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Pakistan vs England, ENG in PAK, 3 Tests, 2024 Full score card

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1st Test, Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan, 07 Oct, 2024

Pakistan

PAK

556/10

&

220/10

(54.5) ov

England

ENG

823/7

(150.0) ov

England beat Pakistan by an innings and 47 runs

Player Of The Match

Harry Brook,
England
England
Summary
Scorecard
Commentary
News
Pakistan
England
Pakistan

Pakistan • 220/10 (54.5 overs)

S Agha 63 (84)

A Jamal 55 (104)

J Leach 4/30 (6.5)

G Atkinson 2/46 (14)

England • 823/7 (150.0 overs)

H Brook 317 (322)

J Root 262 (375)

N Shah 2/157 (31)

S Ayub 2/101 (14)

Pakistan • 556/10 (149.0 overs)

S Masood 151 (177)

S Agha 104 (119)

J Leach 3/160 (40)

B Carse 2/74 (22)

Commentary

That’s a wrap from the series opener then, folks! England has comprehensively asserted its dominance over the hosts and continue on their ascendancy with a 1-0 lead in this 3-Test series. The second match will be played at the same venue of Multan Cricket Ground and the bowlers would expect that there would be some assistance for them next time around. As no one would love to be toiled for over a hundred overs fielding in the heat, repeatedly. Well, jokes apart, 2nd Test begins on 15th October, Tuesday, and the first ball will be bowled at 5 am GMT. But the cricketing action continues to treat the fans across the world. There’s the Women’s T20 World Cup in full tilt. You can switch tabs and follow the matches there as well. But from here, we take your leave until the next match. Take care, ADIOS!

Coming to what has gone wrong with Pakistan in recent times? The team, fairly to say, has looked clueless to the challenges thrown at them and that's the reason they are in such a precarious position and them not being able to reap the benefits of home conditions is another area of concern. There was a lack of variability and effectiveness in plans with the ball and the team just crumbled with the bat under pressure, coupled with fielding lapses. It was just like a domino effect that hovered across the Pakistani camp. They need to find answers for all these issues and need to find them as soon as possible. They do have a talented squad and the only positives they can take from this game is the resilience displayed by the lower middle order with the bat. If only had the top order contributed, things might have been slightly different for the home side.

Ollie Pope, the winning captain, shared his thoughts after the match. He praised the bowlers for their excellent performance on Day 1, crediting the team for showing determination and putting themselves in a strong position. Pope remarked that when a team posts 550 runs, they often feel in control, but Pakistan found themselves trailing by 260 runs after coming out to bat again. He commended Harry Brook and Joe Root for their outstanding partnership, which shifted the momentum in their favor. Pope also highlighted the impact of Brydon Carse, who not only took crucial wickets but also set the field effectively, calling his debut performance 'sensational'. He also praised Jack Leach for seamlessly fitting back into the side.

Shan Masood, the captain of Pakistan is up for a chat. He says that they have spoken on the vulnerabilities of the third and fourth innings, and says that at the end of the day, it is a team game. Everything has its advantages or repercussions as a team. Mentions that when you put on a total above 550, it's important to back it up with 10 wickets. Reckons that 220 in the third innings, depending on what kind of lead you have can also be a good score. Appreciates England for picking all the 20 wickets. On the batting approach, he states that they need to find a way out of the collapse and that's the challenge a side has to go forward. Adds that it's the middle of the series and they have spoken about the squad mentality. Emphasizes that Test cricket is the ultimate format and the best teams find a way to win. Also says that scoring runs and taking wickets are the non-negotiables. In the end, he also mentions that they are hurt by the results and the nation as well as they are not getting the desired results that Pakistan cricket and the fans deserve. Concludes saying they have to get this right as a squad.

Harry Brook was awarded the Player of the Match for his exceptional batting performance, scoring a mammoth triple century at an almost run-a-ball pace. He expressed that he thoroughly enjoyed his innings, despite the intense heat, and was pleased to have built a strong partnership with Joe Root. He mentioned that their plan was to score as many runs as possible, emphasizing the importance of establishing a solid stand to reach the 300-run mark. Brook noted that staying hydrated was key in such conditions but felt that the pitch provided a good opportunity to capitalize on. He added that he hopes there are many more performances like this to come.

... THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ...

As the pacers toiled without reward, Pope finally turned to his spinner, Jack Leach. The change proved inspired, as Leach made an immediate impact. He carved through the tail with precision, eventually finishing with an impressive four-wicket haul. Leach's introduction marked the turning point of the morning session, swiftly bringing Pakistan's lower middle order's resistance to an end, helping England to win by an inning and 47 runs.

Cut to day 5, and the match resumed with Pakistan's overnight batters, Aamer Jamal and Salman Agha, continuing their resolute stand. Their partnership blossomed into a significant 109-run alliance, frustrating the English bowlers for over an hour. England, keen to wrap up proceedings, initially opted for an all-pace attack. Captain Pope rotated all his three seamers, but the lifeless pitch offered no assistance whatsoever in the morning.

As the fourth day drew to a close, the writing was indeed on the wall for Pakistan. England had asserted their dominance, and victory seemed all but assured. However, cricket's unpredictable nature showed itself once more as Aamer Jamal and Salman Agha mounted a stubborn resistance. This defiant partnership, while unlikely to alter the ultimate outcome, extended the result. Their gritty stand ensured that the match would extend into the fifth day, delaying England's seemingly inevitable triumph.

The tide finally turned in favor of the bowlers as the fourth day wore on. The pitch, which had been a veritable batting paradise, began to show signs of wear. Cracks started to appear and widen, introducing an element of unpredictability that had been sorely lacking. England's seam attack, spearheaded by the trio of Woakes, Carse, and Atkinson, seized this opportunity with both hands. They unleashed a devastating spell that tore through Pakistan's top and middle order with surgical precision on a deck that was largely torturous for the bowlers.

England batted for almost a day and a half. But notably, the pace at which they scored runs was intriguing. To cement how worse the conditions for the bowlers were, only 2 wickets fell on Day 3 and each day saw over 300 runs being piled up, with Day 4 going for 407 runs in total. Cut to Day 4, with the lead shrunk and eventually surpassed by England, the wheels came off and the tourists motored away at a brisk pace, taking all the control of the game from the claws of the hosts.

Harry Brook became the sixth English batter to score a triple ton while Root may have missed on his triple century, but became the highest run scorer for England in Test cricket, surpassing Sir Alastair Cook. Accumulating all this, England mounted the fourth-highest innings total ever in Test cricket - scoring 823/7 before declaring eventually. Duckett and Crawley too, sincerely contributed their part notching up their share of 84 and 74 respectively. Obedient to their Bazball approach, England amassed these runs in just 150 overs, while Pakistan posted their first inning total of 556 in just one less over than England.

There was next to nothing assistance for the bowlers since the track was as flat as a road and the batters had a feast on it, quite literally. The first two days were fairly sedate but the pace really picked up on the third day when England resumed their batting. Just when Pakistan thought they would run through the opposition with the ball, they were dealt by a batting masterclass from Joe Root and Harry Brook. The two toppled so many records which made the statisticians work overtime with their marathon partnership of 454 runs.

Now let’s have a brief recap of what transpired in this immersive Test. Days 1 and 2 were highlighted by Pakistan’s brilliance with the bat. They made the English bowlers sweat in the Multan heat for 149 long overs, mounting a total of 556 runs on the board on the back of three centuries coming from Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood and and late surge from Salman Agha. Pakistan looked under extreme control as they batted for almost two days.

AN INNING DEFEAT FOR PAKISTAN AND THE HOME SIDE HAS NOW LOST 6 TESTS ON THE BOUNCE! Also, this is the first time in Test history that a team has lost by an innings after scoring 500-plus in the first innings. So, there is plenty to ponder and contemplate for the Men in Green moving forward from here as their lackadaisical run in the longest format continues. For England, their away season has kicked off with a bang, and in a remarkable achievement, England has won all the matches when their opposition has scored more than 500 in the first inning, since Brendon McCullum took over as their head coach. This is an astonishing record and a template set by the Bazballers about how they are going to approach this format. Always running for the results, and going all in for a win has fetched a lot of positives for the Englishmen in recent times.

No more participation from the injured player and there's absent hurt written against the name of Abrar Ahmed.

54.5W

OUT! STUMPED! That should be it. Abrar Ahmed is unable to bat for Pakistan. Jack Leach with a four-wicket haul to help England take a lead in this Test series. Leach drifts in a full ball, outside off. It grips and turns away sharply. Shah looks to hit it through the line but misses. The keeper, Jamie Smith does well to grab the ball and dislodge the bails. Naseem Shah is miles outside the crease. ENGLAND WIN BY AN INNINGS AND 47 RUNS.

54.46

SIX! This is massive. It is a full ball, around leg. Shah picks it up nicely and smokes it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

54.30

Looped up, around off. Shah blocks it into the deck.

Naseem Shah is the last batter in for Pakistan. Abrar Ahmed won't come out to bat as he is still unwell and is hospitalized.

54.2W

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Jack Leach with a stunning catch and he records his third wicket. It is tossed up, full and outside off. Shaheen Afridi swings hard at it, but the bat turns a bit, it catches the inner half and flies low to the left of the bowler. Jack Leach makes a full-stretched dive to his left and grabs the ball cleanly with both hands.

54.10

Full ball, outside off. Shaheen Afridi leans in and drives it to mid off, but straight to the fielder there.

Halt! Jamal has taken a nasty blow on the lower rib cage and the physio is attending him right now. He is dripping in sweat, and looks a bit knackered too. A few deep breaths and the treatment works. Ready to continue but not ready to concede.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 54 overs : 214/7

A Jamal55 (104)

S Afridi10 (12)

B Carse16-1-66-2

53.60

Bangs in a short ball, around the body. Aamer Jamal tries to block it away but takes a hit on his ribs. He seems to be in some pain.

53.52

Short ball, outside off. Jamal stands tall and punches it through covers for a brace.

53.41lb

LEG BYE! Risky run, this one. It is full from Carse angled into the pads once again. Afridi tries to jam it out but gets no bat on it. The ball rolls to square leg off the pads. Afridi calls for a single, and hares across. Aamer Jamal is running for his life here. Ollie Pope collects and throws it quickly towards the striker's end but misses the stumps. Aamer Jamal somehow makes it safely. Direct hit and it could've been a close call.

53.30

A length ball, angled into the pads. Afridi tucks it into the leg side.

53.32nb

Back of a length, on middle. Jamal pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one. The umpire signals a no ball as the bowler oversteps.

53.21

Carse angles in a short ball from 'round the wicket. Afridi hops inside the crease and tucks it into mid-wicket for an easy single.

53.10

Brydon Carse bangs in a short ball, in the channel. Shaheen Afridi looks to play the upper cut, but pulls out at the very last moment.

Commentary

Welcome back for Pakistan's second innings. The two umpires and the English players head out to the centre. It will be the left-hand right-hand combination of Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique to open the innings for Pakistan. Chris Woakes has the red cherry in hand. Away we go...

... THIRD INNINGS ...

With the pitch not exhibiting the expected wear and tear for a Day 4 surface, Pakistan will be keen to make a solid start to their innings. Given that we’re likely to have around 20 minutes of play before Tea, the primary objective for Pakistan will be to remain unscathed during this crucial phase. Time is of the essence, and England have set themselves up with four full sessions and a few overs here in the second session to have a crack at Pakistan. Back in a bit for Pakistan's reply.

The declaration has finally come, much to the relief of Pakistan. End of an absolute run fest from England. Barring the skipper Ollie Pope, all English batters imposed themselves and cashed in to pile the misery on the Pakistani attack. England end up with 823 on the board with a lead of 267 runs. As they walk off the field, the Pakistani players wear a tired look, understandably so after fielding for 150 overs in the sweltering heat of Multan, with not much going their way throughout the innings. While the bowlers can finally put their feet up, the openers will need to be switched on right from ball one against this English attack.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 150 overs : 823/7

B Carse9 (6)

C Woakes17 (16)

S Ayub14-0-101-2

149.60

Good length at the stumps. Carse pushes it back at the bowler. And, finally, Ollie Pope the stand-in English skipper signals for a declaration. Pakistan batted for 149 overs, and scored 556, while England batted for just one over more, and have mounted up a mammoth total breaching the 800-run mark.

149.51

Full-length delivery at the stumps. Woakes drills it down to long off for a run.

The English skipper, Ollie Pope is ready in his whites and the declaration may not be too far away.

149.44b

That has gone through everyone! Some genuine bit of turn for Saim Ayub, pitched full and spins away from outside off, Chris Woakes swooshes his bat to go inside out over the off side, but misses and the ball even beats Rizwan to run down to deep third for four byes. A lazy chase by Naseem from the inner ring and the ball has enough wheels to race through. The English spinners, Bashir and Leach won't mind this happening on a Day 4 pitch of Multan. The ball has shown signs of grip and turn today.

149.30

Slow and on leg stump, Chris Woakes sits down to sweep but wears it on the pads.

149.22

Full, pushed through on off, Chris Woakes dances down to the pitch and drives it inside out through covers for a couple of runs.

149.11

Length, outside off, cut away to deep point for a single.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 149 overs : 815/7

B Carse8 (4)

C Woakes14 (12)

N Shah31-0-157-2

148.61

A yorker on off, Brydon Carse skips down the track and bends low, extends his arms and manages to shovel it out to deep point for a single.

148.51

Hard length, angling on leg, Chris Woakes lifts his front leg up and hits it across to deep square leg for a single.

148.44

FOUR! Glorious shot that! Swings it away from off, on a good length, Chris Woakes shuffles to create width and slashes it over cover-point for a cracking boundary.

148.31

Hard length, on middle, clipped away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

148.21

Short in length, and around off. Woakes backs away and ramps it to deep third for a single.

148.12

Full on the stumps. Woakes flicks it through mid-wicket for two runs.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 148 overs : 805/7

B Carse6 (2)

C Woakes6 (8)

S Ayub13-0-97-2

147.66

SIX! And with this, the 800 comes up for England! Only the 4th team to do so in this format! Full outside the off stump. Carse dances down the track and reaches for it, lofting it over widish long off for a six.

147.50

Full on the stumps. This is pushed back to the bowler.

The debutant, Brydon Carse walks out to bat now.

147.4W

OUT! TAKEN! And suddenly, wickets have started to tumble! Babar redeems himself after a dropped catch but since then, a lot of damage has been done! Full, flat and quick outside off. Atkinson lunges ahead for an expansive drive over covers but doesn't get the timing right, goes off the toe end and flat to Babar at covers who leaps and takes it with his right hand over his head. Two wickets in the over for Saim Ayub. England are now 799/7, leading by 243 runs.

147.32

Full on the middle stump. Atkinson leans on to block it forward, and gets an inside edge through short fine for a couple.

Gus Atkinson is in at number 8.

147.2W

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! End of a marathon knock from Harry Brook! He departs for a spectacular 317 off 322 balls. He scored almost run-a-ball throughout his innings which is a huge achievement under such an unforgiving heat of Multan. Gets an appreciation from the dugout and Rizwan too, pats him on the back in admiration. Coming to the ball, it is a fuller one, turning in a bit, on the leg stump line, Harry Brook sits down on his knee to sweep it away but is a bit early into the shot and hence, a healthy top edge is found that lobs straight towards Shan Masood at short fine leg who takes a simple catch.

147.12

Flighted ball, on off and middle. Brook comes down the track and spanks it to the left of long on for a couple of runs.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 147 overs : 795/5

C Woakes6 (8)

H Brook315 (320)

N Shah30-0-147-2

146.60

Attacks the stumps, on a good length at 132.4 kph, Chris Woakes turns it off the back foot to mid-wicket towards Babar.

146.52

Short and on the middle, Chris Woakes stays leg side by moving across and slashes it over cover-point for a couple of runs. The deep cover fielder mops it up by running to his left.

146.41

Back of a length outside off. Brook plays late at it and chops it to deep backward point for a single.

146.30

Another slower one, short and over the middle, Harry Brook again tries to pull it behind square by shuffling across with his both feet in the air, misses.

146.20

Slower bouncer, dipping on the batter, Harry Brook shuffles across to play a wild hoick but doesn't connect any part of the bat. He looks at the leg-umpire for the overhead wide but it is deemed as a fair delivery.

Commentary

We are back for England's first innings. The umpires and the players of Pakistan are out in the middle. As expected, Ben Duckett has not come out to open and it will be skipper Ollie Pope who will join Zak Crawley at the top of the order for England. Shaheen Afridi has the brand-new cherry in hand and is raring to go. Three slips and a gully in place, let's go...

... SECOND INNINGS ...

Right then, the game was getting away quickly from England as Day 2 went on but they have managed to pick up the last two wickets in succession but it is still a tall ask for them with the bat. If Ben Duckett doesn't open then they will have to improvise and make sure that they see the final session on Day 2 through. Join us in a bit as England's reply is up next.

Pakistan are right where they would have liked to be at the end of their first innings. A huge total on the board and more than enough time left in the final session to attack with the new ball. Day 2 though belonged to Salman Agha who's stellar ton to along with the other two centuries we saw on Day 1, has put Pakistan on top of things and their bowlers will be raring to go.

A bizarre 10 or so minutes towards the end of the first innings and Pakistan have managed to put on a massive 556 runs on the board. Abrar Ahmed handed a couple of chances to England which were missed and eventually, when he did fall it was at the expense of Ben Duckett suffering a possible dislocation of the left thumb. He is supposed to open the innings for England which seems highly unlikely now.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 149 overs : 556/10

A Ahmed3 (8)

S Agha104 (119)

J Root7-0-25-1

148.6W

OUT! CAUGHT! Finally, England have bowled out Pakistan after 149 overs. Root flattens the trajectory and quickens the pace of the ball, and angles it across the batter like a bumper. Abrar Ahmed is hurried into the shot as he arches back and looks to guide it down to deep third but it bounces a bit more. Abrar is late to slash it and it goes off the higher part and straight to Ben Duckett at the first slip who is quick to react and takes a very sharp catch by stretching his hands in the direction of the ball. Duckett though immediately signals to the dressing room and looks in huge discomfort. He probably has dislocated his left thumb. Pakistan end their first innings on 556.

148.52

IN THE AIR AND LANDS SAFE! Root tosses it up, on the stumps, Abrar charges down and heaves it downtown for a couple of runs behind mid on.

148.41

Length and down the leg. Agha paddles it to deep fine for a run.

148.30

Flights it up, on the stumps. Salman prods forward and defends it back.

148.20

This one turns away from outside off. Salman Agha backs away and fends it to his right.

148.10

Loopy delivery on the pads. Salman flicks it to square leg.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 148 overs : 553/9

A Ahmed1 (6)

S Agha103 (115)

J Leach40-5-160-3

147.60

Good length angling in. Abrar fends it to square leg.

147.51

Much full and on the leg stump line. Salman charges down and works it to long on for a run.

147.41

IN THE AIR AND DROPPED! Oh, my word! Slower through the air, on middle and turning away, Abrar Ahmed sits down for a sweep but is months early into the shot. Goes through and slices it up in the air over mid-wicket. Gus Atkinson backtracks it with a bit of a laboured chase, goes on to grab it with hard hands and drops an easy sitter. Allows one.

147.31

Dragged length, around middle and leg, Salman Agha rocks back and tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

147.20

Pitched on leg stump line, Salman knocks it to mid-wicket.

147.10

Tossed up at the leg stump line, Salman defends it on the leg side.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 147 overs : 550/9

A Ahmed0 (4)

S Agha101 (111)

J Root6-0-22-0

146.60

Fuller and outside off, Abrar drives it to mid off.

146.50

Flighted one at the stumps, Abrar defends it back to Root.

146.40

How has Jamie Smith missed that? Two days in the field probably taking on a toll here. Length-delivery and Root slows it through the air outside off. Abrar charges down the goes for a big heave but misses. The wicket-keeper Jamie Smith fails to collect the ball and misses a stumping chance as the ball pops out of his gloves.

146.31

Looped up around leg, Salman nudges it to mid-wicket for one.

146.20

A seam-up delivery. this is punched to covers.

146.10

Tossed-up delivery on the pads. Salman sweeps it to short fine and denies the single.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 146 overs : 549/9

A Ahmed0 (1)

S Agha100 (108)

J Leach39-5-157-3

145.60

Length ball outside off, Abrar clears his front leg, attempts for the big heave downtown and mistimes it over mid on.

Abrar Ahmed walks in as the last batter for Pakistan. So, no declaration yet.

145.5W

OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! Third wicket for Jack Leach! Leach lands it full and on off, it turns into the batter sharply, and stays a bit too low as well. Afridi attempts to play the slog sweep. He swings across hard but plays over the line and it turns in and rattles the sticks. Pakistan 9 down now on 549.

145.40

Bowled outside off, Afridi attempts the reverse sweep and misses.

145.31

3RD TEST HUNDRED FOR SALMAN AGHA IN JUST 108 BALLS! Played well with Saud Shakeel and now playing extremely well with the tailenders! Flighted down the leg side, Salman gets down on one knee and sweeps it very fine down to deep backward square leg for a single.

145.21

Length and at the stumps, Afridi rocks back and knocks it down to long on for a single.

145.11

Pushed through, flighted one down the leg stump, Salman Agha sits on his knee and paddles it to deep fine for a single. Salman Agha moves to 99 now!

