Swann removes frustrating Riaz as England battle back
Published:Wahab Riaz continued to frustrate England in the third Test against Pakistan, although Graeme Swann finally got rid of him just before lunch to leave the hosts content on their morning’s work on the second day at the Oval.
Riaz took five wickets on his Test debut to restrict England to 233 and began day two at the crease after being utilised as a night watchman.
He made 27 before becoming Swann’s 99th Test victim as Pakistan reached 111 for four at lunch and are 13/8 to reduce their arrears to 2-1 in the four-Test series.
England may have fancied their chances of skittling Pakistan out cheaply when Steven Finn had Yasir Hameed caught behind in the first over of the day to leave the visitors 48/2.
Swann then removed captain Salman Butt immediately after being introduced into the attack after he had been dropped by Eoin Morgan, before Riaz was given out lbw.
Mohammad Yousuf and Azhar Ali are now faced with the task of guiding Pakistan into a first innings lead.
Yousuf is unbeaten on 16 and Pakistan will want him to remain the backbone of their innings, with him being 8/11 to make a 50.
Meanwhile, he is 3/1 to score a century and increase his already impressive record against England.
He has scored six tons in 13 matches and averages 70.
Yousuf is also the 10/11 favourite to be Pakistan’s top run-scorer in their first innings, with partner Ali 7/1 and current top-scorer Hameed, who made 36, also 7/1.
England are 10/11 to win the third Test and guarantee a series victory.
