ENG vs PAK 3rd Test Day 3: Babar Comeback in Style as Master Class Fifty Revives Deficit

BIRMINGHAM: A compelling second session on Day 3 of the third Test at Edgbaston witnessed a magnificent fightback from Pakistan, marked by a roaring return to form from their marquee batsman. 

Walking into the middle under an avalanche of pressure following a prolonged lean patch, the master batsman silenced his critics emphatically, bringing up a vital Babar's half-century to breathe life back into the tourists' salvage mission. His authoritative presence alongside an equally resilient lower-middle order has kept the game alive, prompting a burning question across the cricketing world: Can Pakistan gain a good lead from here?

The day began with Pakistan resuming their second innings on 52/2, carrying a massive 268-run first-innings deficit. The initial heavy lifting was executed flawlessly by the left-handed pair of Shan Masood and Azan Awais, who weathered testing early spells from England's formidable pace attack. Together, they put on a gritty 125-run stand for the third wicket under overcast Birmingham skies. Awais showed immense temperament for his 59 before feathering an edge down the leg-side to stand-in wicketkeeper Jordan Cox off the bowling of part-time spinner Dan Lawrence.

The breakthrough paved the way for the match's most anticipated entry. Arriving at the crease right after Awais's departure, Babar Azam joined Masood and stamped his class from the onset. Unfazed by the hostile English bowling and the lingering weight of past low scores, Babar began executing his signature strokes with pristine timing. 

From his very first boundary, a glorious cover drive that raced away across the outfield, it was a certified Babar comeback in style. He handled the reverse-swing expertly, using soft hands to blunt Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer, seamlessly pacing his innings to reach a masterclass fifty.

While Babar consolidated at one end, Pakistan suffered a heartbreaking blow when Masood fell just short of a well-deserved milestone. The left-hander, who anchored the innings brilliantly, was dismissed for 95 by a sharp delivery from Atkinson. Despite losing his trusted partner, Babar remained completely unperturbed. He anchored the remaining part of the session alongside Saud Shakeel, pushing Pakistan to a more respectable 266/4 and whittling the overarching deficit down to just 54 runs.

Whether Babar can completely turn the tide depends entirely on his ability to lead from here. With the pitch showing subtle signs of wear and tear and England still ahead in overall win probability, Pakistan's hopes rest squarely on Babar's shoulders. If he can convert his current half-century into a massive, match-defining hundred, the lower order will have the exact foundation needed to apply pressure back onto the hosts during the final innings.