Salman Agha hits century against England in the first Test of the 2024 series was a defining moment in Pakistan’s dominating performance in Multan. Facing a relentless England bowling attack, Salman’s century helped Pakistan post an imposing first-innings total of 556.
This knock, coupled with contributions from Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique, set the stage for Pakistan’s dominant role as the game progressed.
Pakistan’s Impressive First Innings
Pakistan’s top order shone brightly on the opening day of the England tour of the Pakistan 2024 series. Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique both registered centuries, but it was Salman Agha’s 108-ball century that truly stole the show.
Coming in at a time when Pakistan needed to solidify their innings, Salman took the attack to the England bowlers, particularly targeting the spinners.
Salman’s aggressive approach was evident soon after lunch. He started cautiously but quickly shifted gears after the break, launching England’s spinners over the ropes. In particular, his duel with England’s most-experienced spinner, Jack Leach, was a sight to behold. Salman smashed Leach for four boundaries and two towering sixes during a spell that tilted the match further in Pakistan’s favor.
England’s Struggles in the Field
England’s bowling attack, which included the likes of Brydon Carse and Jamie Smith, put up a valiant effort. Jack Leach, despite being targeted by Salman Agha, managed to finish with figures of 3 for 160. Brydon Carse also claimed his maiden Test wickets, but it wasn’t enough to contain Pakistan’s well-set batters.
The Multan heat and a series of missed chances only added to England’s frustration. Jamie Smith missed a simple stumping opportunity off Abrar Ahmed, and Gus Atkinson dropped a high catch at midwicket. These fielding lapses allowed Pakistan to extend their innings and gave Salman Agha the freedom to continue his onslaught, ultimately reaching his third Test century.
Salman Agha hits Century: A Game-Changing Moment
Salman Agha’s century was not just about runs; it was a statement of intent. His aggressive yet controlled knock helped Pakistan take the game away from England. From the moment he stroked the first ball after lunch through the covers, Salman was determined to accelerate Pakistan’s innings.
He reached his hundred with a single swept to the leg side, after dominating England’s spinners. His battle against Leach was particularly compelling, with Salman fearlessly coming down the track and launching him over long-on.
This assault on England’s spin department allowed Pakistan to maintain momentum and ensured that England would be chasing the game from this point onward.
England’s Response: Early Setbacks
When it was England’s turn to bat, they faced immediate setbacks. Ben Duckett, injured while taking a catch earlier in the day, was unavailable to open, leaving Ollie Pope to partner with Zak Crawley. Pope got out for a duck, caught by Aamer Jamal at midwicket, leading to his dismissal for England.
Crawley, however, stepped up to lead England’s response. He played aggressively, hitting both Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah for boundaries early in his innings. His partnership with Joe Root helped England reach 96 for 1 by the end of the day, but with a deficit of 460 runs, the road to recovery was steep.
The Road Ahead: Can England Recover?
Despite Crawley’s counterattack, England still trail Pakistan by a significant margin. Much will depend on whether Zak Crawley and Joe Root can build on their partnership and stabilize the innings. England will also hope for Ben Duckett’s recovery to strengthen their middle order, but they face an uphill battle to match Pakistan’s mammoth total.
For Pakistan, the focus will shift to their bowling attack. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah will be crucial in making early breakthroughs on a Multan pitch that is beginning to show signs of wear. Pakistan’s spinners, particularly Abrar Ahmed, will look to exploit the conditions and pressure England into making mistakes.
Salman Agha: The Star of the Day
There’s no doubt that Salman Agha’s century was the highlight of the day. His aggressive, calculated innings not only secured Pakistan a strong position but also sent a message to England. Salman’s ability to accelerate the scoring rate, particularly against spinners, was a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket.
His century came at a crucial time, with Pakistan’s innings progressing in fits and starts. Salman’s controlled aggression allowed Pakistan to continue building their lead and forced England onto the back foot. His performance has undoubtedly shifted the momentum in Pakistan’s favor as they look to push for a win in the opening Test.
Conclusion: Salman Agha’s Century Puts Pakistan in Control
The Salman Agha century vs England in 2024 has set the tone for an exciting Test series. Pakistan, with a commanding first-innings total of 556, have put immense pressure on England. While Zak Crawley’s half-century provides England some hope, Pakistan’s bowling attack will be looking to build on Salman’s momentum and take early wickets.
The England vs Pakistan 2024 Test is shaping up to be a thrilling contest, and with Pakistan’s batting lineup firing on all cylinders, the home team has the upper hand. Will England’s batsmen be able to withstand Pakistan’s bowlers and turn the tide? Only time will tell as the series unfolds.
Related Reading: For more information on the England tour of Pakistan 2024, check out the Fixtures and Results page.
To learn more about the players involved in this Test series, visit England vs Pakistan Squads.
Stay updated with the latest matches in the World Test Championship by visiting Pakistan vs England WTC Match.
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