England vs Pakistan controversy as major technological blunder leaves Ben Stokes baffled
England missed two other opportunities to lessen Pakistan's lead
BEN STOKES was left baffled after a major technological blunder during England’s second Test match against Pakistan.
The captain made his return to the team after missing out on the first Test victory last week.
England currently need 261 more runs from their second innings to win the game at Multan.
It could have been slightly less if not for a technological blunder during Pakistan’s second innings.
The hosts had already scored 366 from their first and were looking to build on their lead of 75 runs after bowling England out for 291.
The hosts were down to their last two wickets when Brydon Carse believed he had taken the scalp of Sajid Khan.
The bowler was convinced that the batter had nicked the ball, which was caught behind by Jamie Smith.
However, the umpire disagreed, meaning that Stokes would have to go to a review to see if the decision could be overturned.
After speaking with Carse, he decided to send the decision upstairs, only for the review to be denied.
This was due to the technology not working and, therefore, could not be looked at again.
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The Sky Sports commentator was sure there was a noise as the ball passed the bat.
They said: “There was a sound for sure.”
Khan was able to bat on, though Pakistan would be all out for three more runs as they set England 297 to win the match and the series.
England’s second innings did not start well as they ended day three 36/2.
Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley have already lost their wickets, leaving Joe Root and Ollie Pope to recover the run chase on day four.
England had missed earlier chances to stifle the Pakistan innings as Smith and Root both dropped sitters.
They included a vital ninth-wicket stand of 65 between Salman Ali Agha and Khan.
Fielding coach Paul Collingwood admitted: “In the context of the game, you can say they were costly misses. But the slow pitch means ‘keepers and the slips are so close to the stumps that any chance is difficult because there’s less reaction time.
“At least the guys are brave enough to come closer to the stumps and give the ball a chance to carry in the first place.
“I’m sure Jamie will be disappointed but he never seems to change his deadpan demeanour, no matter what has happened. That’s a great trait. Barring that dropped catch, I think his keeping has been exceptional.”
Colly added: “There’ll be belief in the dressing-room that we can win. We’ve done special things in the past and broken records. But we have to be realistic – it would be one hell of an effort.
“The pitch will effectively be on its ninth day. It’s doing a lot for the spinners, there are plenty of cracks.
“We won’t go away from our mantra of trying to apply as much pressure as possible when we get the chance. There’ll be plenty of sweeps and reverse sweeps. We’re going to have to take risks to score runs. But if we try to defend all day, that would be even tougher.”
A last-wicket stand of 29 between Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir helped England to 291 in their first innings.
And then Bashir promptly took the first three wickets in Pakistan’s second innings.
The ball was turning, batting was hazardous. But Pakistan’s middle-order all contributed and their lead grew and grew.
Those two drops were crucial and they probably increased England’s victory target by 60 or 70 runs.
The spinners did most of the damage but the big-hearted Carse was superb. His feet were bandaged and his frustration enormous when the catches were spilled – but his spirit remained intact.
He has had five catches dropped off his bowling in the series so far but emerged as a significant performer in alien conditions.
Collingwood explained: “Brydon has been magnificent. Not just with skills such as reverse swing on pitches that are very different to Durham. But he has maintained his pace and stamina in hot conditions.”