[Watch] Joe Root falls to Sajid Khan for just 5 runs in 3rd ENG vs PAK 2024 TestÂ
England batter Joe Root fell prey to Sajid Khan yet again to depart for just five runs during the first innings of the third Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on Thursday, October 24. The right-arm off-spinner had dismissed the ace batter in the first innings of the second Test in Multan as well, and got the better of him once again with a delivery that turned sharply after pitching.
After a disappointing first hour of play for Pakistan spinners when England opted to bat, the duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan got the ball to turn. Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope perished in quick succession to bring Root to the crease at 70-2 in the first session.
Root got undone by a Sajid Khan delivery that turned square off the wicket and kept low too. The right-handed batter failed to bring his bat down in time as the ball struck his pads. He knew he was trapped right in front and walked back without even considering a review.
Have a look at the dismissal right here:
After a mammoth double hundred in the series opener, Joe Root has struggled on tricky wickets that have assisted spin. He scored 34 and 18 in the second Test that was played on a used surface, while his most recent score of five runs marks his second-lowest score in Pakistan. This also marks the first time he has failed to record double figures in 17 innings.
Sajid Khan and Noman Ali in hunt for more wickets after Joe Root's departure
The duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali picked up from where they left off in Multan. All of the 24 overs bowled so far in the first session have been bowled by the pair, as Shan Masood opted for spin from both ends from the word go with the new ball.
Ben Duckett has looked in command as he nears his fifty while Harry Brook has joined the proceedings out in the middle following Joe Root's wicket. As of writing, England are placed at 91-3 after 24 overs of play.