Pakistan
England
Pakistan
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
A Shafique

b C Woakes

0 1 0 0 0
S Ayub

c B Duckett b B Carse

25 35 4 0 71.42
S Masood

c Z Crawley b G Atkinson

11 22 1 0 50
B Azam

c J Smith b G Atkinson

5 15 1 0 33.33
S Shakeel

c J Smith b J Leach

29 33 4 0 87.87
M Rizwan

b B Carse

10 19 1 0 52.63
S Agha

lbw b J Leach

63 84 7 0 75
A Jamal

not out

55 104 5 0 52.88
S Afridi

c & b J Leach

10 14 1 0 71.42
N Shah

st J Smith b J Leach

6 3 0 1 200
A Ahmed

absent hurt

Extras

(b 4,lb 1,w 0,nb 1,Penalty 0)

6
Total 54.5 (RR: 4.01)
220/10

Did not bat:

Fall of wickets:

(A Shafique, 0.1 ov) (S Masood, 8 ov) (B Azam, 12 ov) (S Ayub, 12.1 ov) (M Rizwan, 18.1 ov) (S Shakeel, 24.2 ov) (S Agha, 48.4 ov) (S Afridi, 54.2 ov) (N Shah, 54.5 ov) (A Ahmed, 54.5 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
C Woakes
12 1 41 1 3.41
G Atkinson
14 2 46 2 3.28
S Bashir
6 0 32 0 5.33
B Carse
16 1 66 2 4.12
J Leach
6.5 1 30 4 4.39
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
Z Crawley

c A Jamal b S Afridi

78 85 13 0 91.76
O Pope

c A Jamal b N Shah

0 2 0 0 0
J Root

lbw b S Agha

262 375 17 0 69.86
B Duckett

lbw b A Jamal

84 75 11 0 112
H Brook

c S Masood b S Ayub

317 322 29 3 98.44
J Smith

c A Jamal b N Shah

31 24 2 1 129.16
C Woakes

not out

17 16 1 0 106.25
G Atkinson

c B Azam b S Ayub

2 2 0 0 100
B Carse

not out

9 6 0 1 150
Extras

(b 8,lb 5,w 3,nb 7,Penalty 0)

23
Total 150.0 (RR: 5.49)
823/7

Did not bat: J Leach, S Bashir

Fall of wickets:

(O Pope, 1.2 ov) (Z Crawley, 24.3 ov) (B Duckett, 49.4 ov) (J Root, 136.1 ov) (J Smith, 144.2 ov) (H Brook, 147.2 ov) (G Atkinson, 147.4 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
S Afridi
26 1 120 1 4.61
N Shah
31 0 157 2 5.06
A Ahmed
35 0 174 0 4.97
A Jamal
24 0 126 1 5.25
S Agha
18 0 118 1 6.55
S Ayub
14 0 101 2 7.21
S Shakeel
2 0 14 0 7.00
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
A Shafique

c O Pope b G Atkinson

102 184 10 2 55.43
S Ayub

c J Smith b G Atkinson

4 10 1 0 40
S Masood

c & b J Leach

151 177 13 2 85.31
B Azam

lbw b C Woakes

30 71 5 0 42.25
S Shakeel

c J Root b S Bashir

82 177 8 0 46.32
N Shah

c H Brook b B Carse

33 81 1 3 40.74
M Rizwan

c C Woakes b J Leach

0 12 0 0 0
S Agha

not out

104 119 10 3 87.39
A Jamal

lbw b B Carse

7 10 0 0 70
S Afridi

b J Leach

26 49 2 1 53.06
A Ahmed

c B Duckett b J Root

3 8 0 0 37.50
Extras

(b 1,lb 4,w 5,nb 4,Penalty 0)

14
Total 149.0 (RR: 3.73)
556/10

Did not bat:

Fall of wickets:

(S Ayub, 3.4 ov) (A Shafique, 59.5 ov) (S Masood, 62.3 ov) (B Azam, 84.3 ov) (N Shah, 105.4 ov) (M Rizwan, 108.5 ov) (S Shakeel, 125.2 ov) (A Jamal, 128.4 ov) (S Afridi, 145.5 ov) (A Ahmed, 149 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
C Woakes
23 5 69 1 3.00
G Atkinson
25 5 99 2 3.96
B Carse
22 3 74 2 3.36
S Bashir
32 3 124 1 3.87
J Leach
40 5 160 3 4.00
J Root
7 0 25 1 3.57
Pakistan
England
Pakistan

Commentary

That’s a wrap from the series opener then, folks! England has comprehensively asserted its dominance over the hosts and continue on their ascendancy with a 1-0 lead in this 3-Test series. The second match will be played at the same venue of Multan Cricket Ground and the bowlers would expect that there would be some assistance for them next time around. As no one would love to be toiled for over a hundred overs fielding in the heat, repeatedly. Well, jokes apart, 2nd Test begins on 15th October, Tuesday, and the first ball will be bowled at 5 am GMT. But the cricketing action continues to treat the fans across the world. There’s the Women’s T20 World Cup in full tilt. You can switch tabs and follow the matches there as well. But from here, we take your leave until the next match. Take care, ADIOS!

Coming to what has gone wrong with Pakistan in recent times? The team, fairly to say, has looked clueless to the challenges thrown at them and that's the reason they are in such a precarious position and them not being able to reap the benefits of home conditions is another area of concern. There was a lack of variability and effectiveness in plans with the ball and the team just crumbled with the bat under pressure, coupled with fielding lapses. It was just like a domino effect that hovered across the Pakistani camp. They need to find answers for all these issues and need to find them as soon as possible. They do have a talented squad and the only positives they can take from this game is the resilience displayed by the lower middle order with the bat. If only had the top order contributed, things might have been slightly different for the home side.

Ollie Pope, the winning captain, shared his thoughts after the match. He praised the bowlers for their excellent performance on Day 1, crediting the team for showing determination and putting themselves in a strong position. Pope remarked that when a team posts 550 runs, they often feel in control, but Pakistan found themselves trailing by 260 runs after coming out to bat again. He commended Harry Brook and Joe Root for their outstanding partnership, which shifted the momentum in their favor. Pope also highlighted the impact of Brydon Carse, who not only took crucial wickets but also set the field effectively, calling his debut performance 'sensational'. He also praised Jack Leach for seamlessly fitting back into the side.

Shan Masood, the captain of Pakistan is up for a chat. He says that they have spoken on the vulnerabilities of the third and fourth innings, and says that at the end of the day, it is a team game. Everything has its advantages or repercussions as a team. Mentions that when you put on a total above 550, it's important to back it up with 10 wickets. Reckons that 220 in the third innings, depending on what kind of lead you have can also be a good score. Appreciates England for picking all the 20 wickets. On the batting approach, he states that they need to find a way out of the collapse and that's the challenge a side has to go forward. Adds that it's the middle of the series and they have spoken about the squad mentality. Emphasizes that Test cricket is the ultimate format and the best teams find a way to win. Also says that scoring runs and taking wickets are the non-negotiables. In the end, he also mentions that they are hurt by the results and the nation as well as they are not getting the desired results that Pakistan cricket and the fans deserve. Concludes saying they have to get this right as a squad.

Harry Brook was awarded the Player of the Match for his exceptional batting performance, scoring a mammoth triple century at an almost run-a-ball pace. He expressed that he thoroughly enjoyed his innings, despite the intense heat, and was pleased to have built a strong partnership with Joe Root. He mentioned that their plan was to score as many runs as possible, emphasizing the importance of establishing a solid stand to reach the 300-run mark. Brook noted that staying hydrated was key in such conditions but felt that the pitch provided a good opportunity to capitalize on. He added that he hopes there are many more performances like this to come.

... THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ...

As the pacers toiled without reward, Pope finally turned to his spinner, Jack Leach. The change proved inspired, as Leach made an immediate impact. He carved through the tail with precision, eventually finishing with an impressive four-wicket haul. Leach's introduction marked the turning point of the morning session, swiftly bringing Pakistan's lower middle order's resistance to an end, helping England to win by an inning and 47 runs.

Cut to day 5, and the match resumed with Pakistan's overnight batters, Aamer Jamal and Salman Agha, continuing their resolute stand. Their partnership blossomed into a significant 109-run alliance, frustrating the English bowlers for over an hour. England, keen to wrap up proceedings, initially opted for an all-pace attack. Captain Pope rotated all his three seamers, but the lifeless pitch offered no assistance whatsoever in the morning.

As the fourth day drew to a close, the writing was indeed on the wall for Pakistan. England had asserted their dominance, and victory seemed all but assured. However, cricket's unpredictable nature showed itself once more as Aamer Jamal and Salman Agha mounted a stubborn resistance. This defiant partnership, while unlikely to alter the ultimate outcome, extended the result. Their gritty stand ensured that the match would extend into the fifth day, delaying England's seemingly inevitable triumph.

The tide finally turned in favor of the bowlers as the fourth day wore on. The pitch, which had been a veritable batting paradise, began to show signs of wear. Cracks started to appear and widen, introducing an element of unpredictability that had been sorely lacking. England's seam attack, spearheaded by the trio of Woakes, Carse, and Atkinson, seized this opportunity with both hands. They unleashed a devastating spell that tore through Pakistan's top and middle order with surgical precision on a deck that was largely torturous for the bowlers.

England batted for almost a day and a half. But notably, the pace at which they scored runs was intriguing. To cement how worse the conditions for the bowlers were, only 2 wickets fell on Day 3 and each day saw over 300 runs being piled up, with Day 4 going for 407 runs in total. Cut to Day 4, with the lead shrunk and eventually surpassed by England, the wheels came off and the tourists motored away at a brisk pace, taking all the control of the game from the claws of the hosts.

Harry Brook became the sixth English batter to score a triple ton while Root may have missed on his triple century, but became the highest run scorer for England in Test cricket, surpassing Sir Alastair Cook. Accumulating all this, England mounted the fourth-highest innings total ever in Test cricket - scoring 823/7 before declaring eventually. Duckett and Crawley too, sincerely contributed their part notching up their share of 84 and 74 respectively. Obedient to their Bazball approach, England amassed these runs in just 150 overs, while Pakistan posted their first inning total of 556 in just one less over than England.

There was next to nothing assistance for the bowlers since the track was as flat as a road and the batters had a feast on it, quite literally. The first two days were fairly sedate but the pace really picked up on the third day when England resumed their batting. Just when Pakistan thought they would run through the opposition with the ball, they were dealt by a batting masterclass from Joe Root and Harry Brook. The two toppled so many records which made the statisticians work overtime with their marathon partnership of 454 runs.

Now let’s have a brief recap of what transpired in this immersive Test. Days 1 and 2 were highlighted by Pakistan’s brilliance with the bat. They made the English bowlers sweat in the Multan heat for 149 long overs, mounting a total of 556 runs on the board on the back of three centuries coming from Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood and and late surge from Salman Agha. Pakistan looked under extreme control as they batted for almost two days.

AN INNING DEFEAT FOR PAKISTAN AND THE HOME SIDE HAS NOW LOST 6 TESTS ON THE BOUNCE! Also, this is the first time in Test history that a team has lost by an innings after scoring 500-plus in the first innings. So, there is plenty to ponder and contemplate for the Men in Green moving forward from here as their lackadaisical run in the longest format continues. For England, their away season has kicked off with a bang, and in a remarkable achievement, England has won all the matches when their opposition has scored more than 500 in the first inning, since Brendon McCullum took over as their head coach. This is an astonishing record and a template set by the Bazballers about how they are going to approach this format. Always running for the results, and going all in for a win has fetched a lot of positives for the Englishmen in recent times.

No more participation from the injured player and there's absent hurt written against the name of Abrar Ahmed.

54.5W

OUT! STUMPED! That should be it. Abrar Ahmed is unable to bat for Pakistan. Jack Leach with a four-wicket haul to help England take a lead in this Test series. Leach drifts in a full ball, outside off. It grips and turns away sharply. Shah looks to hit it through the line but misses. The keeper, Jamie Smith does well to grab the ball and dislodge the bails. Naseem Shah is miles outside the crease. ENGLAND WIN BY AN INNINGS AND 47 RUNS.

54.46

SIX! This is massive. It is a full ball, around leg. Shah picks it up nicely and smokes it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

54.30

Looped up, around off. Shah blocks it into the deck.

Naseem Shah is the last batter in for Pakistan. Abrar Ahmed won't come out to bat as he is still unwell and is hospitalized.

54.2W

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Jack Leach with a stunning catch and he records his third wicket. It is tossed up, full and outside off. Shaheen Afridi swings hard at it, but the bat turns a bit, it catches the inner half and flies low to the left of the bowler. Jack Leach makes a full-stretched dive to his left and grabs the ball cleanly with both hands.

54.10

Full ball, outside off. Shaheen Afridi leans in and drives it to mid off, but straight to the fielder there.

Halt! Jamal has taken a nasty blow on the lower rib cage and the physio is attending him right now. He is dripping in sweat, and looks a bit knackered too. A few deep breaths and the treatment works. Ready to continue but not ready to concede.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 54 overs : 214/7

A Jamal55 (104)

S Afridi10 (12)

B Carse16-1-66-2

53.60

Bangs in a short ball, around the body. Aamer Jamal tries to block it away but takes a hit on his ribs. He seems to be in some pain.

53.52

Short ball, outside off. Jamal stands tall and punches it through covers for a brace.

53.41lb

LEG BYE! Risky run, this one. It is full from Carse angled into the pads once again. Afridi tries to jam it out but gets no bat on it. The ball rolls to square leg off the pads. Afridi calls for a single, and hares across. Aamer Jamal is running for his life here. Ollie Pope collects and throws it quickly towards the striker's end but misses the stumps. Aamer Jamal somehow makes it safely. Direct hit and it could've been a close call.

53.30

A length ball, angled into the pads. Afridi tucks it into the leg side.

53.32nb

Back of a length, on middle. Jamal pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one. The umpire signals a no ball as the bowler oversteps.

53.21

Carse angles in a short ball from 'round the wicket. Afridi hops inside the crease and tucks it into mid-wicket for an easy single.

53.10

Brydon Carse bangs in a short ball, in the channel. Shaheen Afridi looks to play the upper cut, but pulls out at the very last moment.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 53 overs : 208/7

A Jamal52 (101)

S Afridi9 (8)

J Leach6-1-24-2

52.60

Tossed up, full and outside off. Jamal goes for the drives, but it catches the inner half, and goes towards the man at slip.

52.50

It is full, around middle. Jamal blocks it out watchfully.

52.40

Aamer Jamal presses forward to this full ball and blocks it into the deck.

52.30

This is full, dipping as well, around middle. Jamal uses his feet and blocks it back to the bowler.

52.20

An arm ball this time, full, on off. Jamal prods to this full ball and blocks it into the deck.

52.10

Pitched up, full and on off. Jamal eases it to the left of the bowler.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 52 overs : 208/7

A Jamal52 (95)

S Afridi9 (8)

B Carse15-1-61-2

51.61

Back of a length, on middle. Jamal swivels and mistime his pull into the leg side. A probing over from Carse comes to an end. Pakistan trail by 59 runs.

51.50

Good length, around middle. Jamal tucks it into the leg side.

51.41

Carse follows the batter outside leg with a short ball, Afridi backs away and hoicks it across the line. He does not time it at all. The ball goes up in the air towards mid-wicket but lands safely.

51.30

Another steep bouncer from round the wicket by Carse, this is ducked nicely by Shaheen.

51.21

DROPPED! 5TH CATCH PUT DOWN BY ENGLAND! The culprit is the English skipper now, Ollie Pope! Although, this was a very tough chance. Should've been taken whatsoever at this level. Aamer Jamal has been dropped twice now. First on 12 and now on 50. Banged into the surface, climbs on the batter as it skids through quickly, Aamer Jamal is late to react on the pull but goes through the shot and slices it over the square leg region. Ollie Pope from the inner ring, backtracks it and slides on to catch. Gets his hands on the ball at the shoulder level but drops it eventually as the ball pops out of his palms. Allows a single. Brydon Carse can be seen with a muted disappointment on his face.

51.13

Short of a good length, on middle, Shaheen Afridi clears his front foot, makes room for himself, and pulls it across and over the mid-wicket region for three runs.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 51 overs : 202/7

S Afridi5 (5)

A Jamal50 (92)

J Leach5-0-24-2

50.61

Pushed through, full and on off, Shaheen Afridi mistimes his slog sweep to deep square leg for a single.

50.50

Attacks the off pole, on a length, punched back to the bowler.

50.41

FIFTY FOR AAMER JAMAL! His second in Tests and first on the home soil. A gritty knock from him in turbulence. Pitched on middle, Aamer Jamal turns it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

50.30

Tossed up, around off, full in length, Aamer Jamal strides out and defends it well to the off side.

50.20

Pushed through with the arm, full and on middle, Aamer Jamal leans on and defends it well.

50.10

Leach continues. Looped up, full and on off, Aamer Jamal leans on and taps it to the off side.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 50 overs : 200/7

S Afridi4 (3)

A Jamal49 (88)

B Carse14-1-55-2

49.64

FOUR! 200 up for Pakistan and Shaheen is off the mark! Hard-length delivery on off, Shaheen Afridi creates room by shuffling across and flat-bats it down the ground for a cracking boundary. Pakistan now trail by 67 runs.

49.51

Short from around the wickets, pitched outside leg, Aamer Jamal short-arm-jabs past mid-wicket for an easy single.

49.40

Short of a good length, over the top of off, Aamer Jamal gets on the toes and stabs it to the off side.

49.30

A flying slip in for Carse now. Hard length, outside off, dabbed away to point by Jamal.

49.20

Seeing the batter shuffling across leg side, Carse bangs it short and closer to the body, Aamer Jamal arches and looks to play an uppercut but the ball zips past the outside edge.

49.14

FOUR! Pulled away by Jamal! Short by Carse, on middle, Aamer Jamal rises with the bounce and pulls it well over the inner ring and gets a boundary at deep square leg.

UPDATE - The first session has been extended for this fifth day by 30 minutes. So we will have another drinks break before the Lunch break.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 49 overs : 191/7

S Afridi0 (2)

A Jamal44 (83)

J Leach4-0-22-2

48.60

Full and outside off, Afridi leans out and dabs it away.

48.50

Leach stays around the wickets, tossed up on off stump. Defended

Shaheen Afridi is the new batter in for Pakistan at number 9.

48.4W

OUT! LBW! Leach comes and provides that breakthrough for England they were looking for! Salman Agha has straightaway reviewed it though, but even the umpire's call cannot save him on this one. This is an in-drifter from Leach, the one that straightens up off the deck, pitched full and on middle and leg, Salman Agha leans on the front foot to defend and anticipates the ball to turn and plays for the spin. Instead, it goes straight on and Agha plays all over the line. UltraEdge shows no bat involved and the Ball Tracking comes up with three reds as the ball clips the leg stump on the projection. Pakistan burn a review but more importantly, they have lost a well-set batter in the form of Salman Agha. And the bowling change has worked wonders for England as they now are just a couple of wickets away from a win. Leach breaks the 109-run stand for the 7th wicket.

48.32

A high full toss from Leach, Agha skips down and pulls it away through mid-wicket for a brace.

48.20

Too full, straightens up a bit, on middle, sliced away to short cover.

48.10

Leach with a slip in place, starts from around the wickets, drifts it in on the pads, Agha leans on and pushes it with soft hands to the right of the bowler.

The first drinks break of Day 5. Full marks for Aamer Jamal and Salman Agha for having displayed good resistance in the middle as both have effectively shrunk the lead to 78 runs now. Agha already on 61 has looked confident while Jamal on 44 has been stubborn with his defence. With not much help in the morning for the bowlers, England stayed with an all-pace ploy and even tried out the short ball tactics from one end, but they were dealt with caution and without much risks. Pakistan's aim would be to get through the session without losing any wickets and compel England to huff and puff to get those three wickets. Still, the game stands tilted in favor of the visitors. And there's the spin, Jack Leach is into the attack now, replacing Brydon Carse.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 48 overs : 189/6

A Jamal44 (83)

S Agha61 (80)

C Woakes12-1-41-1

47.60

Short and at 126 kph, Aamer Jamal goes for a pull shot but inside edges it to the pads.

47.50

Slower one from Woakes on a fuller length, on middle, Aamer Jamal waits for it to arrive and turns it to short mid-wicket.

47.40

Attacks the off-pole on a length, Aamer Jamal gets behind the line and defends it nicely underneath the bat.

47.34

FOUR! Such a controlled shot from Jamal! Showing character here! Not a pace on delivery on a short length, Aamer Jamal has all the time in the world to weigh on the back foot and drag the pull shot over mid-wicket for a cracking boundary.

47.20

On off, kept out.

47.10

Solid in defense is Jamal. Hard length, around off, Aamer Jamal prods ahead and keeps it out.

Almost 50 minutes in the day, and these two have displayed good resilience and have weathered the early morning challenge and are ticking along nicely here. Pakistan trail by 82 more runs now. Chris Woakes to continue. Jack Leach is warming up now, so we will seem him very soon with the ball.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 47 overs : 185/6

S Agha61 (80)

A Jamal40 (77)

B Carse13-1-46-2

46.60

Wayward bumper outside leg stump line, Salman Agha opts out of the pull shot.

46.50

Aims the stumps on the good length, Salman Agha brings his bat straight down and defends it to short mid on.

46.40

Good length from around the wickets, on the pads, pulled along the ground to square leg.

46.30

Another shorter one, down leg, Agha ducks under it. First bouncer called by the leg umpire.

