Morgan century lifts England to point of strength by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Ground:	Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Scorecard:	England v Pakistan
Player:	PD Collingwood, EJG Morgan, Mohammad Aamer
Event:	Pakistan in England 2010

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DateLine: 29th July 2010

 

Eoin Morgan blasted a authoritative unbeaten maiden Test century while Paul Collingwood made a sedate 81 to help England reach 331 for 4 at the close of first day's play. The pair rescued the hosts after they had slum to 118 for 4 with the Pakistani seamers all over them. Morgan and Collingwood first weathered the storm before counterattacking brilliantly.

 

Strauss won the toss and elected to bat first on a track that had full of runs. The Pakistani opening bowlers, Aamer and Asif exploited the swinging conditions to the hilt. The English openers were troubled as there were some play and miss but the pair hung on. Finally Cook was caught at the slips while Strauss after surviving a drop catch earlier in the innings was caught behind. Pietersen never looked comfortable in the middle and Asif send the right-hander packing with a beauty. Once Trott was trapped leg before by Aamer the English innings was floundering at 118 for 4. Morgan joined Collingwood in the middle and the two set about repairing the innings.

 

First it was cautious attempt and once the pair gauged the pace and bounce of the pitch they began to attack. Morgan in particular was the aggressor as he went after the bowling with gusto. The southpaw after finding himself comfortable in the middle even unfurled his now trademark reverse sweep. The pair slowly went from strength to strength and Morgan reached his maiden Test century with a huge six of a listless Danish Kaneria. The pair added an unbeaten 213 runs as they saw England without further damage to the close of play.