Ball out to keep Pakistan under 350

While Misbah-ul-Haq (110 not out) is targeting a first-innings score of over 400, debutant Ball thinks England is in a strong position to contain Pakistan.

Published : Jul 15, 2016 12:22 IST , London

England's Jake Ball celebrates after taking the wicket of Pakistan's Azhar Ali.
England's Jake Ball celebrates after taking the wicket of Pakistan's Azhar Ali.
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England's Jake Ball celebrates after taking the wicket of Pakistan's Azhar Ali.

Debutant Jake Ball is hopeful the late double dismissal Pakistan endured can swing momentum England's way in the first Test at Lord's.

Pakistan went from 282-4 to 282-6 at close as Chris Woakes removed Asad Shafiq (73) and Rahat Ali (0) in the final four balls of the day.

While Misbah-ul-Haq (110 not out) is targeting a first-innings score of over 400, Ball – who finished with figures of 1-51 from 19 overs on the opening day of his first Test appearance – thinks England is in a strong position to contain Pakistan.

He told Sky Sports: "Those last two wickets were massive for us, they picked us up and gave us a bit more of a buzz.

"We know if we nip a couple out early [on Friday] then we are well in the game. If we can get them out for 350 we're going to be in a great position.

"It's a pitch that if you get in you can score runs and we've got batters who can score at a good rate."

Ball trapped Azhar Ali (7) in front to claim his first Test wicket, a proud moment for the 25-year-old.

"I'm really happy with the way I bowled," he said.

Reflecting on his debut, he said: "I managed to get a decent night's kip, the lads have been fantastic and then it was nice to receive my England cap from my uncle [Bruce French, England wicketkeeping coach]. It was a nice moment and one I won't forget in a hurry."

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