46.21

Too short from Carse, on leg, Aamer Jamal is a bit late to pull as the ball gets heavier on him, lobs off his gloves over the keeper's and dribbles to the deep. The fielder from the slips chases it backward and keeps it to single.

46.11

Short and on off, Salman Agha weighs on the back foot and pulls it along the ground to deep square leg for a single.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 46 overs : 183/6

A Jamal39 (76)

S Agha60 (75)

C Woakes11-1-37-1

45.60

On off, on a length, blocked out to mid off by Jamal.

45.54

FOUR! Pulled away! 100 run partnership between these two now! Woakes bends his back and digs it into the surface, on the middle, Aamer Jamal rises with the bounce, and slams the pull shot in front of the square. Shoaib Bashir from deep square leg gives it a chase to his left but the ball races through the deep mid-wicket fence.

45.40

Length, outside off, punched firmly off the back foot to mid off.

45.30

At a gentle pace of 128.3 kph, shade outside off on a good length, Aamer Jamal keeps it out striding across.

45.20

Short in length, just outside off, Aamer Jamal stands tall and works it straight to short cover.

45.11

Hard-length delivery around off, Salman Agha gets on his toes and taps it with soft hands to wide of point for an easy single. The partnership for the 7th wicket now extends to 97 off 125 balls.

Chris Woakes (10-1-32-1) is back into the attack, replacing Gus Atkinson.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 45 overs : 178/6

A Jamal35 (71)

S Agha59 (74)

B Carse12-1-44-2

44.60

Negotiated well by Jamal! On the length, in front of the stumps, nipping in a shade, Aamer Jamal turns it to short mid-wicket with soft hands.

44.52

Short of a good length, outside off, Aamer Jamal hops on the back foot, rides the bounce and cuts it square for a couple of runs. Zak Crawley is too square in the deep backward point region and runs to his left to intercept the ball before the ropes.

44.40

A steep bumper by Carse, on the leg stump line, Aamer Jamal is happy to duck underneath it.

44.30

Length-delivery on middle, tapped to the leg side by Jamal.

Halt! The physio is out to attend Aamer Jamal and the concussion test is underway for him. The others, in the meantime, help themselves with some electrolytes to stay hydrated. Jamal opts for another helmet and is good to continue now.

44.20

Ouch, that's nasty! A vicious bumper by Carse on a short length, nipping back in a long back and skids through very quickly. Aamer Jamal has a very little time to react as he takes his eyes off the ball getting on his toes. Takes a blow on the back of his helmet. A mandatory concussion test to follow now. And maybe, also a helmet change for him.

44.12

Change in plans by Pope! A short leg and short square leg in place for Carse as he bowls on the leg stump line, Aamer Jamal steers it well along the ground through the square leg region for a couple of runs.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 44 overs : 174/6

A Jamal31 (65)

S Agha59 (74)

G Atkinson14-2-46-2

43.61

Angling on the pads, a bit fuller in length, Aamer Jamal tilts ahead and wrists it behind the square and along the ground for a single at deep square leg. These two have done extremely well to hold their ends, adding 92 runs together. The lead now has shrunk to 93 runs. Still a long way to go for Pakistan though.

43.50

Over the top of off, on a good length, Aamer Jamal dabs it very late off the back and almost chops it to the first slip on the bounce.

43.41

Angling on the pads on a hard length, at 136.5 kph, Agha gets on the back foot and glances off his hips it deep backward square leg for an easy single.

43.30

Hit-the-deck-hard delivery on middle, Salman Agha opens the body and punches it solidly to the leg side.

43.22

Short one, nipping down the leg side, Salman Agha does well on the back foot as he manages to keep it along the ground on the pull shot, wrists it down fine to the left of the wicket-keeper, to deep fine for a couple of runs.

43.10

Back of a length, over the top of the sticks, Salman Agha rises on the bounce and clips it to mid-wicket on the bounce.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 43 overs : 170/6

A Jamal30 (63)

S Agha56 (70)

B Carse11-1-40-2

42.60

Tight line and length at 136.6 kph, on middle, Aamer Jamal gets behind the line and taps it with soft hands across to the leg side to end the over. A good probing over from Brydon Carse. Pakistan now trail by 97 runs.

42.50

This one comes back in sharply, pitching outside off and jagging back in a long way, Jamal makes a tight leave as the ball flies off the deck to the keeper, Smith.

42.40

Good bounce, at 135.5 kph, on middle, Aamer Jamal is taken aback as he fends it off the handle of the bat to the leg side. Had no idea about that prodigious bounce.

42.31

Short of a good length, around off, Salman Agha rises with the bounce and steers it wide of square leg for an easy single.

42.20

Attacks the stumps, does Carse, on a good length,  Salman Agha prods ahead but is beaten by pace and inside edges it to the pads. A stifled appeal for LBW but not a confident one.

42.10

Brydon Carse comes into the attack replacing Chris Woakes, bowls it full and on off, defended well by Salman on the front foot.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 42 overs : 169/6

S Agha55 (67)

A Jamal30 (60)

G Atkinson13-2-42-2

41.63

Good running! Keeps the line of attack outside off on a good length, Salman Agha covers the line of the stumps and taps it with soft hands past the right of the slip fielder, Harry Brook chases the ball as it trickles to the deep and manages to cut it off yards before the ropes with a slide. Three taken.

41.50

Short of a good length, outside off with a spongy bounce, Salman Agha arches back, wrists down, and lets it pass alone.

41.40

Back of a length, over the top of off, Salman Agha hops on the back foot and taps it to the pitch.

41.30

Full on off, pushed firmly to mid off.

41.24

FOUR! 8TH TEST FIFTY FOR SALMAN AGHA! On the pads, nipping further in off the deck on a good length, Salman Agha weighs on the back foot and simply tickles it to deep fine for a boundary. An inning of grit and determination from him so far. Pakistan now trail by 101 runs.

41.10

Angling on pads, full in length, pushed to short mid-wicket by Salman.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 41 overs : 162/6

A Jamal30 (60)

S Agha48 (61)

C Woakes10-1-32-1

40.60

Fairly outside off, on a good length, left alone by Jamal.

40.50

Hard length, outside off, Jamal mistimes his cut shot in front of point.

40.41

Short of a good length, skidding through quickly off the deck on middle, Salman Agha is a bit late to pull, and gets it from the splice of the bat, over the inner ring behind mid-wicket for a single.

40.30

Marginally outside off on a fuller length, Salman Agha gets forward and drives it straight to cover.

40.20

A bit fuller in length with a hint of away movement, Salman Agha pats his front foot ahead and knocks it straight to short mid off.

40.10

Fullish on middle, Salman Agha pushes it firmly to short mid on.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 40 overs : 161/6

A Jamal30 (58)

S Agha47 (57)

G Atkinson12-2-35-2

39.60

Angling on the pads, on a fuller length, Aamer Jamal gets ahead and flicks it with soft hands to short mid-wicket. Pakistan trail by 106 more runs.

39.50

Tailing a bit into the batter from outside off, on a good length, Aamer Jamal gets behind the line and presses forward for a front foot block to cover.

39.41

Short of a good length, it bounces a bit more off the track, on middle, Salman Agha manages to keep his pull shot down the ground to square leg for a single.

39.30

Identical length, on middle, Salman Agha gets on the front foot and knocks it to mid on.

39.20

On middle, full in length, Agha defends it to the leg side.

39.14

FOUR! Through the slips and into the fence. That was deliberately played by Salman! Hard length, outside off, with a slight deviation away from the batter. Salman Agha covers the stumps, opens the bat face at the very last moment and guides it through the vacant slips for a boundary at deep third.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 39 overs : 156/6

A Jamal30 (56)

S Agha42 (53)

C Woakes9-1-31-1

38.60

Slightly outside off, on a good length, Aamer Jamal defends it off the inner half of the bat.

38.50

With a short mid off and short mid on in place, Woakes bowls an attempted yorker on middle, Aamer Jamal jams his bat down in time to the leg side.

38.40

Aims the stumps, does Woakes, on a fuller length, Aamer Jamal presses forward and keeps it out to the covers.

38.30

Very full, on off, Aamer Jamal leans on and pats it solidly on the pitch.

38.20

On a fullish length, around off, Aamer Jamal prods ahead and blocks it out.

38.12

Goes too full, on the pads, Aamer Jamal tickles it very fine to the deep on the leg side, Ben Duckett from deep backward square leg runs to his right and cuts it off with the slide at deep fine. Two taken.

Chris Woakes (8-1-29-1) to operate from the other end.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 38 overs : 154/6

S Agha42 (53)

A Jamal28 (50)

G Atkinson11-2-30-2

37.60

Fuller length, outside off, Salman Agha strides across and solidly knocks it to cover to end the over.

37.51

Hard length, angling on middle, Aamer Jamal is a bit early to flick it across and almost chips it off the higher part of the bat, but to the right of short mid-wicket for a single.

37.40

On off, full in length, Aamer Jamal prods ahead with a good stride and defends it out to cover.

37.31

First run of Day 5! Slightly tailing back in, on middle and leg, on a fullish length, Salman Agha tilts forward and turns it to deep square leg with soft hands for a single.

37.20

Attacks the off-pole now, on a length, Salman Agha presses forward and defends it well underneath the bat.

37.10

On the money, is Atkinson! Hits the deck hard, on the middle and leg, Salman Agha leans on and flicks it to mid-wicket.

Well then, all set for Day 5 to commence in Multan! As usual, the sun is beaming down as the two umpires make their way out to the middle. England players too, walk out to take their respective fielding positions. Salman Agha, unbeaten on 41 and Aamer Jamal on 27 are the overnight batters for Pakistan as they trail by 115 more runs. Also, an official update about Abrar Ahmed is that he won't be able to participate in this match as he is still hospitalized. So, England are just 3 wickets away from the win here. Gus Atkinson to Agha. Here we go...

The first session will be crucial for both teams. England will look to attack from the very first ball, exploiting any early morning moisture. For Pakistan, the plan will be simple yet difficult - dig in, resist, and hope their remaining batters can frustrate England for as long as possible. However, the absence of Abrar Ahmed, if he cannot bat due to injury, only adds to Pakistan’s woes. Expect an intense, pressure-filled start to Day 5, where England will aim to finish the job swiftly, while Pakistan will desperately try to extend the fight and salvage some pride.

Pakistan, trailing by 155 runs with just four wickets in hand, find themselves in a precarious position heading into Day 5. England's bowlers, having already made significant inroads on the fourth evening, will be eager to wrap things up quickly. With a mix of seam and spin available, the pitch at Multan, which has begun to show signs of wear, will likely offer some assistance, especially with variable bounce and a bit of turn creeping in.

Hello and welcome to what promises to be a thrilling final day of this remarkable Test match between England and Pakistan at Multan! England has set the stage for a dramatic conclusion after a mammoth team performance, led by Harry Brook’s mighty triple century and a monumental partnership with Joe Root that completely shifted the momentum of the game.

... DAY 5, SESSION 1 ...

Well then, another immersive day in the first Test has flown by. To describe Day 4 in a brief, it was well and truly a busy day particularly for the statisticians, a lot of records were tumbled and broken by the Root-Brook alliance while batting. And with just a day remaining then, Pakistan trail by 115 runs and is staring at an eventual inevitability. England's aim would be to wrap things up in the first session itself, whereas Pakistan will try to impose a challenge. Day 5 begins on 11th October, and the first ball will be bowled at 5 am GMT. Till then, ADIOS!

Joe Root is in for a chat. He says that he is feeling good that the team is in a brilliant position to win the game. Shares that it was great fun batting out there with Harry Brook. Tells that they don't play in such kind of heat often and it is a test of their skills. Reckons that there is still a lot of work to do and they need to get it right on Day 5. Mentions that it was an absolute pleasure to watch Harry Brook and he has been phenomenal in this part of the world. Jokingly says that he is glad that Brook is not born in Pakistan or else they would be chasing a lot of runs.

England missed a golden opportunity to seal the match decisively. Had they held onto those four dropped catches, they could have effectively ended the contest then and there. These fielding lapses, while not catastrophic by far, allowed Pakistan to cling on to the end of the day. Overall, there were fielding errors from both sides throughout the day.

For England, it was a matter of replicating their batting stint with the ball now. The Woakes-Carse-Atkinson seam trio bowled neatly and used the conditions near to perfection sharing the first five wickets among them. The highlight being Carse zipping through Rizwan's defence off a seed of a ball. Just when the pacers were running a riot, in came Leach who further dampened the hopes of Pakistan with a wicket in his very first over.

As Babar and Rizwan, the designated best batters for Pakistan currently, couldn't stay for long, the middle order was left to react resiliently to the collapse. The remaining batters found themselves in the unenviable position of not only needing to salvage the innings but also fighting to avoid the embarrassment of losing by an inning. However, Aamer Jamal along with Salman Agha dashed that, well, for now, with a fighting stand of 70 runs.

After enduring 150 gruelling overs in the field, Pakistan's confidence visibly waned. Their dominant first-innings performance with the bat became a distant memory as their second innings crumbled. The top and middle order collapsed rapidly, with only Saim Ayub managing to score over 20 runs. Even the captain, Shan Masood, despite being granted two reprieves, failed to rally his troops and lead by example.

The final session began with England fully under control of the game boasting a very healthy lead. After being a batter's paradise for almost three and a half days, the cracks in the surface caused some mischief, with unpredictable bounce and deviation, challenging even the most skilled batters up top. However, it wasn't just the pitch that undid Pakistan's batting lineup - England's bowlers put on a masterclass in disciplined attack.

STUMPS, DAY 4 - Session Summary - 31 overs, 129 runs, 5 wickets. Pakistan survive to take the game to the final day in this first Test match. Quite probably, extended the inevitable for a day. The day, however, belongs to England, as they not only mounted a mammoth score earlier but also ran through the opposition's top and middle order, effectively.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 37 overs : 152/6

S Agha41 (49)

A Jamal27 (48)

S Bashir6-0-32-0

36.61

Drifting away from the right-hander, full in length, Salman plays for the turn as he comes forward but the ball catches the outside edge of the bat and rolls wide of point for a run. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 4!

36.50

Comes from around the wicket and gets a bit of dip on this one, full and attacking the front pad, Salman stabs it down the deck.

36.40

Speared in from over the wicket, on middle and leg, Agha defends it with a straight bat.

36.33

Good cricket all around. Fractionally short by Bashir, on middle, Jamal rocks on the back foot quickly and jabs it through mid-wicket. Ben Duckett gives it a chase and slides to prevent the ball from reaching the fence. Three runs taken.

36.20

Floated up, full and on off, Jamal gets a good stride in and taps it to the left of the bowler.

36.10

Turning in a bit, on a length, on off, Jamal eases it back to the bowler.

One more over? Yes, Shoaib Bashir for the final over of the day.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 36 overs : 148/6

S Agha40 (46)

A Jamal24 (45)

J Leach3-0-20-1

35.60

Darted in, full and on middle and leg, Salman lunges and blocks it out.

35.51

Very full, at the toes, Jamal squeezes it past short leg and gets to the other end.

35.40

Attacks the front pad again, on a length, Jamal keeps it out with a straight bat.

35.30

Keeps it full and straight, at the stumps, Jamal stabs it down the deck.

35.20

Fuller and quicker, on off, Jamal gets on the front foot nicely and plays it back to the bowler.

35.10

Turning away a touch, on a nagging length, Jamal presses half-forward and defends.

Just might be the last over of the day. Jack Leach (2-0-19-1) is brought back.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 35 overs : 147/6

S Agha40 (45)

A Jamal23 (40)

S Bashir5-0-28-0

34.64

FOUR! With the field up, Agha takes his chance and it pays off! Bashir loops it up, full and on middle, Agha skips down the track to heave it across the line. Does not quite get hold of it but it is enough to get past square leg for a boundary.

34.50

Tossed up, on the pads, Agha turns it to mid-wicket.

34.41

Drops it short and down leg, Jamal gets inside the line of the ball and pulls it past backward square leg for a run.

34.30

Offers flight does Bashir, full and on middle, Jamal blocks it out off the front foot.

34.20

Short and on middle, Jamal tucks it off the back foot to mid-wicket.

34.14b

FOUR BYES! That has evaded everybody! Floated up but down leg. Jamal misses out on the sweep. The keeper fails to gather it to his left and it goes between him and leg slip for a boundary.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 34 overs : 138/6

A Jamal22 (36)

S Agha36 (43)

B Carse10-1-39-2

33.61

Carse rushes the batter as he comes from around the wicket and serves it on a hard length, Jamal hurriedly fends it down on the leg side for a run.

33.50

Into the wicket again by Carse, on middle, Jamal hops and rides the bounce to work it to backward square leg. Jamal wanted a single but was sent back by Salman.

Halt! Aamer Jamal is seen in pain as he took a sting on the glove. The physio is out there to check him up. Meanwhile, Ben Stokes is out with fluids and is having a chat with Brydon Carse.

33.40

Ouch, Jamal takes a blow on the glove! Carse serves a sharp and quick bumper, on middle, Jamal looks to get inside the line of the ball and nurdle it away but wears it on the glove and it drops at his feet.

33.30

Fuller and attacking the stumps, kept out with a straight bat by Jamal.

33.20

Another bumper attempted by Carse but this does not get high enough and stays a bit low. Jamal swivels but fails to get any bat on the pull. The keeper, Jamie Smith is quick to move to his left and gets his body behind the ball to make the stop.

33.11

Banged in short, at chest height, Agha helps the pull down to deep fine leg and gets to the other end.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 33 overs : 136/6

S Agha35 (42)

A Jamal21 (31)

S Bashir4-0-23-0

32.61

Looped up, on the pads, Agha gets down and sweeps it aerially but well in front of deep backward square leg. A single taken.

32.50

Pushed through, full and on middle, Agha knocks it back to the bowler.

32.41

On the pads, on a length, turned past mid-wicket for a run by Jamal.

32.34

FOUR! Not in complete control but Jamal gets away with it! Bashir slows it up, on a fuller length, Jamal reaches out in front and drags it from outside off. The bat turns in his hands but he gets it past mid-wicket for a boundary.

32.21

Tossed up, full and on off, knocked down to long on for a single by Agha.

32.11

Fired in, full and on middle and leg, Jamal goes for a big swipe across the line. Gets it off the inner half of the bat to deep backward square leg for a run.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 32 overs : 128/6

S Agha33 (39)

A Jamal15 (28)

B Carse9-1-37-2

31.64

FOUR! Delicately done! Carse serves it in the channel on off, on a good length, Agha lets the ball come to him and opens the bat face to steer it through the vacant gully region for a boundary.

31.50

Fuller and around off, Agha caresses the drive but picks out the man at cover.

31.41

Bangs it in short, around the left shoulder. Jamal hops and rises with the bounce to nudge it past backward square leg for a run.

31.30

Keeps it at the stumps, on a length, Jamal presents a straight bat and stabs it down the deck.

31.20

Full and attacking the off-stump line, Jamal firms the drive back to the bowler.

31.13

Carse serves it full and outside off, Agha leans on it and angles the bat face to drive it square. Gets it through point. Pope at deep backward point covers good ground to his right and slides to cut it off. Three runs taken.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 31 overs : 120/6

S Agha26 (36)

A Jamal14 (25)

S Bashir3-0-15-0

30.61

Slower and fuller, on middle and leg, Agha steps out to heave it away but loses his shape in the process. Miscues the shot to deep backward square leg for a run.

30.51

Sliding on the pads, Jamal wrists it past mid-wicket for one.

30.40

At 93.9 kph, full and on middle, Jamal blocks it out off the front foot.

30.30

This keeps straight, on a nagging length, defended on the off side.

30.21

Fuller and quicker, on off, Agha knocks it down to long on and gets to the other end.

30.12

On the pads, on a length, Agha sweeps it wide of deep backward square leg for a brace.

A round-about half an hour remaining for the day's play now. Shoaib Bashir to continue.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 30 overs : 115/6

S Agha22 (33)

A Jamal13 (22)

B Carse8-1-29-2

29.61

On the pads, on a good length, Agha works it behind square on the leg side for one.

29.51

DROPPED! The plan was set but Shoaib Bashir shells it! Carse bends his back and digs it in short. Gets a good height on the bumper. Jamal tries to take on the short ball but gets a top edge that goes straight down the throat of deep backward square leg where Bashir fails to hang on. He has a couple of more attempts but does not grab it.

29.40

Straying down leg, on a length, Jamal shapes up for the tickle but misses.

29.30

Lands it on a hard length, on off, Jamal gets on top of the bounce and blocks it out.

29.24

FOUR! Gets it away! With a leg slip in place, Carse serves it on the pads, on a length, slanting back in, Jamal helps it off his pads and beats the diving leg slip fielder to his left for a boundary.

29.10

This nips back in sharply, on a back of a length, on middle, Jamal hops to keep it out. Ekes out an inside edge onto his thigh pad.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 29 overs : 109/6

A Jamal8 (17)

S Agha21 (32)

S Bashir2-0-10-0

28.61

Fired on the pads, fuller as well, Jamal drives it down to long on and takes the single.

28.50

Looped by Bashir and he gets a good dip on this one, Jamal presses forward and eases the drive to cover.

28.40

Floated up this time, full and on off, Jamal knocks it down the deck.

28.30

Flatter and straighter, on a nagging length, Salman pushes it back to the bowler.

28.21

On a nagging length, on middle and leg, Agha works it with the turn to mid-wicket for a run.

28.11

Turning into the pads, on a length, Jamal lunges and turns it past short leg for a run.

