Cricket betting: Pakistan can depend on Misbah – but not Masood against Jimmy Anderson
Misbah-ul-Haq was Pakistan’s saving grace at Old Trafford in an otherwise abject performance in the second Test.
Without the 42-year-old skipper’s 52 in the first innings, and 35 in the second, the 330-run margin of defeat would have approached record-breaking territory.
Remarkably, the evergreen Misbah is touring England for the first time, having made his Test debut over 15 years ago.
He’s more than making up for lost time and took to these conditions like a duck to water when making a stand-out century at Lord’s. He is the glue that holds his side together when he is at his belligerent best.
Misbah is 4/1 with Betway to be Pakistan’s top scorer at Edgbaston, which looks like a great price.
One Pakistan player who has struggled against the English bowlers is Shan Masood.
The opener, who grew up near Baker Street and has also played for Durham University, has found it tough in his nine Tests to date, averaging just 24.
Jimmy Anderson in particular has caused him all sorts of problems.
In the 57 balls Masood has faced from Anderson, he’s been dismissed six times, scoring only 15 runs.
Despite making 67 against Worcestershire in the tour match over the weekend, facing Test bowlers is a different proposition.
Anderson will be licking his lips under heavy skies at Edgbaston this week.
Sporting Index price Masood’s match runs at 53, and I will be selling.
Pointers
Misbah, Pakistan top batsman 4/1 (Betway)
Sell Masood match runs 53 (Sporting Index)