as if it might be his last
There was a sadistic pleasure to be had for an old pro from the brief moments of play at the Rose Bowl. At the start of the England innings every other delivery seemed unplayable. The floodlights reflected brightly on the shiny, wine-dark Dukes ball and the pitch retained sufficient moisture to provide the most treacherous stage for opening batsmen.
The ball swung in the air for Shaheen Afridi, then it kissed the turf and decided to change direction; Mohammad Abbas, wobbling the seam down the track in the modern way, appeared to be bowling fast leg-breaks. From the sofa this was mesmerising entertainment. Every delivery was a potential grenade and during the five overs of the English innings the Pakistan bowlers allowed no respite. Looking on felt a guilty, voyeuristic delight.
Related: Pakistan finally dismissed for 236 on day four of weather-ruined second Test
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