So just a two-over stint for Leach. He is replaced by Shoaib Bashir.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 28 overs : 106/6

A Jamal6 (12)

S Agha20 (31)

B Carse7-1-23-2

27.63

Digs it on a hard length, over middle, Jamal hangs back and jabs it past mid-wicket. Gus Atkinson gives it a chase and saves a run for his side. Three runs taken.

27.50

Pitched up, full and on off, Jamal firms the drive but the fielder at mid off, tumbles to his right to make the stop.

27.40

This skids through, on a hard length, too close to cut for Jamal. He goes for it and ends up getting an under edge that dribbles behind to the keeper.

27.30

Angling into the right-hander, on a length, on off, Aamer Jamal covers the line of the ball and defends it out on the off side.

27.21

Carse bashes the hard length, on the pads, Salman Agha gets on top of the bounce and turns it wide of mid-wicket for a run.

27.10

Very full, on off, Agha squeezes it out off the inside half of the bat to mid on.

Brydon Carse (6-1-19-2) replaces Gus Atkinson.

Runs Scored 15 Runs

Score after 27 overs : 102/6

S Agha19 (29)

A Jamal3 (8)

J Leach2-0-19-1

26.63

Looped by Leach, full and on off, Salman Agha opens up the off side and carves it up and cover. The ball does not have enough legs to reach the fence and the cover fielder gives it a chase and cuts it off. Three runs taken, allowing Agha to retain the strike. 15 runs off the over.

26.54

FOUR! Nicely swept! Leach offers flight, full and outside off, Agha drags it from outside off and sweeps it all along the ground. Gets it through square leg for the third boundary of the over.

26.40

Short and on off, Agha defends it off the back foot.

26.34

FOUR! Good use of the feet! Leach tosses it up, full and on middle, Agha skips down the track and lofts it over mid on for four more runs.

26.24

FOUR! 'Catch it' is the call but there is no one in the deep! Leach serves it full, on middle, Agha gets down for the sweep but fails to control the shot. Hits it uppishly but it goes through the vacant square leg region for a boundary.

26.10

Flatter and fuller, around off, Salman Agha leaves it alone.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 26 overs : 87/6

A Jamal3 (8)

S Agha4 (23)

G Atkinson10-2-28-2

25.60

Angling in at the pads, on a length, Jamal wrists it to mid-wicket.

25.51

Full and straight, at the stumps, Salman Agha looks to drive it down the ground but the ball catches the inside edge and rolls behind to deep fine leg for one.

25.41

Too harsh to call that a drop but we have seen such catches sticking sometimes! Atkinson bowls it on a short of a length, on off, Jamal flays at the delivery and it goes quickly towards gully where Ollie Pope leaps to his right but cannot get hold of it. The ball brushes his fingertips and rolls away for a single.

25.32

Fuller and at the stumps, Aamer Jamal clips it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

25.20

Risky leave! Seaming back into the right-hander, on off, on a length, Aamer Jamal makes the leave but his off stump is visible while doing so. Luckily for him, the ball does not come back in enough.

25.11

On a back of a length, on off, Salman Agha rises with the bounce and punches it to deep cover for a single.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 25 overs : 82/6

A Jamal0 (4)

S Agha2 (21)

J Leach1-0-4-1

24.60

Tossed up, full and on off, Aamer Jamal presses forward and taps it down the deck.

24.50

Darted in again, full and on off, played back to the bowler by Jamal.

24.40

Attacking the stumps, coming on with the arm, full in length, Aamer Jamal defends it with a straight bat.

24.30

A loud shout for LBW but that looked to be going down leg! Speared into the pads, fuller and quicker, Aamer Jamal plays all around it and wears it on the pads.

Heading into the lower order now. Aamer Jamal is the new batter in at number 8. Also, as Abrar Ahmed won't come out to bat since he is hospitalized, England need just 3 wickets to win by an inning here.

24.2W

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Four and out for Shakeel against the left-arm spinner. Jack Leach strikes in his first over. After being hit for a boundary on the previous ball, Leach pushes this one through with the arm, short and around off. Saud Shakeel is quick to rock back on the back foot and shapes up to punch it away. He expects the ball to turn towards him but it keeps straight to catch the outside edge. The keeper, Jamie Smith gets his gloves in the correct position and snaffles it with ease near his left thigh. Saud Shakeel departs on 29 (33) with Pakistan trailing by 185 more runs.

24.14

FOUR! Shakeel greets Leach into the attack with a boundary! Leach starts off with a flighted delivery, full and outside off, Shakeel skips down the track and gets to the pitch of the ball. Lofts it over mid off for a boundary.

Speak about the man and he is introduced into the attack. Jack Leach replaces Brydon Carse.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 24 overs : 78/5

S Agha2 (21)

S Shakeel25 (31)

G Atkinson9-2-23-2

23.60

Down the leg side by Atkinson, on a length, Agha looks to help it away but misses. A good take by the keeper, Jamie Smith low to his left.

23.50

Digs it in short does Atkinson, around the left shoulder of the batter, Salman gets inside the line of the ball and lets it go.

23.42

Hurls it on a back of a length, on off, Agha hops back and rides the bounce to punch it past backward point for a couple of runs. Agha gets off the mark on the 19th ball.

Jack Leach is doing some stretching at the covers, maybe he will be introduced very soon into the attack. It will be interesting to see how the batters negotiate the two English tweakers after being thoroughly interrogated by the pacers.

23.30

Continues to bowl it in and around the off-stump line, on a back of a length, Agha stays on the back foot and guides it to gully.

23.20

Dishes it out on a hard length, over off, Agha gets right behind the line of the ball and keeps it out with a straight bat.

23.10

Atkinson errs in line as he sprays it down leg, full in length, Agha is late on the tickle and he misses.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 23 overs : 76/5

S Shakeel25 (31)

S Agha0 (15)

B Carse6-1-19-2

22.60

At 139.8 kph, on a good length, on middle, Shakeel wrists it towards short mid-wicket but can't beat the man there to his left.

22.50

Hurls it just outside the off stump, on a length, Shakeel presents a straight bat and pats it down the deck.

22.40

Fuller and slanting in from around the wicket, on off, Saud Shakeel defends it down on the off side.

22.30

Carse digs it in short, on off, Saud Shakeel ducks and lets it be.

22.20

Closer to the off-stump line, on a good length, Shakeel covers the line and stabs it down on the off side.

22.14

FOUR! Finer than he intended but Shakeel will take it! Short and fractionally wide on off, Shakeel stays still and cuts it off the back foot. Gets it well wide of backward point for a boundary.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 22 overs : 72/5

S Agha0 (15)

S Shakeel21 (25)

G Atkinson8-2-21-2

21.60

This is on a back of a length, outside off, Agha stays back and steers it with an open bat face but can't get it past the man at gully who stays low and makes a good stop, low to his right.

21.50

Attacking the front pad, on a length, Agha gets his bat out in front of the front pad and knocks it to mid on.

21.40

Pitched up by Atkinson, on off, Salman gets his weight on the front foot and drives it firmly to cover.

21.30

Another one in the corridor on off by Atkinson, on a length, Salman waits on it and works it on the bounce to gully.

21.21

Atkinson pulls the length back and keeps it in the channel on off, Shakeel lets the ball come to him and plays it right under his eyes. Guides it wide of gully with soft hands for one.

21.14

FOUR! Good shot! A bit too full by Atkinson and he offers width on off. Shakeel leans into the shot and creams the drive through covers for a boundary.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 21 overs : 67/5

S Agha0 (11)

S Shakeel16 (23)

B Carse5-1-15-2

20.60

Oh, that's an absolute ripper! Carse hurls it with an upright seam, on a good length, on off, Salman Agha looks to play the angle with a straight bat but gets squared up as the ball seams away and kicks off the deck a bit. It results in the ball going past the outside edge and whizzes over the off stump.

20.50

A good-length delivery, on off, Salman Agha eases the drive to mid off.

20.40

Carse gets a good lift as he hits the deck hard, on a good length, Agha looks to get on the front foot to defend it out on the off side. The ball rises and hits the bat near the sticker.

20.33

Serves it on a back of a length, on off, Shakeel extends his hands and opens the bat face to glide it past backward point. The fielder gives it a chase and prevents the ball from reaching the fence. Three runs taken.

20.20

Bangs it on a hard length, on off, Saud Shakeel hops and rides the bounce to keep it out on the off side.

20.10

Carse steams in from around the wicket and serves it on a good length, on off, the ball skids through but Saud Shakeel does well to chop it down on the off side.

Drinks break! This has been precisely the start England would have wanted after Tea. Their pace trio has skillfully extracted every bit of movement available off the deck, causing all sorts of trouble for the Pakistani batters. With no freebies given to ease the pressure, and not much batting left, Pakistan are desperately seeking a partnership. They're right up against it now, and who would have thought that after posting 556 in the first innings, they'd be staring down the barrel of an innings defeat?

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 64/5

S Agha0 (8)

S Shakeel13 (20)

C Woakes8-1-29-1

19.60

That in-between length on the middle stump. Salman comes ahead and pushes it to mid on.

19.50

A huge appeal for LBW but the umpire Kumar Dharmasena straightaway signals that it came off the bat. And the replay shows the same as well, concreted by the UltraEdge eventually. This is a good length ball, deviating into the batter, on off, Salman Agha presses forward to push but plays over the line as he anticipates to come straight on, gets a healthy inside edge onto the pads. The umpire has just saved a review here for England, as jokingly mentioned by the on-air commentators.

19.40

Short of a good length, Agha climbs on the ball and taps it to the leg side with soft hands.

19.33

Full in length, around the off stump. Shakeel plays forward and pushes it firmly past diving short mid on to his right. Ollie Pope hunts it down from the inner ring and saves one run with a slide.

19.22

Back of a length, a shade outside the off stump. Shakeel hangs back and gets it off the outer half of the bat, in the gap between gully and backward point for a double.

19.10

Length ball outside the off stump, comes back into the batter as he lunges forward to block it.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 59/5

S Agha0 (5)

S Shakeel8 (17)

B Carse4-1-12-2

18.60

In and around the off-stump line, on a length, Salman Agha covers the line of the ball and keeps it out solidly.

18.50

In the channel on off, on a good length, Salman Agha drives it on the up and the ball pings off his bat. However, he can't get it past the man at cover-point who is in really tight.

18.40

Full and slanting in, at the pads, Salman Agha plants his front foot across and wrists it to mid-wicket.

18.30

Carse bashes the hard length, on off, Agha hops and dabs it in front of backward point.

18.20

Angling in, on a good length, around off, Salman Agha defends it right under his eyes.

Salman Agha is the new man in.

18.1W

OUT! THROUGH HIS DEFENCE! BOWLED'EM! A seed of a delivery by Carse and half of the Pakistani side is back in the sheds now. This is an astonishing collapse for Pakistan. Over the wickets, a wobbled-seam delivery by Carse, on a touch fuller length, lands right on the crack and jags back in very sharply cutting the right-hander into half. Mohammad Rizwan is cramped up for room and trapped in front, stays rooted in the crease and is clueless to negotiate it. By the time he could bring the bat down in time, the ball zips through his defence and clatters the middle stump. Mohammad Rizwan departs on 10 (19) with a grim look on his face. Pakistan are 59/5 and trail by 208 more runs, and are quite possible staring down an inning defeat here.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 59/4

S Shakeel8 (17)

M Rizwan10 (18)

C Woakes7-1-24-1

17.60

On off, kept out well by Shakeel.

17.54

FOUR! Width on offer and Saud Shakeel obliges! Length ball, outside off, Saud Shakeel moves across, uses the room offered, and cuts it crisply past point for a boundary.

17.40

This one tails back in a tad, Shakeel covers his off stump and shoulders arms.

17.30

Lands it full at a gentle pace, outside off, Saud Shakeel leans across and drives it straight to cover.

17.20

Closer to the off-stump line, on a length, Saud Shakeel covers the off pole and shoulders arms.

17.10

At 128 kph, fuller and a hint of tail back into the left-hander, on middle, Saud Shakeel jams it out down to mid on with a straight bat.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 55/4

S Shakeel4 (11)

M Rizwan10 (18)

B Carse3-0-12-1

16.61

Full and slanting into the left-hander, on the pads, Saud Shakeel flicks it off his pads to deep fine leg for a run. Pakistan trail by 212 runs.

16.50

Into the wicket now by Carse, on off, Saud Shakeel reaches out and frees his arms to dab it in front of backward point.

16.41

From over the wicket to the right-hander, on off, on a length, Mohammad Rizwan does not move his feet at all and pushes at the delivery with hard hands. Gets an inside edge that rolls behind square on the leg side for a run.

16.31

With a short leg in place, Carse bashes the hard length, around the ribcage, Saud Shakeel hops and tucks it to the left of short leg for a single.

16.20

Angling in, at the stumps, on a good length, Saud Shakeel covers the line of the ball and pushes it down the deck.

16.10

Carse bends his back and digs it in short but the line is well outside off. Shakeel is happy to let the ball go.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 52/4

M Rizwan9 (17)

S Shakeel2 (6)

C Woakes6-1-20-1

15.60

Solid in defence, is Rizwan! Aims the off peg does Woakes and bowls it fuller, Mohammad Rizwan gets ahead on the front foot and defends it to the off side.

15.50

Straighter and fuller on the middle, Mohammad Rizwan brings his bat down vertically and drives it straight back to Woakes.

15.40

Angling in on middle and leg, Mohammad Rizwan presses ahead and hits it off the inside half of the bat to short mid-wicket.

15.30

Nice and full, straight on middle and leg, Mohammad Rizwan pushes it to mid on.

15.20

Oh, this one stays low on the back of the length, lands on the crack and nips back in a bit, Mohammad Rizwan chops it to the off side.

15.10

Full and outside off. Rizwan gets on the front foot and pushes it to point.

Chris Woakes (5-0-20-1) comes back into the attack.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 52/4

M Rizwan9 (11)

S Shakeel2 (6)

B Carse2-0-9-1

14.63

A bit outside off on a good length, Rizwan leans on and drives it through the gap, past covers for a triple. Good running between the wickets!

14.50

Hits the deck hard around off, Mohammad Rizwan gets behind the line of the ball and knocks it solidly to the off side.

14.40

Almost a yorker on the middle, Mohammad Rizwan brings his bat down in time, and shovels it out to the mid on fielder.

14.30

Much fuller and outside off, Mohammad Rizwan strides across and drives it straight to the fielder at wide mid off.

14.20

Hard length, outside off, slashed straight to cover by Rizwan.

14.10

On the back of a length, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan hops and chops it off the inside edge to the keeper.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 49/4

S Shakeel2 (6)

M Rizwan6 (5)

G Atkinson7-2-16-2

13.60

Good length, outside off, driven firmly to cover by Shakeel.

13.52

Fuller in length, and on middle and leg, Saud Shakeel steers it to deep mid-wicket. Jack Leach runs in off the ropes and fumbles in the field, allowing another run. Shakeel gets off the mark with a couple of runs.

13.40

Attacks the pads, on a hard length, Saud Shakeel misses to wrist it to the leg side and gets rapped on the front pad.

13.30

Nice and full outside off, Saud Shakeel strides across and defends it well to the off side.

13.20

Pitched up, full on off, pushed to the bowler by Saud Shakeel.

Joe Root comes in close at short leg with the helmet.

13.10

Angling down leg on a hard length, Saud Shakeel goes for a glance but misses to get any bat on it.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 47/4

M Rizwan6 (5)

S Shakeel0 (0)

B Carse1-0-6-1

12.62

Skids through on the middle, Mohammad Rizwan opens his stance and it goes off the inner half of the bat to deep square leg. Rizwan motors back for the second run as the throw comes to the bowler's end.

12.50

Pitched fuller, just outside off, Mohammad Rizwan presses ahead and pushes it firmly to the cover fielder.

12.40

On a good length, on the stumps, bunted down to mid on by Rizwan.

12.34

FOUR! Pulled away! Short in length from Carse, on the body, Mohammad Rizwan transfers the weight on the back foot and pulls it nicely through deep backward square leg for a boundary.

12.20

Short of a length slightly angling into the leg stump. Rizwan tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Mohammad Rizwan is in at number 6. Having got a duck in the first innings, he is on a pair.

12.1W

OUT! IN THE AIR AND MAGNIFICENTLY TAKEN BY DUCKETT! The demons have returned to haunt Pakistan in the second innings, but this was an ordinary shot from Saim Ayub especially when they lost Babar on the very previous delivery. Around the wicket charges Brydon Carse, hits the short of a length outside off. Ayub looks to flat bat this over covers but gets nowhere from the sweet spot of the bat and he loses his shape a bit as well. As a result, it goes high in the air over mid off. Ben Duckett turns around from mid off, locks his eyes on the ball, and takes a good sliding catch over his right shoulder. Saim Ayub goes for 25 (35), which seemed like a brain-freeze moment for him. Brydon Carse gets his first wicket and Pakistan are 41/4 now.

Saud Shakeel walks in with Pakistan in a spot of bother. The debutant, Brydon Carse comes into the attack now, replacing Chris Woakes.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 41/3

B Azam5 (15)

S Ayub25 (34)

G Atkinson6-2-14-2

11.6W

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! CAUGHT BEHIND! Babar Azam once again exits early, this time in single figures. England are right on top. Gus Atkinson steams in from over the stumps and bowls it on a hard length, it lands somewhere near the crack and nips away a fraction from the batter which is enough to find the edge. Babar Azam weighs on the front foot and goes for a defensive push but he anticipates the ball to come in with the angle but it deviates away. Hence, he plays inside the line of the ball and a faint outside edge is found. Jamie Smith does the rest behind the sticks by taking a regulation catch. Babar Azam's lean patch with the bat continues and Pakistan are teetering at 41/3, trailing by 226 runs.

11.50

Fuller length on the stumps. Babar taps it back to the bowler.

11.44

FOUR! Classic Babar Azam! Just a tinge outside off, jagging back in, on a good length, Babar Azam covers the line and cuts it square through point for a boundary.

11.30

On the middle on a good length, Babar Azam clips it along the grass to short mid-wicket. He rolls his wrists so that the ball remains along the ground.

11.20

Targets the stumps with a short mid on in place, keeps it fuller, Babar Azam presses forward and knocks it to the pitch right under his eyes.

11.10

Nice and full, searing in at 137.1 kph, just outside off, Babar Azam leans on and presents a confident front foot defense to the off side.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 37/2

B Azam1 (9)

S Ayub25 (34)

C Woakes5-0-20-1

10.61

So nearly sneaked through! Woakes attacks the front pad and keeps it full, nipping back in, Babar's head falls over to the off side as he looks to clip it away. Ekes out an inside edge that goes wide of mid-wicket for a run.

10.50

Full and around off, Babar Azam mistimes the drive to mid off.

10.40

This keeps a bit low, on off, on a length, Babar Azam stays low with the bounce and keeps it out on the leg side.

10.30

Serves it on a hard length, on off, Babar Azam covers the line of the ball and defends it down on the off side.

10.20

Indecision from Babar! Angling in, on a good length, at 128.9 kph, on off, Babar Azam thinks about playing this one as he gets closer to the line of the ball. Changes his mind at the last moment to let it go and it ends up being a good leave.

10.10

Woakes gets the yorker in, on off, Babar Azam gets his bat down in time and squeezes it out.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 36/2

S Ayub25 (34)

B Azam0 (3)

G Atkinson5-2-10-1

9.60

Keeps it on a hard length, on off, Ayub gets on his toes and stabs it down the deck.

9.50

Oh, this kept low! Encouraging signs for England. Atkinson goes wide of the crease and bangs it on a hard length, on off, Saim Ayub hops back to keep it out but misses as the ball stays low and scoots under his bat. The ball goes on the bounce to the keeper, Jamie Smith who does well to get his body behind the ball.

9.40

Fuller length around off stump. Ayub blocks it to mid off.

9.30

That went off the cracks! Pitched up, around off on a fuller length, lands on the crack and takes the ball away from the batter, Saim Ayub pushes at it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

9.20

Tight line and length, on middle, Saim Ayub covers the line and knocks it onto the pitch with a firm bottom hand.

9.10

Attacks the off pole from around the stumps, Saim Ayub brings his bat down straight and pushes it firmly back to the bowler.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 36/2

B Azam0 (3)

S Ayub25 (28)

C Woakes4-0-19-1

8.60

Length, outside off, Babar Azam stands rooted in the crease, opens the bat face but finds the fielder at cover.

8.50

Hits the hard length from over the pegs, on off, Babar Azam gets behind the line and defends it solidly.

8.40

Full on the stumps, driven firmly to mid off.

8.31

A huge appeal for LBW but the umpire walks away! The English players are pleading in front of the umpire but it seems to have come off the inside edge. Woakes steams in from around the wicket and hurls a length-delivery angling into the batter from outside off, Saim Ayub covers the line and goes for a push but ends up playing over the line and as the replay confirms, it came off Ayub's inside edge onto the pads. It rolls down to deep fine leg for one.

8.24

FOUR! Cracked away! Just a little bit of width outside off and Saim Ayub crunches it solidly through backward point for a boundary. Ayub is growing in confidence here.

8.12

Length ball outside off. Ayub opens the bat face and runs it down to deep third for a brace.

