'Push-up celebrations' seem to be new norm for the Pakistan team in the ongoing England tour. The act was initially started by Mishbah Ul Haq in the first Test, and followed by Sohail Khan after taking a five-for in the first innings at Edgbaston. Azhar Ali was not one to be left behind as the top order batsman, who completed his 10th Test century, also celebrated in a similar fashion on Thursday.
Ali's innings was instrumental in helping the visitors dominate the second day of the third Test match, and Pakistan are trailing only by 40 runs, with seven wickets in hand. The top order batsman were at his fluent best, scoring 139 runs comprising 15 fours and a six. Ali looked confident, playing some brilliant shots all over the ground.
This was a huge innings for the Pakistan batsman, who was under pressure after a poor performance in the first two Tests. However, it was not only about Ali, as the batsman was well supported by opener Sami Aslam, who was comfortable at the batting crease. He was unfortunately run out for 82 runs.
They were involved in a partnership of 181 runs, which has brought the team in a comfortable position. Though England bowlers gave it their best, it was not enough with the Pakistan duo looking in stunning form.
But just when one thought Ali would go back unbeaten to the pavilion on Day 2, Chris Woakes, who has been impressive in the series, managed to dismiss the batsman in the last ball of the day. Now, England will be keen to take early wickets on Day 3, and get back into the game, else they might have to play catch-up cricket in the last two days of the Test match.
