Pakistan skittled for 99 as Broad shines

Saturday, 4 February 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

DUBAI (Reuters): Stuart Broad was in scintillating form as England dismissed Pakistan for 99 on the first day of the third and final test on Friday before the visitors lost two early wickets in their reply.

Broad ripped through Pakistan’s top order as the hosts collapsed to 53 for seven at lunch after winning the toss and electing to bat.

The paceman took four for 21 in a devastating spell as England looked to restore some pride after heavy defeats in the opening two matches.

New ball partner James Anderson got England off to a perfect start when he struck with the last ball of the first over, removing Taufeeq Umar with a regulation leg before decision.

Broad was soon among the wickets when he trapped Azhar Ali in his third over, the batsman sent back to the pavilion when a TV review showed he had feathered a catch through to wicketkeeper Matt Prior.

It was also a poor morning for umpire Simon Taufel, who had a second not out decision overturned by an England review when Muhammad Hafeez was given out lbw to a Broad delivery that was clipping leg stump to leave Pakistan four down.

His counterpart Steve Davis was having a better time of it and was vindicated after two Pakistan reviews - the first ordered by captain Misbah-ul-Haq and the second by Adnan Akmal - both backed up his decision to give them out lbw.

In between the two Taufel reviews, Younis Khan played a loose shot outside off stump to a Broad lifter and when Abdul Rehman gifted spinner Graeme Swann his wicket 20 minutes before lunch, Pakistan were reeling on 44-7 and in danger of not reaching their lowest test score of 53, scored against Australia at Sharjah in 2002.

Asad Shafiq, in tandem with Saeed Ajmal, provided the only real resistance with a fluid innings of 45 which ended shortly after the afternoon drinks break when he attempted to cut a straight one from Monty Panesar which hit him on the back pad.

After Shafiq’s exit, Umar Gul entertained the small contingent of Pakistan fans with a brief cameo - including one huge six off Panesar - before Anderson rearranged his stumps to bring the innings to a close with his third wicket.

England followed Pakistan’s example and lost two wickets before tea.

Alastair Cook departed early as he played away from his body at a Gul delivery, inducing an edge which was finely pouched by wicketkeeper Adnan Akmal diving in front of first slip.

He was soon followed by Jonathan Trott, who was unfortunate to be given out leg before on two to a Gul delivery which TV replays showed was slipping down the leg side.

Andrew Strauss and Kevin Pietersen steadied the England ship after the interval as England moved on to 54 for 2.