Babar Azam makes his way out to the centre now.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 29/2

S Masood11 (22)

S Ayub18 (25)

G Atkinson4-1-10-1

7.6W

OUT! TAKEN! A soft dismissal for Shan Masood and Pakistan lose their skipper cheaply as well. Pakistan are two down now. Hard-length delivery from Atkinson, around off and angling on middle, skids through and comes off the deck quickly. Shan Masood hops across on the back foot and shapes up to work it across the line. He simply chips it in the air miscuing it towards short mid-wicket where Zak Crawley does the rest. Shan Masood couldn't extend his inning, despite getting a couple of reprieves early into the innings. He departs for 11 (22).

7.50

Full in length and angling into the middle stump. Masood drives it to mid on.

7.41

Full and down the leg. Ayub clips it off his pads to square leg for a single.

7.30

Angling on off from around the stumps, Saim Ayub knocks this full ball with a straight bat to short cover.

7.20

Length-delivery, on off, Saim Ayub punches it off the back foot to the off side.

7.11

Hard length angling on off, Shan Masood gets on his toes and tucks it to mid-wicket where a fumble in the field and allows them to cross over.

Who will operate from the other end? It will be Gus Atkinson.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 27/1

S Ayub17 (22)

S Masood10 (19)

C Woakes3-0-12-1

6.60

Fuller ball, angling into the leg stump again. Ayub tucks it to short mid-wicket.

6.50

Pitched up, fuller in length, angling into the leg stump. Ayub hops across and pushes it to mid on.

6.40

Nagging length over the top of off, Saim Ayub hangs back and punches it to the off side.

6.30

Nice and full, straight on off, Ayub responds with a solid front foot block.

6.24

FOUR! Nicely timed! Not too short from Woakes, on middle and leg, Saim Ayub pulls it with control to deep backward square leg for a boundary. Showing intent straightaway is the youngster.

6.10

Woakes with a couple of slips and a leg slip in place charges in from around the stumps, lands it full and around off, Saim Ayub prods ahead and defends it nicely to the off side.

Welcome back for the start of the third session. The two umpires and the players are out in the centre. It will be Chris Woakes to kickstart proceedings with the red cherry. Woakes to Ayub first up. Let's play...

... DAY 4, SESSION 3 ...

England will know they need to convert every chance that comes their way on this surface, which we have seen ease out as the ball loses its hardness. They will also be aware of Pakistan's recent frailties in the third innings, with their last three scores reading 115, 172, and 146, leading to losses on all three occasions. With the ball still only six overs old, the pacers are likely to have a significant say, and England will be hoping to strike early. For Pakistan, the focus will be on starting well and building momentum from there. Do join us back at 10 am GMT for the third and final session of the day.

Generally, teams tend to come out fresh after a break, but that wasn’t the case for Pakistan, who looked deflated and seemed to be merely waiting for the English batters to make mistakes. The English batters continued to put them to the sword, and when it was Pakistan’s turn to bat, they got off to the worst possible start, losing Abdullah Shafique on the very first ball. It could have been an even tougher situation for Pakistan, as Shan Masood was dropped twice, both tough chances that could have swung the momentum further in England's favour.

End of an eventful session of Test cricket, one that thoroughly belonged to England. Heading into the second session, expectations were that the visitors would put their foot down, and they certainly did, with Harry Brook leading the charge. While Joe Root fell short of a triple century, Brook seized the moment, racing his way to a maiden triple hundred. With Brook showing no signs of slowing down, the incoming batters had the license to come out swinging, and they did just that. England eventually declared their innings at 823 with a lead of 267 runs.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 23/1

S Masood10 (19)

S Ayub13 (16)

G Atkinson3-1-8-0

5.60

Gus Atkinson stays around the wickets and hurls it outside off on a good length, Shan Masood is happy to leave it alone. AND THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 4!

5.50

Length ball again, on off, Shan Masood closes the bat face and tucks it to mid-wicket.

5.40

Length ball, tapped away to mid on.

5.30

Beauty! It holds its shape a bit and remains straight, around off, in the corridor of uncertainty, Shan Masood brings his bat down to push forward but plays inside the line and the ball flirts past his outside edge. A snorter of a delivery from Gus Atkinson.

5.20

Full in length, around off, pushed to the off side by Shan.

5.10

A huge appeal for LBW, but the umpire is unmoved! Around the wicket, on a hard length that stays low on the bounce, angling in from off, Shan Masood hops on the back foot and looks to tuck it across but wears on the pads.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 23/1

S Ayub13 (16)

S Masood10 (13)

S Bashir1-0-7-0

4.60

Nice and full, on the stumps, defended watchfully by Saim Ayub to end the over.

4.50

Pitched up, pushed through on off, Saim Ayub defends it off the inside half of the bat to mid on.

4.44

FOUR! Intent from Saim Ayub! Lands a half-volley on the off stump line, Saim Ayub clears his front leg, doesn't quite get it from the sweet spot, but goes through and tonks it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

4.30

Slower through the air, full and outside off, Saim Ayub eases it to the cover region.

4.20

Dropped full and on the stumps, Ayub leans on and defends it nicely off the front foot.

4.13

Drifting on the pads, on a fuller length from around the wickets, clipped away between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for three runs.

With just under 5 minutes to go for Tea, Shoaib Bashir comes into the attack.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 16/1

S Ayub9 (11)

S Masood7 (12)

G Atkinson2-0-8-0

3.62

Nice running! Full and on the stumps, flicked away along the ground by Saim Ayub to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

3.54

FOUR! Cuts and cuts hard into the gap! Short of a good length from Gus Atkinson, outside off, Saim Ayub goes deep inside the crease, arches back and slices it over point for a boundary.

3.40

Nice and full, angling in with a hint of curve, Saim Ayub responds with a solid front foot defence back to the bowler.

3.30

Goes fuller at 136.5 kph, on off, and angling in, Saim Ayub gets forward and pushes it off the inside half of the willow to mid on.

3.20

Around the stumps, on the back of a length, angling in, Saim Ayub opens his body and blocks it right underneath his eyes with a straight bat.

3.10

Back of a length at the stumps. Ayub defends it solidly back at the bowler.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 10/1

S Masood7 (12)

S Ayub3 (5)

C Woakes2-0-8-1

2.60

Back of a length angling down the leg stump line. Masood stays inside the line and flicks it but misses it through to the keeper

2.50

Short of a length outside the off stump. Masood leaves it alone to the keeper.

2.40

Would you believe it? That's the second chance grassed in the span of just two overs. Woakes bowls it away from off, nipping further from the batter, Shan Masood has to really reach for it and throws his hands, but slices it to the cover region. It goes towards cover where Atkinson leaps in the air, extending his right hand above the head but doesn't quite hold onto the catch. It rolls behind for a single. Shan Masood has been granted life for the second time in quick succession.

2.31

Switches to around the wicket, on a good length, angling at off, Saim Ayub gets on his toes and tickles it to the square leg region for a single.

2.20

Hits the deck hard does Woakes on the stumps, Saim Ayub hops on the back foot and bunts it to the pitch.

2.12

Fraction full and around off, Saim Ayub goes for a forward block, gets a thick leading edge that runs past gully for a couple.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 7/1

S Masood7 (9)

S Ayub0 (2)

G Atkinson1-0-2-0

1.60

Hard length, on the stumps, punched solidly to the off side by Masood.

1.50

Hard length moving across. Masood plays with soft hands and works it to the right of gully.

1.42

IN THE AIR...DROPPED! Chris Woakes puts it down! A tough chance though but he did get his hand at the ball. Across off on a length, Shan Masood is early in the shot and chips it to the right of mid off where Chris Woakes moves and leaps to his right, extends his right hand over his head, but fails to cling on. The ball parries behind for a couple of runs.

1.30

Short of a good length, but down leg, Shan Masood goes for a glance off the back foot but misses to the keeper to collect.

1.20

Hard-length delivery around off, pushed to the mid off fielder by Masood.

1.10

Too full, on off, Shan Masood tilts ahead and squeezes out to mid off.

It will be Gus Atkinson to steam in from the other end.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 5/1

S Ayub0 (2)

S Masood5 (3)

C Woakes1-0-5-1

0.60

Hard length ball, wide of off, Saim Ayub throws his bat at it but the ball stays a bit low and it catches the under edge. Goes on the bounce to gully.

0.50

Good length on the off and middle stump, Ayub gets forward and defends it.

0.41

Drags the length back and attacks the stumps. Masood stays deep in the crease and nudges it in front of mid-wicket for a run.

0.34

FOUR! First runs for Pakistan in the second innings! Sprays it on the pads, does Woakes, Shan Masood tickles it to deep square leg for a boundary. The fielder in the deep moves to his right and dives across but fails to stop it.

0.20

Beaten! Length ball shaping a bit away, Masood hangs his bat away from his body and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Shan Masood walks in at number 3 for Pakistan.

0.1W

OUT! BOWLED'EM! OUTFOXED! What a ripper of a delivery to start with from Woakes! England wouldn't have expected a more perfect start than this! Abdullah Shafique and Pakistan are rocked on the very first ball. Chris Woakes charges in from over the stumps with four slips in place, lands it very full on the off stump line, with a bit of shape into the batter, Abdullah Shafique's feet go nowhere and he goes through the shot to play it down the ground, creates a huge gap between the bat and pad and the ball sneaks in between and the off stump goes for a walk! A golden duck for Shafique and England are all pumped up, and why not?

Commentary

Welcome back for Pakistan's second innings. The two umpires and the English players head out to the centre. It will be the left-hand right-hand combination of Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique to open the innings for Pakistan. Chris Woakes has the red cherry in hand. Away we go...

... THIRD INNINGS ...

With the pitch not exhibiting the expected wear and tear for a Day 4 surface, Pakistan will be keen to make a solid start to their innings. Given that we’re likely to have around 20 minutes of play before Tea, the primary objective for Pakistan will be to remain unscathed during this crucial phase. Time is of the essence, and England have set themselves up with four full sessions and a few overs here in the second session to have a crack at Pakistan. Back in a bit for Pakistan's reply.

The declaration has finally come, much to the relief of Pakistan. End of an absolute run fest from England. Barring the skipper Ollie Pope, all English batters imposed themselves and cashed in to pile the misery on the Pakistani attack. England end up with 823 on the board with a lead of 267 runs. As they walk off the field, the Pakistani players wear a tired look, understandably so after fielding for 150 overs in the sweltering heat of Multan, with not much going their way throughout the innings. While the bowlers can finally put their feet up, the openers will need to be switched on right from ball one against this English attack.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 150 overs : 823/7

B Carse9 (6)

C Woakes17 (16)

S Ayub14-0-101-2

149.60

Good length at the stumps. Carse pushes it back at the bowler. And, finally, Ollie Pope the stand-in English skipper signals for a declaration. Pakistan batted for 149 overs, and scored 556, while England batted for just one over more, and have mounted up a mammoth total breaching the 800-run mark.

149.51

Full-length delivery at the stumps. Woakes drills it down to long off for a run.

The English skipper, Ollie Pope is ready in his whites and the declaration may not be too far away.

149.44b

That has gone through everyone! Some genuine bit of turn for Saim Ayub, pitched full and spins away from outside off, Chris Woakes swooshes his bat to go inside out over the off side, but misses and the ball even beats Rizwan to run down to deep third for four byes. A lazy chase by Naseem from the inner ring and the ball has enough wheels to race through. The English spinners, Bashir and Leach won't mind this happening on a Day 4 pitch of Multan. The ball has shown signs of grip and turn today.

149.30

Slow and on leg stump, Chris Woakes sits down to sweep but wears it on the pads.

149.22

Full, pushed through on off, Chris Woakes dances down to the pitch and drives it inside out through covers for a couple of runs.

149.11

Length, outside off, cut away to deep point for a single.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 149 overs : 815/7

B Carse8 (4)

C Woakes14 (12)

N Shah31-0-157-2

148.61

A yorker on off, Brydon Carse skips down the track and bends low, extends his arms and manages to shovel it out to deep point for a single.

148.51

Hard length, angling on leg, Chris Woakes lifts his front leg up and hits it across to deep square leg for a single.

148.44

FOUR! Glorious shot that! Swings it away from off, on a good length, Chris Woakes shuffles to create width and slashes it over cover-point for a cracking boundary.

148.31

Hard length, on middle, clipped away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

148.21

Short in length, and around off. Woakes backs away and ramps it to deep third for a single.

148.12

Full on the stumps. Woakes flicks it through mid-wicket for two runs.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 148 overs : 805/7

B Carse6 (2)

C Woakes6 (8)

S Ayub13-0-97-2

147.66

SIX! And with this, the 800 comes up for England! Only the 4th team to do so in this format! Full outside the off stump. Carse dances down the track and reaches for it, lofting it over widish long off for a six.

147.50

Full on the stumps. This is pushed back to the bowler.

The debutant, Brydon Carse walks out to bat now.

147.4W

OUT! TAKEN! And suddenly, wickets have started to tumble! Babar redeems himself after a dropped catch but since then, a lot of damage has been done! Full, flat and quick outside off. Atkinson lunges ahead for an expansive drive over covers but doesn't get the timing right, goes off the toe end and flat to Babar at covers who leaps and takes it with his right hand over his head. Two wickets in the over for Saim Ayub. England are now 799/7, leading by 243 runs.

147.32

Full on the middle stump. Atkinson leans on to block it forward, and gets an inside edge through short fine for a couple.

Gus Atkinson is in at number 8.

147.2W

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! End of a marathon knock from Harry Brook! He departs for a spectacular 317 off 322 balls. He scored almost run-a-ball throughout his innings which is a huge achievement under such an unforgiving heat of Multan. Gets an appreciation from the dugout and Rizwan too, pats him on the back in admiration. Coming to the ball, it is a fuller one, turning in a bit, on the leg stump line, Harry Brook sits down on his knee to sweep it away but is a bit early into the shot and hence, a healthy top edge is found that lobs straight towards Shan Masood at short fine leg who takes a simple catch.

147.12

Flighted ball, on off and middle. Brook comes down the track and spanks it to the left of long on for a couple of runs.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 147 overs : 795/5

C Woakes6 (8)

H Brook315 (320)

N Shah30-0-147-2

146.60

Attacks the stumps, on a good length at 132.4 kph, Chris Woakes turns it off the back foot to mid-wicket towards Babar.

146.52

Short and on the middle, Chris Woakes stays leg side by moving across and slashes it over cover-point for a couple of runs. The deep cover fielder mops it up by running to his left.

146.41

Back of a length outside off. Brook plays late at it and chops it to deep backward point for a single.

146.30

Another slower one, short and over the middle, Harry Brook again tries to pull it behind square by shuffling across with his both feet in the air, misses.

146.20

Slower bouncer, dipping on the batter, Harry Brook shuffles across to play a wild hoick but doesn't connect any part of the bat. He looks at the leg-umpire for the overhead wide but it is deemed as a fair delivery.

146.11

Hurls it on the pads on a good length, Chris Woakes clips it to deep square leg for an easy single.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 146 overs : 791/5

C Woakes3 (5)

H Brook314 (317)

S Ayub12-0-87-0

145.61

On middle and leg, this is chipped over mid on for a single by Chris Woakes. Also, this is the highest Test score by any team against Pakistan.

145.51

'Catch it' is the call from Rizwan but it lands well ahead of long off! Tossed up, outside off, Harry Brook slices it over mid off and takes a single as the ball lands on the bounce ahead of the fielder in the deep.

145.42

Pulls his length a bit seeing Brook dancing down the track, on middle, Harry Brook manages to steer it off the inner half, wide of square leg and scampers back for the second run.

145.31

Woakes now works this full ball to extra cover for another single.

145.21

Full, on off, driven wide of long off for a single.

145.14

FOUR! Brook is looking unstoppable! Short and on middle, Harry Brook rocks back and pulls it along the ground, beats the diving fielder who runs to his left from deep square leg and gets a boundary.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 145 overs : 781/5

H Brook306 (313)

C Woakes1 (3)

N Shah29-0-143-2

144.61

Banged in short, slow and down leg, Harry Brook is early on the pull and gets a part of the gloves on the ball as it drops in front of Rizwan, who dives to his left. Seeing Rizwan collecting the ball, the batters sneak in a single.

144.51

Much fuller on off, Chris Woakes brings his bat straight down and gets a healthy outside edge that runs to deep third for a single.

144.40

Hits the hard length, on off, Chris Woakes punches it solidly to the surface.

144.30

Good length on the off stump. Woakes blocks it to short mid-wicket.

Drinks! Phew, aren't you all entertained? It has been a record-breaking day in Multan, quite literally. So many records breached and England haven't stopped just yet. The world witnessed a class-apart knock of 262 from Joe Root, and Brook added just another feather to the cap for England by notching up a triple ton. England lead by 223 and are on the cusp of piling up 800 runs. For Pakistan, shoulders have dropped massively and they just await the declaration from the English side. Chris Woakes walks in at number 7 for England.

144.2W

OUT! TAKEN! Smith holes out! Naseem Shah finally has a wicket on Day 4 after tolling hard for so long. Shah bends his back and goes short, on off, Jamie Smith sets himself up to go downtown as he flat bats this one. Gets more height than distance on it and it goes only as far as long on where Aamer Jamal steadies himself under it and takes it near his right shoulder. After two catches being put down today, finally a chance has been converted. Smith falls for 31 (24). England are now 779/5, leading by 223 runs.

144.12

Dug in short by Naseem, on off, Smith slaps it up and over backward point for a couple of runs.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 144 overs : 777/4

H Brook305 (312)

J Smith29 (22)

S Ayub11-0-77-0

143.62

Looped up, full and around off, Brook gets across and paddles it past the keeper for a couple of runs.

143.51

Leading edge but Smith gets away with it! Tossed up, on middle, Smith closes the bat face early and gets a leading edge that lands well in front of long off for one.

143.41

Short and on middle, jabbed to long on for one by Brook.

143.34

FOUR! THERE IT IS, 300 FOR BROOK! A stellar achievement for the Yorkshire batter and he becomes only the 6th English batter to score a triple ton in Test cricket. Coming to the delivery, this was short and on off, Brook rocks on the back foot quickly and clubs it over the bowler's head for a boundary. No big celebration from Brook. He takes the helmet off and acknowledges the support from the English crowd and his teammates. Irrespective of any surface, a triple hundred is always a class apart for any batter. One for the history books!

143.20

Short again, on off, Brook punches it to cover.

143.11

Drops it short and keeps it on off, Smith dabs it wide of point and gets to the other end.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 143 overs : 768/4

J Smith27 (20)

H Brook298 (308)

N Shah28-0-139-1

142.61

Almost dragged it on! On a length, on off, Smith goes for a heave across the line but gets an inside edge onto the pads. A single taken as the ball rolls on the off side.

142.54

FOUR! Put away with disdain! Naseem errs in line and length as this is short and wide on fof, Smith frees his arms and cuts it well wide of deep point for a boundary.

142.41

Back of a length, just outside off, Harry Brook plays it very late and guides it to deep third for a single.

142.31

On a length, around off, Smith knocks it in front of mid on and takes the single.

142.21

On a hard length, on middle, Harry Brook hops and nudges it beside the pitch on the leg side and takes a quick single.

142.11

Hurraira almost pulled off a spectacular catch! Into the wicket goes Naseem, on middle and leg, Smith picks it up well and whips it aerially towards deep square leg where Muhammad Hurraira takes it in front of the ropes and realises that his momentum is taking him beyond the fence. He is quick to release the ball but just as he tries to take it after coming back inside, he slips a bit and loses his balance in the process and the ball lands just ahead of him as he tumbles on the ground. Just a single off it then!

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 142 overs : 759/4

J Smith20 (16)

H Brook296 (306)

S Ayub10-0-68-0

141.61

Dropped short, on off, Smith flat bats it off the back foot to long on and picks up one.

141.52

Going down leg by Ayub, full and on the pads, Smith goes for the sweep but gets it finer than he intended. It rolls to the right of deep fine leg for two more.

141.41

England's lead is now 200! Flatter and fuller, on off, Brook makes room and drives it to wide long off for one more run.

141.32

Fired in, fuller and quicker, on the pads, Brook works it wide of deep backward square leg for another brace.

141.20

Floated up, full and on the pads, nudged to mid-wicket by Brook.

141.12

Looped up by Ayub, on a length, outside off, Brook walks right across his stumps and scoops it over the keeper for a couple of runs.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 141 overs : 751/4

J Smith17 (14)

H Brook291 (302)

N Shah27-0-130-1

140.62

Dug in short by Shah, over middle, Smith rides the bounce well and pulls it square of the wicket on the leg side. The substitute fielder, Muhammad Hurraira runs across and tumbles to his right to save a couple of runs for his side.

140.50

Sprayed down leg by Naseem, on a length, Smith misses the tickle. It goes on the bounce and Mohammad Rizwan does well to make a stop to his left.

140.40

This is on a short of a length, around off, Smith mistimes the shot to cover.

140.30

Dishes it out on a hard length, on off, Smith punches it to cover.

140.21

On a back of a length, over middle, Brook swivels and pulls it wide of deep fine leg. Brook wants to come back for the second run but he slips at the bowling end and will have to be content with just a single. Moves to 291 does Brook.

140.16

SIX! Naseem Shah is greeted back into the attack with a six! Starts off on a length, attacking the stumps, Brook shimmies down the track and stays leg side of the ball. Opens himself up and plays the cross-batted lofted shot over long off for a six.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 140 overs : 742/4

H Brook284 (300)

J Smith15 (10)

S Ayub9-0-60-0

139.61

Tossed up, on off, Brook eases the drive down to long off and retains the strike with a single. England's lead is now 186.

