‘No more Bazball’ – Mohammad Rizwan’s jibe on England after batting collapse in Rawalpindi

Mohammad Rizwan. (Source – Pakistan Cricket)

During Day 1 of the third Test between Pakistan and England in Rawalpindi, the Three Lions’ celebrated “Bazball” approach met its match as Pakistan’s spin duo Sajid Khan and Noman Ali instrumented a brilliant bowling display. The visitors’ aggressive batting tactics failed against Pakistan’s spin bowling, leading to a funny jibe from wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.

The day began with England winning the toss and chosing to bat. Openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley put up a 54-run opening stand and put the side in a good position. Duckett smashed 52 before the spinners came on board.

Noman struck first, removing the well-set Crawley for 29, which triggered a collapse. Furthermore, Sajid and Noman exploited the conditions brilliantly, reducing England to 98/5. During this period of dominance,  as Harry Brook took up the crease, Rizwan taunted the opposition and said, “No more Bazball”.

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England’s middle-order comprising of Ollie Pope (3), Joe Root (5), and Harry Brook (5), also failed as all the batters walked back in quick succession. By Lunch, the scoreboard read 110/5 with skipper Ben Stokes later falling for just 12.

Pakistan were made to wait a bit by Jamie Smith, who launched a counterattack, scoring 89 off 119 with the help of six sixes and five fours. He got some support from Gus Atkinson, who scored 39 off 71 and added 105 runs for the seventh wicket to help England reach a respectable total.

In the end, Pakistan managed to dismiss the vistors for 267, with Sajid being the wrecker-in-chief with figures of 6/128. His spin partner Noman returned with figures of 3/88 while Zahid Mahmood took a wicket too.