Gay prepared for the upcoming three-match Test series against Pakistan in the most forgettable way. He registered ducks in both innings of the warm-up game against the visitors. The 26-year-old got out to Mohammad Abbas after facing 12 balls in the first innings, while Mohammad Ali sent him back for a seven-ball duck in the second. PCCS XI are 128-3 in their second innings heading into the third and last day of action, and lead by 195 runs.
Gay's England teammate Shoaib Bashir enjoyed a contrasting outing with his off-spin. He returned figures of 4-76, dismissing Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal and Ghazi Ghori. His spell helped the PCCS XI bowl out Pakistan for 238 in the first innings after they had posted 305 themselves. Bashir's spell in the warm-up game should keep him in good stead heading into the upcoming series.
As for Pakistan, Abdullah Shafique impressed at number three, scoring 61 runs, while Imam scored 37. But none of their batters could convert their starts into a substantial score. Moreover, skipper Babar Azam was ruled out of the remainder of the warm-up game after being hit on the hand by fast bowler Manny Lumsden on day two.
However, PCB confirmed in the release that the visitors were only taking a precautionary measure. “Following an assessment by the team doctor and taking precautionary measures, Babar has been advised to take rest from the remainder of the practice match. Babar will participate in Pakistan team's practice session on Monday, August 17, at Headingley Cricket Ground,” PCB said in a media release.
The England vs Pakistan Test series starts on August 19, with the first Test to be played in Headingley.
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