139.51

AND DROPPED! Shoulders down in distraught and disappointment for Pakistan! Just too full and outside off. Smith dances down the track and tries to hit it through the line. Loses his shape a bit and hits it off the toe end. It goes straight to long on where Shakeel makes an absolute meal of it and grasses it. Smith gets a reprieve and a single as well.

139.46

SIX! Such a gorgeous strike downtown! Pitched up, full and on the stumps, Jamie Smith gets down to the pitch of the ball, gets his bat properly underneath it and tonks it over the bowler's head for a huge six.

139.31

Had to hurry there, but Brook gets home in time! Excellent piece of athleticism from the right-hander. Brook drives this full ball to the left of short extra cover for a quick single. Hurries to the other end and has to stretch himself to get home safely.

139.21

Flighted one outside off. Smith dances down the track and eases it to long on for a single.

139.13

Brook now holds the highest individual score against Pakistan! Leg break on offer. Brook walks across and gets down on one knee, scoops it over the head of the keeper for a triple.

Halt! Brook is down on one knee feeling a bit exhausted but gets up quickly to continue.

Runs Scored 15 Runs

Score after 139 overs : 729/4

H Brook279 (297)

J Smith7 (7)

S Agha18-0-118-1

138.61

This stays very low, short and on off, Brook gets inside the line to help it fine on the leg side. Gets it off the toe end of the bat on the off side for one.

138.52

Floated up, full and on off, Brook drives it past cover and collects a couple of runs.

138.44

FOUR! Put away! Agha drops it short and on off, Brook is quick to get on the back foot and pulls it through square leg. The third umpire is called into action for a boundary check but the replays show that the ball landed short of the boundary cushions.

138.32

Misfield! Short and on middle, Brook gets it high on the bat as he looks to pull. Jamal does not stay low enough to make the stop and it gets past him for a couple of runs.

138.26

SIX! Launched down the ground! Floated up, full and on off, Harry Brook gets down the track quickly and belts it back over the bowler's head for a six. Believe it or not, just the 2nd six of the England innings and both of them have from the bat of Brook.

138.10

Drops it short and on off, Brook punches it from the crease to cover.

Dripped in sweat, Jersey number 66 is soaking under the sun with pride near the ropes. A spectacular cricketing masterclass from Joe Root under such energy-sapping conditions in Multan.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 138 overs : 714/4

J Smith7 (7)

H Brook264 (291)

S Ayub8-0-47-0

137.60

Slowed up by Ayub, on off, Smith pushes it back to the bowler.

137.51

Quicker and shorter, on off, Brook chops it wide of backward point and crosses over.

137.41

At the stumps, a bit fuller, driven down to long on for one more run.

137.31

Flatter and shorter, sliding on, on middle, Brook gets back and eases it to long on for another single.

137.21

This keeps a bit low, on a nagging length, outside off, Jamie Smith stays leg side of the ball and pats it past cover for one more.

137.11

Short and turning away, around off, Harry Brook makes room and hops back to punch it past cover for one.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 137 overs : 709/4

J Smith5 (4)

H Brook261 (288)

S Agha17-0-103-1

136.60

Gives the ball air does Agha, full and on off, Jamie Smith knocks it back to the bowler.

136.51

1 run.

136.41

Drops it short now, on off, Jamie Smith goes deep in his crease and jabs it to deep mid-wicket for one.

136.34

FOUR! Smith immediately imposes himself! Floated up, on a length, around off, Jamie skips down the track and nails the drive between cover and mid off for a boundary.

136.20

Darted in, full and on off, Smith presses forward and taps it back to the bowler.

Jamie Smith is in at number 6 for England.

136.1W

OUT! PLUMB IN FRONT! The bowling change works straight away for Pakistan. End of a marathon knock from Joe Root. Nice to see every single Pakistani player walk up to Root to congratulate him as he trudges off. This is pushed through by Agha, on a nagging length, on off, a hint of turn towards the batter. Root was better off playing this one off the front foot but decided to go back. The ball keeps a bit low and spins in to go past the inside edge and traps Root right in front of the stumps. Root goes for 262 (375). He came to bat in the very ninth delivery of the English innings, and walks back after batting for almost two days, being in the middle for over 125 overs. This inning from him will be remembered for a long, long time to come. England are now 703/4, leading by 147 runs.

Salman Agha is back into the attack, he replaces Aamer Jamal.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 136 overs : 703/3

H Brook260 (287)

J Root262 (374)

S Ayub7-0-42-0

135.60

Slows it up a touch and gets a hint of turn, around off, Brook lunges and pats it to cover.

135.51

Flatter and shorter, on off, Root eases it down to long on and gets to the other end.

135.41

Drags the length back and keeps it around off, Brook goes on the back foot and punches it past cover for another single.

135.31

Loopy delivery, low full toss, on off, knocked down to long off for a run by Root.

135.20

Fuller and slower, on off, driven straight to cover.

135.11

The 700 comes up for England! Ayub loops it up, full and on off, Brook firms the drive to cover where the fielder dives to his left but fails to make a clean stop. A single taken. England's lead is now 144.

Runs Scored 15 Runs

Score after 135 overs : 699/3

H Brook258 (284)

J Root260 (371)

A Jamal24-0-126-1

134.61

On a hard length, on middle and leg, Brook pulls it to deep square leg for one more run.

134.52

Buzzers! Full and angling in, at the pads, Harry Brook flicks it to mid-wicket and the batters scamper across for a quick single. The throw goes to the bowling end where one of the two fielders backing up puts in a dive to his right. The ball gets parried off his hands, allowing one more run.

134.44

FOUR! Two in two for Brook! Fuller and on off, Harry Brook moves to the leg side and crouches to loft it up and over mid off for four more runs.

134.34

250 UP FOR BROOK! A clever shot and with this boundary, Brook brings up his 250! His first 250-plus score in Test cricket and the Barmy Army rise to applaud the knock. With a deep square leg in place, this was coming. A bumper, around off, Harry Brook backs away early and ramps it down to the deep third fence for a boundary.

134.24

FOUR! Hammered! Jamal serves it on a back of a length, slanting in, on middle and leg, Brook goes deep in his crease and dispatches it over mid-wicket for a boundary. The stand moves to 439. England's lead is now 132.

134.10

Jamal sees the batter back away and follows him with a yorker, Brook jams it out down the deck.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 134 overs : 684/3

H Brook243 (278)

J Root260 (371)

S Ayub6-0-38-0

133.61

Keeps it short and outside off, Brook cuts it to deep point for a run.

133.50

Slower and shorter, around off, Brook steers it with an open bat face to point.

133.40

Flatter and shorter, on middle and leg, Brook tucks it to mid-wicket.

133.30

Beaten! A bit quicker and fuller, around off, Brook goes back to a full delivery and fiddles at the delivery. Beaten on the outside edge.

133.21

Tossed up, slower and around off, Root reverse sweeps it to deep cover for one.

133.11

Short and on off, Harry Brook cuts it to deep point and gets to the other end.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 133 overs : 681/3

J Root259 (370)

H Brook241 (273)

A Jamal23-0-111-1

132.60

Serves it on a good length, on off, Root presses forward and times the drive to mid off. 23 runs have been scored off the 3 overs since Lunch.

132.50

Slanting in, on a length, on off, Joe Root defends it out with a straight bat.

132.41

Needless throw! Low full toss, on the pads, Brook whips it straight to short square leg where the fielder collects and has a shy at the bowling end despite Root being in his crease. Concedes an overthrow as the ball rolls to deep cover.

132.34

FOUR! Skillfully done! Jamal serves it on a back of a length, on off, Harry Brook plays it very late and cuts it to the left of deep backward point for a boundary.

132.20

Angling in, on off, on a length, Harry Brook pats it to cover.

132.10

On a back of a length, on off, kept out on the off side.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 132 overs : 676/3

H Brook236 (269)

J Root259 (368)

S Ayub5-0-35-0

131.61

Brook continues to evade the fielders! Shorter and spinning away, on off, Harry Brook carves it aerially but well wide of cover for a single. 13 runs off the over. England move to 676. This is now the highest total in Test cricket by a visiting team in Pakistan, going past the previous best score of 675 by India long back in 2004 at this very venue.

131.52

Miscued but safe! Short and turning away, around off, Harry Brook drags the pull over mid-wicket. Gets it off the bottom part of the bat but manages to clear the fielder there. Two runs taken.

131.44

FOUR! Short and punished! Short and wide on off, there to be put away, Harry Brook hangs back and cracks the cut wide of deep point for a boundary.

131.30

Floated up, around off, Harry Brook drives it to cover.

131.22

Drops it short now, on middle, Harry Brook goes on the back foot and pulls it in front of deep square leg for a brace.

131.14

FOUR! Lovely shot! Looped by Ayub, on off, Harry Brook opens up the off side and goes inside out over cover. Naseem Shah runs to his right from deep cover and slides but in vain as the ball gets past him and trickles off his knees into the fence.

Saim Ayub (4-0-22-0) to bowl the next over.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 131 overs : 663/3

H Brook223 (263)

J Root259 (368)

A Jamal22-0-106-1

130.63

Slanting in, on a good length, on the pads, Harry Brook whips it effortlessly behind square on the leg side for a boundary. The stand moves to 414. This is now the highest partnership for England for any wicket in Test cricket. The Barmy Army gets on their feet to applaud this milestone.

130.52

In the air...but it lands safely! The substitute fielder, Muhammad Hurraira never looked like getting under it. Jamal bashes the deck hard, on a short of a length, on off, Harry Brook goes for the pull but gets it high on the bat. Luckily for him, he manages to clear the square fielder and it falls well away from the Hurraira who turned around and went after it.

130.40

In and around the off-stump line, on a length, Harry Brook covers the line of the ball and keeps it out.

130.30

Angling down the leg side, on a length, Harry Brook misses the tickle. Good take low to his left by the keeper.

130.20

Attacking the stumps from over the wicket, on a good length, Harry Brook gets behind the line and pushes it to mid-wicket.

130.10

Begins on a hard length, on off, Harry Brook hangs on the back foot and stabs it down the deck with a straight bat.

DAY 4, SESSION 2 - Welcome back for the post-Lunch session of Day 4! The sun continues to beat down heavily over Multan and out walk the two umpires. Pakistani players are in a team huddle near the ropes before spreading out to the field. Probably discussing the strategies on what their approach is going to be from here. Joe Root, unbeaten on 259, along with Harry Brook batting on 218 to resume their innings. England lead by 102 and it will be Aamer Jamal (21-0-101-1) to resume the proceedings for Pakistan with the ball. Here we go...

... DAY 4, SESSION 2 ...

Starting the day trailing by 64 runs, England's lead has now stretched to 102. One thing is for certain - England will push for a result, and the key question is how many overs will be enough to bowl Pakistan out on this docile surface. With this in mind, expect them to put their foot down after Lunch. That said, considering this is just the first match of the series, England will be keen to manage their workload and won't want to bowl too many overs in the second innings in this heat. If England go hard, chances will be created for Pakistan, but they must hold on and support their bowlers effectively. Join us again for the start of the second session at 7.40 am GMT.

Only one chance was created throughout the session, but it was squandered by Babar Azam when he dropped Joe Root on 186. After that missed opportunity, Pakistan’s energy visibly dropped, and they merely went through the motions for the remainder of the session. First, Root, and then Brook, brought up their respective double centuries – Root’s sixth of his career and Brook’s maiden double ton. While a few deliveries from Salman Agha showed some grip, the absence of Abrar Ahmed, who has been hospitalised due to fever, left Pakistan a key spin option short, further compounding their woes.

Bat continues to dominate the ball in Multan, resulting in another session bossed by England in this Test. 166 runs were scored in the session from 29 overs at a rate of 5.72 runs per over, and it came with utmost ease. Earlier, Pakistan found some encouragement when a couple of deliveries seemingly deviated off the cracks and beat the bat, but those moments of hope quickly vanished as the conditions eased. Harry Brook and Joe Root comfortably settled into their rhythm, effortlessly piling on the runs and maintaining England's stronghold on the game.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 130 overs : 658/3

H Brook218 (257)

J Root259 (368)

S Agha16-0-97-0

129.61

Just a little hint of turn on that one, spinning on the pads, on the back of a length, Brook clips it to deep fine for a comfortable single. AND THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 4!

129.51

Fractionally short in length, on off, Joe Root watches it closely and steers it past mid-wicket for a single.

129.40

Over the stumps now, slow, full and on middle, Joe Root nudges it to square leg.

129.30

On the middle and leg channel, Joe Root weighs on the back foot and knocks it back to the bowler.

129.20

Down leg on a length, left alone by Root.

129.10

Full and looped up, Root turns it away to the mid-wicket fielder.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 129 overs : 656/3

H Brook217 (256)

J Root258 (363)

S Ayub4-0-22-0

128.62

Dragged length, on leg, Harry Brook squats a bit and pulls it hard along the ground to deep square leg. The fielder from deep mid-wicket sprints and puts in a dive to intercept the ball before the ropes. Keeps it to two.

128.50

Slows it up, on the leg stump line, Harry Brook blocks it watcfully.

128.41

Across off on a good length, Joe Root gets on the back foot and punches it to the left of cover for a single.

128.31

Fractionally full and outside off, Brook cuts it past point for a single.

128.21

Pulls back his length, flat and on off, Joe Root stands tall and knocks it to wide of long off for one.

128.11

Pushed through, full and around off, Harry Brook drives it nicely along the ground to deep cover for a single.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 128 overs : 650/3

J Root256 (361)

H Brook213 (252)

N Shah26-0-121-1

127.60

Straight and full on off, Root pats his front foot and drives it to mid off.

127.51

Outside off on a length, slashed to the right of point, the fielder fumbles and parries the ball to the right. They cross for a quick single.

127.44

FOUR! Easy peasy! Not an ideal line and length to bowl, especially with that field setting! These two have now mounted 400 runs together and have looked absolutely unbothered! A predictable shorter one, outside off, seeing the third man in the ring, Brook stands tall and simply ramps it over the fielder for a boundary at deep third.

127.30

Full at around 133 kph, on middle, Harry Brook brings his bat down vertically and responds with a solid front foot defence.

127.21

Banged into the surface by Naseem, on off, Joe Root comfortably swivels and pulls it to deep backward square leg and jogs to the other end.

127.10

Hard length, on the stumps, Joe Root tucks it to mid on off the back foot.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 127 overs : 644/3

J Root255 (358)

H Brook208 (249)

S Ayub3-0-16-0

126.61

Not that short outside off, Root hangs back and punches it along the ground for a single at long off. Root moves to 255 and this is his highest individual score in Test cricket. What an achievement for the Englishman.

126.50

Full and on the pads. Root steers it to short mid-wicket.

126.41

On a fullish length, Brook opens the face again, glides out to deep cover for a single.

126.34

FOUR! He has made batting look so easy! Flat and quick, on off, Harry Brook creates room for himself and lofts it over covers for a boundary.

126.21

Pulls back his length, flat and on off, Joe Root hangs back and knocks it down to long on for a single.

126.10

Pitched up around off, driven straight to cover.

Saim Ayub (2-0-9-0) has been handed the ball now.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 126 overs : 637/3

H Brook203 (247)

J Root253 (354)

N Shah25-0-115-1

125.62

Brook now tumbles down the pitch after playing a scoop shot to deep fine for a couple of runs.

125.51

Hard length outside off, cut away through covers for a single.

125.44

FOUR! Innovative and effective! THIS IS ROOT'S SECOND 250-PLUS SCORE AGAINST PAKISTAN! Pitched on a shade fuller length, fractionally outside off, Joe Root shuffles across and reverse ramps it over short third for a boundary. However, the replay shows that it didn't come off Root's bat but from the flap of his back pad instead.

125.31

Much full around off, Harry Brook drives it on the front foot to deep covers for a single.

125.21

Full length outside off, Root drives it square to deep point for a single.

125.11

Another milestone breached! FIRST TEST DOUBLE HUNDRED FOR HARRY BROOK! He loves batting against this opposition and in this part of the world! A huge round of applause from the Barmy Army folks for Brook! Length ball, outside off, cut away to deep point for a single.

Naseem Shah (24-0-105-1) is back for a burst with just over 15 minutes to go for Lunch.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 125 overs : 627/3

H Brook199 (244)

J Root247 (351)

S Agha15-0-95-0

124.61

Length ball, on off, cut away to the covers for a quick single.

124.50

Good length, spinning in, Harry Brook taps it off the back foot to the leg side.

124.41b

Oh, a bit of purchase there! Not many have spun for the tweakers here. Length-delivery spinning down the leg stump line sharply, Root misses the flick and Rizwan too, fails to collect it behind the wickets. The ball rolls down to short fine and they cross for a bye.

124.31

A bit flat in the trajectory, outside off, Harry Brook goes deeper in the crease and cuts it to deep point for one.

124.21

Overpitched on the stumps, drilled down to long on for a single by Root.

124.11

Too full, on the leg stump, Harry Brook clips it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for an easy single.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 124 overs : 622/3

J Root246 (349)

H Brook196 (240)

S Afridi26-1-120-1

123.62

Pitched up, full and around off, Joe Root takes a good stride forward and creams the cover drive to the deep for two more. The fielder from deep point runs to his left and cuts it off. Runs coming thick and fast for England since the last few overs now. They lead by 66 runs.

123.52

This is good batting! Closer to the off-pole on a shortish length, Joe Root arches back and cuts it behind square to deep backward point for a couple of runs.

123.42

Short in length, angling on the body, from around the wickets, Joe Root pulls it a bit uppishly to deep backward square leg for another couple of runs.

123.34

FOUR! Elegant! Length ball, just around off, Joe Root gets on his toes and cuts it very late between the backward point and deep third for a boundary.

123.22

Pitched up around off, Root drives firmly down the ground and both the mid off and mid on fielders chase it down, Naseem eventually cuts it off in the deep and they take two.

123.11

Length-delivery around off. Brook taps it in front of cover for a quick single.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 123 overs : 609/3

J Root234 (344)

H Brook195 (239)

S Agha14-0-91-0

122.62

Oh, Root premeditates the reverse sweep but the ball gets a bit heavy on him and takes off the top edge but lands safely towards the deep third region for a couple. This is England's highest partnership for any wicket against Pakistan now.

122.50

Good length outside off, turning back in a bit, this is chopped into the covers by Root.

122.40

Pushed through, full and on the middle, Joe Root leans on and drives it to the right of the bowler. Agha scoots to his right and cuts it off.

122.30

Much full and on off, Joe Root drives it to cover.

122.21

Full again, on middle and leg, Harry Brook sweeps it through square leg for a single. Also, this is Brook's highest first-class score now. He moves to 195.

122.10

Flat and turning in, Harry Brook goes back and nurdles it to the leg side.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 122 overs : 606/3

J Root232 (340)

H Brook194 (237)

S Afridi25-1-107-1

121.60

Back of a length angling into the batter. Root stands tall to defend but gets the toe end of the bat onto the pitch.

121.50

Just beaten! On a nagging length, nipping away a shade, Root is on the back foot and hangs his bat away from the body with no much foot movement. Plays inside the line and the ball zips past the outside edge to the keeper. UltraEdge shows a flat line on the replay.

121.40

In the channel of off, on a hard length, Joe Root goes through the drive, pushes hard at it and gets a healthy inside edge to the leg side.

121.30

Off the middle, but straight to the fielder. Length ball, angling in from outside off, Joe Root takes a half stride ahead and knocks it straight to mid off.

121.21

Keeps the line of attack on the stumps, on a good length, Harry Brook hangs back and tucks it with soft hands to deep square leg for a single.

121.10

Afridi continues, bowls a shorter one, nipping a bit away, Harry Brook stands upright, pulls it along the ground to mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 121 overs : 605/3

H Brook193 (235)

J Root232 (336)

S Agha13-0-88-0

120.61

Full length, angled into the pads, nudged to the leg side by Brook for a single.

120.50

Lands it on a good length, with a sharp turn into the batter, Brook punches it to cover.

120.43

Full and outside off. Root plays the reverse and gets it fine down to deep third. The fielder there is too square and they take three.

120.31

Switches to over the stumps now, full and on the stumps, worked away off the inner half of the bat to the leg side for a single. England's 600 up now.

120.31wd

WIDE! Outside leg again, looped and turned away, left again. Wide called for negative bowling.

120.31wd

WIDE! Outside leg, on a length, left alone. Wided.

120.24

FOUR! Poor and punished! Salman Agha continues from around the stumps, and pitches it outside leg, turns away a tad as well, Harry Brook rocks back, squats and pulls it to deep backward square leg. Shaheen Afridi from deep square leg runs his right to cut the ball but it wins the race eventually.

120.11

Looped up, pitched up full on the stumps, Joe Root reverse sweeps it to deep point for a single.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 120 overs : 593/3

H Brook187 (231)

J Root228 (334)

S Afridi24-1-106-1

119.60

Bowls it on a good length, on the top of the middle, Harry Brook hangs back and taps it to short mid-wicket.

119.53

Short of a good length, on off, Root stands in the crease and short-arm jabs it along the ground to deep mid-wicket and hares for the third run. Good running!

119.41

Stays around the stumps, bowls it on a good length, on pads, Harry Brook glances it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a single. This is Brook's career-best score now in Test cricket.

119.30

Goes fuller this time, in the channel of off and middle, Harry Brook leans on and eases it with soft hands to the cover region.

