Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq suffers shocking blow that breaks helmet as England bowl out tourists for 198 in first innings
Tourists' skipper, 42, and bowler Wahab Riaz frustrate Alastair Cook's side at Old Trafford before England opt to bat again
MISBAH-UL-HAQ suffered a shocking blow to the helmet as England skittled Pakistan out for 198 in the second Test at Old Trafford.
But despite having a first-innings lead of 391, captain Alastair Cook decided not to enforce the follow-on and get the beleaguered tourists back chasing leather in the field.
Pakistan skipper Misbah, 42, was earlier clattered on the gloves by a bouncer from Chris Woakes that shot up into his grill, causing the protection to the back of his head to break away from his helmet.
Ben Stokes was among the England players keen to check on the batsmen’s well-being, with the incident stirring memories of the tragic incident which led to the death of Australia batsmen Phillip Hughes.
Fortunately Misbah appeared fine, if a little shaken, and composed himself to chalk up a spirited 52 before top-edging a sweep to England skipper Cook at short fine leg.
It was a welcome wicket for England after Misbah and bowler Wahab Riaz put on 60 together for the ninth wicket after the tourists had been reduced to a state of disarray at 119-8.
Opener Shan Masood was the first Pakistan batsman to go on day three, adding just 12 to his overnight score before fencing at a climbing Jimmy Anderson ball to nick off into the reliable hands of Joe Root at slip.
Stuart Broad then bagged his first wicket of the innings as Asad Shafiq was gone for just three runs, playing a horrible shot that looped up to Alex Hales just behind point.
Root again showed his safe mitts behind the stumps to snaffle a chance off ‘keeper Sarfraz Ahmed, as Stokes’ bowling brought an end to a breezy knock of 26.
Yasir Shah then swatted into Root’s bucket hands off Woakes for just a run , before Wahab joined Misbah to frustrate England.
After Misbah fell, Wahab was the last man to go for 39 after slogging Ali to Hales at mid-wicket.
Despite the threat of Mancunian rain over the next two days, captain Cook decided not to enforce the follow-on and have another bat in the hope Pakistan are out on their feet by the time they bat in the fourth innings, with the pitch likely to turn even more on the fourth and fifth days.