Bairstow was impressive on day two in Dubai, says Athers
Friday 23 October 2015 20:00, UK
Michael Atherton reckons the second Test in Dubai could hinge on how England's youthful middle order combat Pakistan's spinners.
Half-centuries from captain Alastair Cook (65) and Joe Root (76no) helped guide the tourists to 182-3 at stumps on day two as they reduced their arrears to 196 runs.
Jonny Bairstow (27no) added 55 with Yorkshire team-mate Root before the close and the Sky cricket expert is intrigued to see how the 25-year-old fares during Saturday's "tricky" first session.
"It's a tricky first session for England tomorrow and one that will be absolutely vital."
"We take the brilliance of Cook and Root for granted, they make everything look so easy, but as soon as Cook gets out a few nerves start fluttering," said Atherton.
"So how Bairstow, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler go against the spinners could shape the match - but I think Bairstow did very well this evening. It's a tricky first session for England tomorrow and one that will be absolutely vital."
England leg-spinner Adil Rashid wrought havoc on day five in the first Test in Abu Dhabi, seizing a five-for on debut as Cook's charges came close to pulling off a stunning victory.
And Atherton says England will want to rack up a substantial first-innings total to prevent fit-again Pakistan twirler Yasir Shah from having the chance to follow suit in Dubai.
"If England gift Pakistan a lead it's going to be very difficult against the leg-spinner on the fourth or fifth day, so they need to get up to Pakistan's score or get a lead," added Athers.
"I'm not sure the pitch is going to be a complete minefield but it will clearly spin and you saw in Abu Dhabi the difference between Rashid in the first innings and second innings, when England couldn't lose and he had men around the bat.
"The same will happen with Yasir - Cook and Root made him look slightly innocuous but it will be a totally different situation if Pakistan get in a decent position."
Watch day three of the second Test between Pakistan and England from 6.30am, Saturday, Sky Sports 2.
