OTD | Mike Atherton fought well to successfully secure a draw for England against Pakistan in the second Test in 2000

In the year 2000, England showed signs of improvement under the leadership of Duncan Fletcher and Nasser Hussain. Since 1987–88, England have not visited Pakistan. Both of the initial tests were drawn. The series was still up for grabs going into the last game in Karachi, where Pakistan had never lost a Test match.

In the second test match of the Pakistan tour, the host Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first. Batting first Pakistan put 316 runs on the scoreboard as Mohammad Yousuf scored 75 runs before going to the dressing room. While he got support from Mohin Khan who scored 65 runs. Ashley Giles got a five-wicket haul and gave 75 runs from 35 overs. 

In reply to the score, England lost three wickets In the final hour of play to Danish Kaneria and Saqlain Mushtaq. With England at 110 for 3 at the end of the day. At 243 for 5, Yousuf Youhana and Moin Khan remained not out and resumed their innings. Ashley Giles and Craig White combined to assault England on a wicket that supported fast bowlers and spinners equally. 

Despite Pakistan’s manageable score, England nonetheless had a poor innings. Despite being a class apart, the first three batsmen Mike Atherton, Marcus Trescothick, and captain Nasser Hussain—were caught in a groove. They only emerged from it after being beaten by the spinners from Pakistan.

But later Graham Thorpe took control of the game and scored 79 runs before getting out to Wasim Akram. As the second innings started Pakistan declared their innings at 269 runs as Saleem Elahi scored 72 runs and Abdul Razza scored 100. While Inzaman-ul-Haq scored 71 runs. 

In reply to chase down the score openers Mike Atherton and Marcus Trescothick opened the batting but England lost a quick wicket as Marcus Trescothick went to the dressing room at a score of 10 runs. But Mike Atherton stood strong and scored 65 runs and remained not out as the game ended in a draw.

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