[Watch] Chris Woakes traps Babar Azam in front for 30 to claim his first wicket during the PAK vs ENG 1st Test 2024

England pacer Chris Woakes dismissed Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam LBW to claim his first wicket on Day 1 of their first Test match on Monday, October 7. The game is being played at Multan Cricket Stadium in Pakistan.

The dismissal happened on the third ball of the 85th over. Woakes delivered a fuller ball that nipped back just slightly; Babar shuffled across and missed his forward block, leading to the ball striking his pads.

The umpire raised his finger promptly, but the Pakistan batter chose to review the decision. However, the ball-tracking showed three reds, resulting in a crucial wicket for Woakes on a flat pitch.

Here’s a video of the dismissal:

The right-handed batter scored 30 runs off 71 balls, including five boundaries. Babar's dismissal left Pakistan at 324 for four after 84.3 overs. The 29-year-old has been struggling in Test cricket for a while. In 2023, he played five Tests, managing just 204 runs at an average of 22.66 without reaching any milestones.

In 2024, the former Pakistani captain has accumulated 143 runs in seven innings and hasn’t achieved a single score of fifty or more in the last two years.

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Centuries from Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood help Pakistan shine on Day 1

Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first on a pitch that offered little assistance to bowlers. Gus Atkinson dismissed opener Saim Ayub for just four runs. Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood formed a remarkable partnership, adding 253 runs off 338 balls for the second wicket.

Shafique scored 102 runs off 184 balls, while captain Masood made a stunning 151 off 177 balls, featuring 13 boundaries and two sixes.

Babar Azam contributed 30 runs, and Saud Shakeel finished unbeaten on 35 as Pakistan closed Day 1 at 328 for four after 86 overs. Atkinson took two wickets, while Chris Woakes and Jack Leach each claimed one for the visitors.

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