119.21

Bangs it into the surface now, does Shaheen, over the top of middle, Joe Root stands tall and pulls it hard and along the ground towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

119.10

Shaheen is back into the attack, bowls it across the stumps on a length, angling on pads, Joe Root misses the tickle and the ball ricochets off his front pad, rolls to the keeper on a couple of bounces.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 119 overs : 588/3

H Brook186 (228)

J Root224 (331)

S Agha12-0-76-0

118.62

Pulls his length across the stumps, Harry Brook goes deep inside the crease and cuts it hard and along the ground to deep extra cover for a brace. 10 runs from Agha's over.

118.50

At 81.2 kph, full and spinning outside leg, Harry Brook misses to sweep it away.

118.41

Lands it outside leg again, Joe Root takes a step ahead and drills it to the right of long on for a single.

118.31

Pitched up, on middle and leg, Harry Brook clears his front foot and drives it to wide of long off for one.

118.24

FOUR! Brook continues on his merry way! In the gap and four! Dropped short of a good length, outside leg, Harry Brook shuffles across to create room and punches it towards the deep cover fence for a cracking boundary.

118.12

Full and just outside off, Harry Brook reverse sweeps it along the ground to deep backward point for a couple of runs.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 118 overs : 578/3

H Brook177 (223)

J Root223 (330)

S Ayub2-0-9-0

117.61

Nice strike rotation by the two! Nice and full, pushed through outside off, Harry Brook takes a good stride forward and drives it through the cover-point gap for a single to end the over.

117.51

Pitched on a length, around off, Joe Root rocks back and pulls it to long on for a single.

117.41

Shade outside off on a fullish length, Brook slashes it through cover-point for a single.

117.30

Flat and quick on the stumps, Harry Brook negotiates well and blocks it out.

117.21

Drags his length a bit does Ayub, on the stumps, worked away to long on for a single by Root.

117.10

Nice and full, on off, Joe Root leans on and blocks it back to the bowler.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 117 overs : 574/3

J Root221 (327)

H Brook175 (220)

S Afridi23-1-101-1

116.61

Short again, on the body, pulled away to deep square leg for a single by Root.

116.51

Short in length, Brook fends it away for a single to deep square leg.

116.42lb

Leg byes! On the pads, on a length, Harry Brook fails to get any bat on the glance and the ball ricochets off his pads to deep fine. Mohammad Rizwan hares to the deep and the batters run two.

116.30

Oh, just past the edge there! Shaheen bowls a short of a good length ball, on the top of the middle, Harry Brook shuffles across to ramp it away but misses and Rizwan collects it behind the pegs. A bit of a stare by Shaheen and an exchange of a few words jokingly between him and Brook.

116.20

Nice and full, on middle, at 134.5 kph, Harry Brook presents a solid front foot defense back to the bowler.

116.13

Around the wicket, full and angling on pads, Joe Root tilts forward and flicks it nicely along the ground through the mid on and mid-wicket gap for three runs. Quick legs there by the two!

Drinks break! England have added 75 runs in the first hour from the 15 overs of play so far, maintaining a steady rate of 5 runs per over. The batters have been largely untroubled as they continue to pile on the runs. Only one chance was created, but Babar Azam put down Joe Root when he was on 186, missing a key opportunity for Pakistan. Abrar Ahmed's absence due to fever has compounded the hosts' struggles, and despite adopting a more defensive approach, England’s batters have found a way to keep the scoreboard ticking along smoothly. Shaheen Afridi (22-1-96-1) returns to the attack.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 116 overs : 567/3

H Brook174 (216)

J Root217 (325)

S Agha11-0-66-0

115.60

Keeps it around the pads, on a length, Brook works it on the leg side.

115.50

Darted down leg, fuller in length, Brook misses on the attempted sweep. Rizwan lobs up the ball up in celebration which ends up landing on Brook's helmet.

115.41

Flatter and shorter, on off, Root punches it past cover and crosses over.

115.30

Fired down leg, Root lets it go.

115.24

FOUR! Root connects this time! Agha drops it shorter and slower, down leg, Joe Root goes deep in his crease and helps it past leg slip for a boundary.

115.10

Floated up down leg, on a fuller length, Joe Root gets inside the line for the sweep but misses. There was a noise but it was the bat hitting the ground.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 115 overs : 562/3

H Brook174 (214)

J Root212 (321)

A Jamal21-0-101-1

114.60

That took Brook by a bit of surprise! Jamal serves a sharp and quick bumper, around the left shoulder of the batter. Harry Brook gets inside the line to pull it away but misses.

114.50

Jamal bends his back and serves a bumper, on off, Brook fetches the pull from over his head and hits it along the ground to mid-wicket.

114.41

Full and angling in, on middle, Joe Root eases it wide of mid on and gets to the other end.

114.30

Ouch, that will hurt! Jamal goes full and on off, Joe Root firms the drive down the deck. Jamal fails to get his feet out of the way quickly enough and takes a blow on his right shin.

114.20

Fine effort! Lands it on a length, on off, Joe Root opens the bat face and steers it to the left of gully. Salman Agha flings himself to his left and makes an acrobatic stop with his left hand.

114.10

On a hard length, on off, Joe Root hops back and stabs it down the deck.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 114 overs : 561/3

J Root211 (317)

H Brook174 (212)

S Agha10-0-61-0

113.61

Darted in, short and on middle, Joe Root goes on the back foot and knocks it to long on for another single.

113.50

Looped up, on the pads, Root reverse sweeps it straight to cover-point.

113.41

Floated up, full and on middle and leg, Brook switches his stance and goes for the reverse. Works it to deep point for another single.

113.31

This goes straight, short and on middle, Root rocks back and nudges it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

113.21

Flatter and shorter, on middle and leg, Brook goes deep in the crease and helps the pull past leg gully for a run.

113.11

On a nagging length, on middle and leg, Root switches his stance and plays the reverse to deep backward point for one. England into the lead now!

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 113 overs : 556/3

J Root208 (313)

H Brook172 (210)

A Jamal20-0-100-1

112.63

Good cricket all around! Pitched up by Jamal, on off, Joe Root presses forward and caresses the drive past cover. Saim Ayub gives it a chase and puts in a dive to prevent the ball from reaching the fence. Saves a run for his side. Three runs taken and the scores are level now!

112.50

A tighter line, on a back of a length, Joe Root defends it out with a straight bat.

112.42

Short and wide on off, Joe Root frees his arms and cracks it to the right of deep point for a couple of runs. England trail by just 3 runs now.

112.30

Full and tailing back into the right-hander, pushed to mid on by Root.

112.20

Fuller and on off, Joe Root drives it without much timing to cover.

112.11

Dug in short by Jamal, over middle, Harry Brook controls the pull to deep square leg for one.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 112 overs : 550/3

H Brook171 (209)

J Root203 (308)

S Agha9-0-56-0

111.61

Slower and shorter, on middle and leg, Harry Brook tucks it past backward square leg for a run.

111.50

On the pads, on a fuller length, Harry Brook helps it down on the leg side.

111.40

Fired down leg, Brook lets it be.

111.30

Oh, not far away from the leg stump! This is zipped through by Agha, full and around leg, Brook gets inside the line for the sweep but misses.

111.21

Tossed up, on the pads, swept to deep backward square leg for one. With this single, the 300-run stand comes up between these two batters.

111.11

Pushed through by Agha, on the pads, on a nagging length, Harry Brook shapes up for the pull but gets an under edge that goes on the bounce to hit the left boot of the keeper and rolls to his left for a single.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 111 overs : 547/3

J Root202 (307)

H Brook169 (204)

A Jamal19-0-94-1

110.62

Another bumper attempted by Jamal, around middle and leg, Joe Root rides the bounce and pulls it behind square on the leg side for a couple of runs.

110.50

Jamal digs it in short, on off, Joe Root rolls his wrists on the ball and controls the pull to play it in front of mid-wicket.

110.41

On a back of a length, on off, Harry Brook punches it wide of cover-point and takes a single.

110.34

FOUR! Easy pickings! Two in two for Brook and he moves to 168. Jamal errs in line as he strays on the pads, on a length, Harry Brook just tickles it past the diving keeper to his left and picks up for four more runs. England trail by 12 runs.

110.24

FOUR! A shot of real authority! Length delivery, on off, Harry Brook puts the dancing shoes on and opens up the off side. Launches it over cover for a boundary.

110.10

Serves it on a length, on off, Harry Brook guides it down to gully.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 110 overs : 536/3

H Brook160 (200)

J Root200 (305)

S Agha8-0-53-0

109.63

Looped up, full and on the pads, Harry Brook with the reverse now and he hits it past cover for three runs.

109.50

Sprayed down leg, left alone by Brook.

109.41

200 FOR ROOT! An innings of the highest order for one of England's all-time greats! A SIXTH double ton for Root in Test cricket. Agha drops it short and keeps it down leg, Joe Root goes deep in his crease and turns it behind square on the leg side for a single to get to the milestone. Takes the helmet off and soaks in the applause from his teammates and the English crowd, who are all up on their feet to applaud the master. Dropped when he was on 186 by Babar, these are ominous signs for Pakistan.

109.30

Fired in by Agha, on the pads, Joe Root goes for the reverse once more but misses and wears it on the pads.

109.22

Slower through the air by Agha, fuller and on middle and leg, Root with the reverse again and his time, he hits it finer to the right of deep backward point for a couple of runs. Moves to 199 does Root!

109.10

Comes from around the wicket and serves it full and around the pads, Root brings out the reverse and hits it straight to the man at cover.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 109 overs : 530/3

H Brook157 (198)

J Root197 (301)

A Jamal18-0-83-1

108.60

This is on a hard length, over the off stump, Harry Brook waits and guides it down with an open bat face towards gully.

108.50

In the channel on off, on a good length, Harry Brook waits and runs it down to gully.

108.40

Lands it on a back of a length, over middle, Harry Brook tucks it to mid-wicket.

108.30

On a length, on off, Harry Brook drives well as the ball pings off his bat but picks out the man at cover.

108.24

FOUR! As easy as you like! Jamal keeps it full, at the stumps, Harry Brook takes a couple of steps down the track and lifts his back leg before whipping it up and over mid on for a boundary.

108.11

Starts off with a full delivery, on middle, Root wrists it to the left of deep square leg for a single.

Double change! Aamer Jamal (17-0-78-1) replaces Naseem Shah.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 108 overs : 525/3

H Brook153 (193)

J Root196 (300)

S Agha7-0-47-0

107.62

Agha pulls his length back and gets it to spin towards the batter, on off, Harry Brook makes room and gets on top of the bounce to punch it past cover for a brace. 7 runs off Salman's over.

107.50

Tossed up, full and on off, driven straight to cover.

107.43

Drops it short and wide on off, Joe Root rocks back and cuts it all along the ground. Hits it to the right of deep point for three runs as the deep fielder gets around to cut it off.

107.31

Floated up, full and on off, Harry Brook comes forward and dabs it in front of point for a run.

107.20

Beaten! This goes on with the arm, full and on off, Harry Brook plays for the turn as he looks to defend. This keeps straight and zips past the outside edge.

107.11

A hint of turn first up for Agha, on a nagging length, turning down leg, Joe Root glances it off his pads to deep fine leg for one.

First change in bowling on Day 4 from Pakistan, Salman Agha replaces Shaheen Afridi.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 107 overs : 518/3

H Brook150 (189)

J Root192 (298)

N Shah24-0-105-1

106.60

Bashes the hard length, on off, Harry Brook steers it with an open bat face, down to gully.

106.50

Banged in short by Naseem, around off, Harry Brook lets it be.

106.40

On a back of a length, over middle, Harry Brook stays back and nudges it to mid-wicket.

106.34

FOUR! 150 UP FOR BROOK! This is the third 150-plus score in his Test career! He gets there in sublime fashion! Shah dishes it out on a good length, on off, Harry Brook lets his hands flow into the shot and creams the drive through covers for a boundary. England trail by 38 runs now.

106.20

Full and on middle, Harry Brook stabs it down the deck.

106.10

England won't mind seeing this! On a good length, around the off-stump line, Harry Brook hangs back to cover the line of the ball but the ball seams away to go past the outside edge and stays low too. It goes on the bounce to the keeper.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 106 overs : 514/3

J Root192 (298)

H Brook146 (183)

S Afridi22-1-96-1

105.60

Shaheen digs it in short, on off, Joe Root shapes up for the pull but then at the last moment, decides to drop his wrist and sways away from the line of the ball.

105.51

Sliding on the pads, on a length, Harry Brook gets a faint tickle and it goes on the bounce to the left of the keeper. Mohammad Rizwan fails to gather it cleanly and it rolls away for a single.

105.40

Fuller and on off, Harry Brook pats it with a straight bat back to the bowler.

105.30

This is on a hard length, on off, Harry Brook steers it off the back foot to gully.

105.20

Afridi serves a bumper, on off, Harry Brook arches back to ramp it over the keeper but misses.

105.10

Full and attacking the stumps, Harry Brook pushes it to mid on.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 105 overs : 513/3

J Root192 (297)

H Brook145 (178)

N Shah23-0-101-1

104.62

On the pads, on a length, Joe Root works it behind square on the leg side for a couple of runs.

104.54

FOUR! How often have we seen this? A dropped catch followed by a boundary on the very next ball. Naseem serves it on a length, outside off, Joe Root leans onto the drive and cracks it to the right of deep point for a boundary.

104.40

DROPPED! Babar Azam has put down a sitter! Straight in and straight out. On a wicket where it has been a real grind for the bowlers, fielders need to back their bowlers. Naseem goes short, on off, Joe Root gets it around chest height and he nails the pull. Does not keep it along the ground and hits it flat and straight to mid-wicket. The ball goes at waist height to Babar Azam who gets into the position but shells it. Root dropped on 186 by Babar!

JUST IN - Ramiz Raja on-air informs that Abrar Ahmed hasn't taken the field as he has been hospitalized due to a fever. So, Pakistan is out with limited bowling options for today. Remember, Abrar bowled a long, long bowling spell from one end on Day 3. Meaning, their only frontline spinner is unavailable and Pakistan will have to utilize its part-timers.

104.30

Full and on the off-stump line, Joe Root presses forward and defends it down the deck.

104.21

At the hips, on a good length, Harry Brook glances it down to deep fine leg for a run.

104.10

Beaten on the outside edge! In the channel on off, on a good length, Harry Brook plays inside the line of the ball in defence. The ball nips away and zips past the inside edge but does not carry behind to the keeper. It goes on the bounce to Mohammad Rizwan who gets hit on the neck off a deflection from his gloves.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 104 overs : 506/3

J Root186 (293)

H Brook144 (176)

S Afridi21-1-95-1

103.60

Pitched up now, at the stumps, Root ease the drive towards mid on.

103.50

Drags the length back now does Afridi, around off, Joe Root waits on the back foot and dabs it down on the off side.

103.42

Width offered by Afridi this time and the length stays full, Joe Root lunges and drives it in front of square, to the right of deep point for a brace.

103.34

FOUR! Class written all over it! Not a bad ball by means from Afridi, attacking the stumps, on a fuller length, Joe Root stays balanced in his crease and brings his wrists into play. Angles the bat face perfectly to clip it between mid on and mid-wicket for a bounday.

103.20

In and around the off-stump line, on a good length, Joe Root is standing outside his crease and just whips it to mid-wicket.

103.10

Angled in from around the wicket, on a short of a good length, on off, Joe Root keeps it out with a straight bat.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 103 overs : 500/3

J Root180 (287)

H Brook144 (176)

N Shah22-0-94-1

102.61

The 500 comes up for England! A bit too straight from Naseem, on a length, Joe Root tickles it down to deep fine leg and retains the strike with a single. England trail by 56 runs.

102.62nb

NO BALL! Slanting in, at the pads, on a back of a length, helped down to deep fine leg for one by Brook. Naseem has overstepped. The 250-run stand comes up between these two batters.

102.51

Naseem goes into the wicket, on off, Joe Root swivels nicely and rolls his wrists on the ball to pull it to the left of deep square leg for a run.

102.40

Sharp stop! Naseem hurls it on a length, outside off, Joe Root gets his weight on the front foot and nails the drive towards cover where Saud Shakeel dives quickly, low to his left and saves a certain boundary.

102.30

Serves it on a length now does Naseem, outside off, Joe Root leans on it for the drive but again, the ball catches the inside half of his bat and rolls to mid-wicket.

102.22

In the corridor of off, on a hard length, Joe Root allows the ball to come to him and steers it with an open bat face to the left of deep point for a couple of runs.

102.11

Naseem strays on the pads, on a back of a length, Harry Brook waits back and glances it down to deep fine leg for a run.

Naseem Shah (21-0-87-1) to bowl the next over.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 102 overs : 493/3

J Root176 (282)

H Brook142 (174)

S Afridi20-1-89-1

101.60

Fuller this time, outside off, Joe Root reaches out for the drive but the bat turns in his and he miscues his shot to mid on. A good probing first over from Shaheen Afridi! The fourth ball of the over which nipped back in will encourage the Pakistani bowlers.

101.50

Much better from Root! This is around the off-stump line, on a good length, Joe Root lets the ball come to him and defends it close to his body.

101.40

Beaten! Slanting in from wide of the crease, on a good length, over off, a loose shot from Root as he goes at his hands and does not move his feet at all. The ball jags back in off the deck to cut him in half and goes over the off pole.

101.30

Almost chipped it back to the bowler! Angling in, at the stumps, at 135.9 kph, on middle, Joe Root looks to work it across the line but closes the bat face early and gets a leading edge that goes on the bounce to Afridi.

101.20

The ball straightens a touch, on a hard length, on off, Joe Root hangs on the back foot and stabs it down with a straight bat.

101.11

Harry Brook and England are underway straight away! Shaheen steams in from around the wicket and dishes it out on a good length, in the channel on off, Harry Brook shuffles across slightly and extends his hands to drive it square to deep point for a single.

Well then, all in readiness for Day 4 to commence! The sun is shining bright and to its full glory over Multan. The Barmy Army folks are out there and chirping in the stands as well to support their team. Now, the umpires are out to the middle. Pakistani players also take their respective fielding positions. Joe Root, unbeaten on 176, and Harry Brook on 141 are the overnight batters for England. Shaheen Afridi (19-1-88-1) will start the proceedings for Pakistan with the ball. And, here we go...

PITCH REPORT - Ramiz Raja is near the deck. He starts by informing that the grass has been taken off and the cracks have started to open up a bit. Feels that this surface is a little bit abrasive now but there are no demons yet. Tells that it will be important for the batters to cover the line but more than the technical, it will be about the mental aspect from the Pakistani perspective who have not batted well in the recent past on Days 4 and 5 of the Test.

Pakistan still has the cushion of the early morning hour. As batters often need time to regain their rhythm after the overnight break, this period of initial rustiness could be exploited given the ball is still semi-new and that it has started to reverse. If executed well, this Pakistani pace attack has all the potential to run through the lineup, but it’s all about giving it all. An action-packed Day 4 is set to begin shortly. Stay tuned.

Pakistan's bowling strategy has strangely been notably conservative, showing little tactical variation to disrupt the opposition’s rhythm. The lack of spin and grip on the surface rendered Abrar Ahmed's prolonged spell from one end largely ineffective, inadvertently allowing the English batters to settle comfortably. They used as many as seven bowlers. Even the introduction of the second new ball failed to inject sharpness into the pace attack, its impact seemingly blunted by the unresponsively dead pitch. Adding to their frustrations was one umpire’s call off Naseem’s bowling, or be it the bails not coming off when the ball ricocheted off Brook’s body.

The catalyst for this resurgence was Joe Root's masterful innings of 176. Taking to the crease mere moments into England's response, on just the ninth ball, Root orchestrated a brilliant recovery. He forged three century-plus partnerships, first with Crawley, then Duckett, and finally Brook, each alliance crucial in steering England away from what could have been a dire situation. A lot of records were toppled, notably Root becoming England’s top run-getter in Tests, surpassing Sir Alastair Cook and moving into fifth place on the overall all-time rankings while Brook’s brisk century was the sixth of his career and fourth against Pakistan.

After toiling in the heat of Multan for almost six sessions, England have strongly bounced back in this contest now with the bat. The Bazballers haven’t been reluctant to stay obedient to their approach one bit. England mounted an impressive comeback against Pakistan's formidable 556. They’re now just 64 runs behind and still have 7 wickets in hand with a fair bit of batting left. Their aim would be to bat for the whole day and extend the lead to a considerable margin. To cement how bad conditions are for the bowlers, out of 101 overs bowled by Pakistan, only a solitary maiden over was bowled, by Shaheen.

Typically, the third day of a Test match introduces new challenges as the pitch deteriorates. However, the Multan surface remained stubbornly flat, with minimal rough patches. While some reverse swing emerged for seamers late on day three, it brought little success. The road-like pitch continues to offer minimal assistance to bowlers, defying the usual expectations of wear and tear.

Hello and a warm welcome from Multan for the coverage of Day 4 in this series opener between Pakistan and England. After the first two sedate days, things moved quite dramatically and at a brisk pace on the third day. To sum up things in brief, conditions have been torturous for the bowlers.

... DAY 4, SESSION 1 ...

Right then, there isn't much to write home about the Pakistan bowlers but a couple of them did give it their all. Aamer Jamal was the pick of the bowlers but failed to hit that hard length consistently enough and then Naseem Shah bowled a lovely spell late in the days, challenging the set batters. The big task for the home team is that they have to pull off something different at the start of Day 4 if they are to get back in the game whereas this duo of Root and Brook will be eyeing their double hundreds. Join us on Thursday, 10 October at 5 am GMT for the action on Day 4. Cheers!

