Yousuf mounts on the pressure

Yousuf
By Caroline
July 15 2006

Mohammad Yousuf scored an unbelievable 185 for Pakistan today and will still continue to bat tomorrow. England declared on 528 - 9 yet Yousuf showed England what a little self-belief and belief in your team could do.

It didn’t seem England’s day today, wickets weren’t dropping and bowlers couldn’t seem to produce anything. Early on Mohammad Sami, who came on as night watchman last night, edged a simple catch from Hoggard through to wicket keeper Geraint Jones.

Pressure mounted on Pakistan as it was now down to Yousuf and Inzamam who got an impressive partnership of 173. Both looked on form right from the start especially Yousuf who drove the ball all around the pitch which led to his 17th test ton, as the crowd applauded him.

However, Liam Plunkett got the breakthrough that was needed as he stumped Inzamam out who got a comfortable 69.

England took the new ball option, which Harmison took to his advantage as later on Razzaq edged behind a good length ball to see him sent to the pavilion with 22 balls.

With so many injuries Strauss turned to England batsman Pieterson to do a spot of bowling, which then led to him getting his first test wicket as Akmal took a shot which Jones cleanly caught behind the stumps.

So what will happen tomorrow? Will Yousuf beat his best score of 223? Will Pieterson’s bowling be seen again? What tricks do captain Andrew Strauss and his team have up their sleeve?

All will be revealed as Pakistan resume on 409-7.