Pakistan coach Mohsin Khan said good bowling from both England and Pakistan throughout the series was making batting difficult, as 16 wickets tumbled on the opening day of the third and final Test here Friday. England, playing to salvage their world number one-ranked team’s pride, were 104-6 after they wrecked Pakistan to 99 all out on an extraordinary day for bowlers on a seemingly batting-friendly Dubai Stadium pitch. Stuart Broad (4-36) and James Anderson (3-35) shared the spoils for England before Abdul Rehman (3-23), Umar Gul (2-28) and Saeed Ajmal (1-40) hit back for Pakistan, who won the toss and batted. Khan praised bowling from both sides. “The pitch was good, no doubt. We know the ball swings early in the morning but we planned to put up a good total and put England under pressure, so credit to them as they bowled well,” said Khan. Khan said Pakistan fought back well. “After being dismissed for 99 we were in a difficult position, it was very disappointing, but the manner in which we have fought back by taking six wickets, making sure that we will fight for the result to come in our favor,” said Khan, a former opening batsman. Khan said it will be crucial to keep England’s lead, which was of five runs at close, down. “Obviously we don’t want England to get a big lead, we want to get them out as soon as possible and then bat sensibly in the second innings,” said Khan, appointed on an interim basis.