Ben Duckett is up for a quick chat. He says that he is doing fine now. Says it was a bit sore yesterday, and the injury dissipated last night. On batting at number 4, he says he really didn't know what to do on this pitch but while batting he realised that it's a good batting track and you don't want to leave to many balls on such wickets. Mentions it did not spin much. Tells they have all day tomorrow to surpass Pakistan and then aim to bowl them out on Day 5. On being asked about Root, he says it is difficult to put the appreciations in words about him and they are just witnessing his greatness. Ends up by saying he has been in the form of his life recently.

Once Harry Brook joined Joe Root at the crease, the pair simply didn't look back and the former came out playing his shots. The pair kept on piling on the runs and Pakistan's lead spinner, Abrar Ahmed was taken to the cleaners. Root broke a few records throughout the day, the first one was surpassing Sir Alastair Cook as the leading run-scorer for England in Tests as he joined the top 5 batters in the world as well. Then he went on to score his 35th Test ton, joining the top 6 in the world. Harry Brook also breached the three-figure mark and the duo have put on 243 runs for the 4th wicket, which is a record stand for England against Pakistan for the 4th wicket.

England began the day with just one wicket down and the overnight batters started in fine form but soon enough Zak Crawley played a poor shot and got out. After that Ben Duckett came out to bat and it didn't feel like he had injured his left thumb as he smashed the ball to all parts of the ground. Duckett too, like Crawley couldn't convert the fifty into a ton and got out. That was the best it got though for Pakistan with Aamer Jamal being involved in a couple of catches and he took that third wicket of Duckett as well.

A long, long Day 3 and at the end of the 'moving day,' it is England who are in a commanding position but still, a result other than a draw seems a bit far-fetched. A total of 396 runs were scored in 81 overs on Day 3 and England just lost 2 wickets in the day and are now 64 runs behind Pakistan's first innings score.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 101 overs : 492/3

H Brook141 (173)

J Root176 (277)

A Jamal17-0-78-1

100.61

Banged into the surface by Jamal, on the top of middle, Harry Brook stays upright and pulls it along the ground to long leg for an easy single. And that will be STUMPS ON DAY 3!

100.50

Overpitched on off, Harry Brook bends a bit low and shovels it back to the bowler.

100.40

Fuller length at the stumps, Brook gets on the front foot and drives it to right of mid off, where the fielder scoots across and stops it.

100.30

Attacking the stumps, full in length, Harry Brook is resolute with his front foot block.

100.21

Much fuller in length, outside off, Root presses forward and drives it to deep extra cover for a single.

100.10

Angles on middle, full in length, Joe Root brings his bat straight down and knocks it to mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 100 overs : 490/3

J Root175 (275)

H Brook140 (169)

S Afridi19-1-88-1

99.61

Short and angling on the bodyline, Joe Root stands tall and pulls it behind the square to deep backward square leg and hobbles to the other end for a single.

99.51

Short of a good length, and angling across outside off. Harry Brook plays a late cut and guides it to deep backward point for one.

99.40

At 131.6 kph, full on middle, Harry Brook presents a solid front foot block.

99.30

Length-delivery outside off, guided away to gully by Brook.

99.21

Short and angling on the body from around the stumps, Root is quick to transfer the weight on the back foot and controls the pull down to deep backward square leg for a single.

99.11

Full and angling on the stumps. Brook leans on and taps it to point with soft hands for a run.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 99 overs : 486/3

J Root173 (273)

H Brook138 (165)

A Jamal16-0-76-1

98.60

Jamal strays this one down leg, Root tries to help it along the way but does not connect.

98.50

Full and straight on off, Joe Root taps his front foot ahead and drives it with a straight bat. Jamal boots it away on the follow-through.

98.41

Shade outside off, on a fuller length, Harry Brook gets closer to the ball and taps it late in front of point for a quick single.

98.30

Back of a length over the top of off, Harry Brook opens his stance and blocks it solidly to the mid on region.

98.22

Tinge of an away movement on a fuller length, outside off, Harry Brook gets forward with a stride and drives it through covers for a quick couple of runs.

98.10

Smidge full and outside off, Harry Brook eases it to point off the back foot.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 98 overs : 483/3

J Root173 (271)

H Brook135 (161)

S Afridi18-1-84-1

97.60

Touch full in length, on middle and leg, Joe Root brings his bat straight down but gets off the toe end straight back to the bowler. It goes flat towards the bowler for a bit and Shaheen does well, stretches his right hand and intercepts it on the follow-through.

97.50

Hard length, around off, Joe Root gets behind the line of the ball and blocks it to mid off.

97.41

Brook now taps this back-of-a-length delivery to the point region for a quick single.

97.31

Shaheen bowls a bumper on the off stump line, Joe Root stays on the back foot and pulls it towards deep square leg along the ground for a single.

97.20

Comes from around the wickets now Shaheen, bowls a length ball, angling on middle and leg, Joe Root watchfully defends it out.

97.10

Hard length, angling on the middle and leg from over the stumps, Joe Root blocks it off the inner half of the bat to the leg side.

Both batters really struggling with the heat and humidity and once again, some refreshments are being brought onto the field. Another slight delay. The physio is also out and stretching the hamstrings.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 97 overs : 481/3

H Brook134 (160)

J Root172 (266)

N Shah21-0-87-1

96.60

Short of a length, banged into the pitch. Brook ducks underneath.

96.51

Hurls it fuller in length, on the pads, Joe Root clips it nicely and along the ground to deep backward square leg for an easy single.

96.40

Length ball, outside off, Joe Root punches it off the middle of the bat to cover.

96.30

Short and banged down leg, Joe Root opts out of the pull shot.

96.20

Aims the off stump, on a length, flicked towards mid-wicket by Root.

96.10

Full on middle, pushed off the inner half of the bat to mid on by Root. He is hobbling a bit now.

96.12nb+lb

Back of a length angling down the leg. Brook glances down to fine leg for a run. Naseem has overstepped here and it is called a No Ball.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 96 overs : 478/3

J Root171 (261)

H Brook134 (158)

A Ahmed35-0-174-0

95.60

Pitched up with a lot of flight on it, outside off, Joe Root leans across and drives it straight to cover.

95.51

Flat and full, on off, drilled down to long off for a single.

95.41

Drifting on the pads, Joe Root hits it off the inner half of the bat to deep square leg for one.

95.30

Full on off, Joe Root is stubborn with his front foot defence.

95.20

Very slow through the air, on off, Joe Root lunges ahead and eases it to point.

95.10

Pitched up, full on off, driven straight to cover.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 95 overs : 476/3

H Brook133 (157)

J Root170 (256)

N Shah20-0-85-1

94.64

FOUR! Cracked away from Brook! Naseem hits the length, outside off, Harry Brook dances down the track by creating room for himself and slaps it with a horizontal bat angle, between the cover and point for a boundary. England now trail by just 80 runs.

94.50

Into the line of the stumps, on a length, Harry Brook opens his body and knocks it off the back foot to the leg side.

94.40

Back of a length outside off. Harry Brook gets on the back foot and dabs it straight to backward point.

94.31

Length ball, nipping into the batter. Root is cramped for width and gets an inside edge of the bat to backward square leg for a run.

94.20

Short in length, Root gets beaten on the pull shot.

94.10

Full and at the stumps. Root drives it straight down the ground and the ball crashes into the stumps at the other end.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 94 overs : 471/3

J Root169 (253)

H Brook129 (154)

A Ahmed34-0-172-0

93.61

Drifting into the pads, Root nudges it to square leg for one.

93.51

Loopy full toss outside off. Brook slaps off the back foot to deep cover-point for a single.

93.40

Shortens the length on leg, Brook gently taps it down using soft hands.

93.30

Goes a bit on the leg stump, and drags his length, Harry Brook rocks back and taps it off the back foot.

93.20

Full and at the stumps. Brook again gets forward and drive it to cover.

93.10

Flighted delivery on the stumps. Brook presses forward and defends it.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 93 overs : 469/3

J Root168 (252)

H Brook128 (149)

N Shah19-0-80-1

92.60

One more appeal for LBW this time and Dharmasena again shakes his head in denial. Naseem steams in and gets it to nip back in on a touch off the seam, on a fuller length, Joe Root is trapped in front to push it straight but gets a healthy inside edge on the pads. Masood doesn't opt for a review here.

92.50

A pleading appeal for LBW by Naseem and the Pakistani players, but Kumar Dharmasena is unmoved. Shan Masood opts for a review, the last one left for Pakitan. Pitched on the good length, slightly nipping into the batter. Joe Root takes a half stride out and plays over the line of the ball and it sneaks through the inside edge to ping his pad. UltraEdge shows no bat involved but to Pakistan's disappointment, Ball Tracking comes up with the ball hitting the sticks on the umpire's call. A grim expression on Naseem Shah's face and things just aren't going Pakistan's way at the moment.

92.40

Banged into the surface, outside off, Joe Root does not play at it.

92.30

Wayward down the leg side on the back of a length, Joe Root moves away from the line and Rizwan collects it behind the sticks.

92.20

Hard length, on middle, Joe Root weighs on the back foot and tucks it to short mid-wicket.

92.11

Back of a length over the top of the middle, Harry Brook gets on the back foot and wrists it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 92 overs : 468/3

H Brook127 (148)

J Root168 (247)

A Ahmed33-0-170-0

91.61

Flatter one around middle, punched away from the crease down to long on for a single.

91.51

Dropped short over middle, Joe Root rocks back and pulls it through mid-wicket for one more.

91.41

Tossed up on off, Harry Brook steps out and hits it firmly down to long off for a single.

91.34

FOUR! Lovely shot! Flighted up around off, just too full, Harry Brook gets on the front foot and creams it through extra cover for another boundary.

91.21

Full and outside off, driven away firmly down to deep cover for a single.

91.14

FOUR! Tossed up on the stumps, a rank full toss and Joe Root swats it away through the gap at mid-wicket and picks up a boundary.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 91 overs : 456/3

H Brook121 (145)

J Root162 (244)

N Shah18-0-79-1

90.60

Full and on the off stump, Harry Brook gets behind the line and punches it solidly off the back foot.

90.51

Short on the body, Root swivels and rolls his wrists on the pull to deep backward square leg for a run. England trail exactly by 100 runs now.

90.44

FOUR! Dispatched by Root! Not a short-pitched delivery at all, on the stumps, Joe Root transfers the weight on the back foot and brings the bat with a vertical swing, meets the sweet spot and slaps it through mid-wicket for a cracking boundary.

90.30

Good length on the middle stump. Root tucks it to mid-wicket off the back foot.

90.21

Full in length, and swinging in down the leg side. Brook tilts ahead and flicks it to deep backward square leg for an easy single.

90.10

Good length on the middle stump, Brook flicks it straight to mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 90 overs : 450/3

H Brook120 (142)

J Root157 (241)

S Afridi17-1-82-1

89.61

Good length on the middle and off, Brook plays late and almost chops it to deep backward point for a single. This brings up the 450 for England. They trail by 106 more runs now.

89.54

FOUR! Picture-perfect shot from Brook! Also, 200-run stand comes up between the two! Shaheen serves it up, full and around off, Harry Brook squats at it and weighs on the front foot by pressing ahead, meets the ball under his eyes and drives it crisply through covers for a boundary.

89.40

Rare casual shot from Brook! Back of a length, nipping away, with that natural left-arm angle, outside off, Brook hangs his bat away from the body and gets beaten on the outside edge.

89.30

Bowls it full and on the stumps, pushed off the front foot to mid off by Brook.

89.22

Holds its shape a bit on a good length, on middle and off, Harry Brook goes for a forward push but gets a healthy outside edge that runs to deep backward point for a couple of runs. Aamer Jamal runs to his left and does the mop up and keeps it to two.

89.10

Hits the deck hard, on off, Harry Brook gets behind the line of the ball and knocks it solidly on the pitch with a straight bat.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 89 overs : 443/3

J Root157 (241)

H Brook113 (136)

N Shah17-0-73-1

88.62

Full and straight on middle and leg, Joe Root pushes it through wide of mid-wicket, Aamer Jamal chases the ball to the deep and they collect a couple of more runs. England now trail by 113 runs.

88.50

Hits the deck hard, does Naseem, on the top of off, Joe Root is stubborn in his back foot punch to the pitch.

88.41

Fired in full on middle, Harry Brook pushes at it with hard hands and gets an inside edge to the square leg region for a single.

88.30

Outside off on a good length, Harry Brook opens the bat face to guide it away but misses as it stays low on the bounce. Rizwan collects it on a bounce behind the pegs.

88.20

An attempted yorker, on middle with no movement, Harry Brook hits it off the toe end to mid on.

88.12

Naseem holds the line wide of off, on a good length, this is caressed through point for a couple of runs.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 88 overs : 438/3

J Root155 (239)

H Brook110 (132)

S Afridi16-1-75-1

87.60

Length ball swinging in a touch on the pads, Root misses to nudge it across and gets it on the thigh pad. The ball rolls to the square leg region and Root looks to sneak in a single but is sent back by Brook on a sharp call. Root obeys and turns around back in the crease.

87.51

Hard length, across off, Harry Brook rides on the bounce and guides it through point. The two stroll for a single.

87.40

Dead straight on a fullish length, on off, Harry Brook takes a half stride ahead and drives it straight to mid off.

87.30

Too full, on the pads, with no real movement, Harry Brook misses to flick it away and gets rapped on the front pad.

87.23

Fuller and across off, Joe Root leans on the drive and hits it through the middle of the bat, beating the cover fielder. The ball however slows down before the ropes. Abdullah Shafique from the cover region sprints and slides to cut it off. The batters jog for the third in the meantime.

87.10

Full on the leg stump, swinging back. Root flicks it to short mid-wicket.

Time for the final official hydration break of the day. England has bossed up the proceedings in Multan on Day 3 and has left Pakistan absolutely clueless and knackered. The barrage of spin bowling didn't extract any positive outcome for the home side and with the new ball being taken just now, the seamers are expected to end the wicketless draught in this session. Root and Brook, meanwhile, are rock-steady in their merry way run and continue to pile up runs. Both have had their issues with cramps under unforgiving conditions, but they have faired well shrinking down the lead to just 122 runs. England would be mighty pleased if they go unblemished till the end. An engrossing final hour or so of the day is up next.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 87 overs : 434/3

H Brook109 (129)

J Root152 (236)

N Shah16-0-68-1

86.60

A tad full and darting it onto the stumps, this one skids on and Harry Brook just about jams his bat down, playing it towards mid on.

86.50

Pitched-up delivery outside off, this time Harry Brook makes a more comfortable leave.

86.40

Oh, that is a beauty from Naseem Shah! Good length on off, this one nips back in sharply off the deck, Harry Brook must have excellent eyes as he watches it all the way through and leaves it alone. The ball goes just over the stumps.

86.31

Full and wide, a bit too wide though and Root goes chasing after it. The ball gets sliced away behind point and Root gets a single.

86.24

FOUR! Smashed away and Joe Root brings up his 15th score of 150 and above in Test cricket as he raises his bat to the applause of the dug out. Full and wide, swinging away, Root gets well across and the ball pings of his bat, running away through cover-point for a boundary.

86.10

Pitched up, wide outside off and swinging away, Joe Root reaches out and miscues the drive straight to covers.

Naseem Shah (15-0-63-1) is back into the attack now, replacing Abrar Ahmed.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 86 overs : 429/3

H Brook109 (126)

J Root147 (233)

S Afridi15-1-71-1

85.60

Almost a yorker, bit of shape into the right-hander, Harry Brook blocks it well to mid on

85.51

Good length, curving away from middle and off. Root plays late on the back foot and runs it down to deep backward point for one.

85.40

Full and swinging in down leg. Root misses the flick to the keeper.

85.31

Comes over the wicket now, bowling it a tad full and on the pads, Harry Brook gets his hands out in front and tucks it away through mid-wicket for a single.

Well, there it is! Just when we said it makes no sense to delay the new ball, Shan Masood summons the new Kookaburra cherry from the on-field umpire and tosses it up to Shaheen.

85.20

Bowled at just 128 clicks, full and angled down leg, Brook misses the flick and the ball dies down to the keeper.

85.10

Bowled from around the wicket, at a gentle pace and on a hard length around off. Harry Brook camps back and just angles it away to short third.

After a barrage of spin overs, Shaheen Afridi (14-1-69-1) is back into the attack, replacing Saud Shakeel. Pakistan has still not opted for the second new ball, delaying the inevitable is not going to work here for the home side. With a handy lead still at their disposal they can have a crack at the new ball as it might bring in that much-needed breakthrough and create the inroad. Spin is really not working at the moment as they are being dealt with consummate ease.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 85 overs : 427/3

J Root146 (231)

H Brook108 (122)

A Ahmed32-0-158-0

84.60

Tossed up full on the stumps, hit away just to the left of mid on and the fielder slides across to make the save.

84.50

Flights this one up on off, gets it to dip as well, Joe Root leans on to make another solid block.

84.40

Tossed up around off, pushed away onto the off side.

84.32

Flighted down leg, Joe Root with a sweep that is played fine and down towards fine leg for a couple of runs. Just some more cramping for Root as well.

84.20

Flighted up on middle, Root leans on and flicks it to short mid-wicket.

84.11

Tossed up onto middle and leg, played with a straight bat and down towards long on for a single.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 84 overs : 424/3

H Brook107 (121)

J Root144 (226)

S Shakeel2-0-14-0

83.61

Good length around off, hit away through the cover region for a single now. England trail by just 132 runs now.

83.54

FOUR! Majestic cover drive from Harry Brook and he is back at his lethal best after a sedate period. Tossed up, full and around off, Brook gets on the front foot, stays leg side of the ball and caresses it well wide of covers for a boundary.

83.41

Nicely flighted, full and around middle, Joe Root leans on and pushes it down to long on for one more.

83.31

Floated up around off, played away through covers for a single.

83.22

Flawless from Harry Brook and that is a 6th TEST CENTURY for him! Dropped short outside off, Brook taps it away through cover-point for a couple of runs and that is now his 4th Test hundred in Pakistan. He loves batting here.

83.11

Tossed up full around off, driven on the up and down to long off for a single.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 83 overs : 414/3

J Root142 (224)

H Brook99 (117)

A Ahmed31-0-155-0

82.61

On the pads, worked away off the back foot towards square leg for a single.

82.50

Fired in a bit around off, Joe Root is late on the cut but manages to hit it towards point.

82.40

Quicker again, skidding through on the stumps, Joe Root gets pegged back but keeps it out.

82.31

Quick and flat around off, cut away late and well behind point for one. Brook moves on to 99.

82.26

SIX! Lovely shot and Harry Brook is now on 98. Tossed up around middle, Brook comes down the pitch and stays leg side of the ball, lifting it cleanly over the bowler's head for a biggie.

82.10

Abrar finally decides to come over the wicket and floats a really full ball onto middle, Harry Brook manages to keep it out.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 82 overs : 406/3

H Brook92 (114)

J Root141 (221)

S Shakeel1-0-4-0

81.61

On the shorter side on the pads, worked away off the back foot past square leg for a single.

81.51

Tossed up a bit, wide of off, and driven away into the deep for a single.

81.40

Quicker through the air and a bit fuller on off, Joe Root presses back to defend.

81.31

Fractionally short and around off, this is tapped away off the back foot and past covers for one more.

81.21

Short and around off, played off the back foot through cover-point for one.

81.10

Drops it short from around the stumps, Joe Root backs away and slaps the ball straight to mid off.

Saud Shakeel has been introduced into the attack now, replacing Salman Agha. The second new ball is available for Pakistan but Shan Masood hasn't opted for it as yet.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 81 overs : 402/3

H Brook90 (112)

J Root139 (217)

A Ahmed30-0-147-0

80.60

A dot to end but 10 runs come off the over! Flatter and around middle, Harry Brook blocks it off the back foot.

80.52

Darted in just down leg, Harry Brook looks to sweep hard and gets an inside edge that goes quickly past the keeper and down to fine leg for a couple of runs more.

80.42

Fuller in length around middle, Harry Brook makes room and strokes it away through extra cover for a couple of runs more. The 400 is up for England and this partnership has now gone past the 150-run mark.

80.34

FOUR! Gets the placement perfect this time does Harry Brook and gets a boundary. On a length around leg and turning across, Brook goes down on one knee and swivels-pulls it away through the ring of fielders around square leg for a couple of runs.

80.22

Floated up down leg, Harry Brook sweeps it down towards fine leg and picks up a couple of runs.

80.10

Sees the batter advancing and drags the length back, bowling it at the pads, Harry Brook adjusts and blocks it to covers.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 80 overs : 392/3

J Root139 (217)

H Brook80 (106)

S Agha6-0-40-0

79.60

Floated up, full on middle, Root takes the front leg out and drives it back to the bowler.

79.51

Nagging length on leg, flighted up a bit, Brook goes back and across to the off side before nurdling it around the corner for an easy single.

79.41

Flatter again, around middle and this is worked away through mid-wicket for a single.

79.30

Flatter and close to the leg pole, attacking the pads, Root rocks back and dabs it down behind square leg.

79.22

Flighted ball on middle and leg, Joe Root brings out the reverse sweep, has to reach for it a bit but gets it fine of deep point for a couple of runs more.

79.12

Comes from around the wicket, bowling it quick and short on middle, Joe Root makes room and hammers it away through covers for a couple of runs.

Salman Agha (5-0-34-0) replaces Aamer Jamal.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 79 overs : 386/3

H Brook79 (105)

J Root134 (212)

A Ahmed29-0-137-0

78.60

Tossed up down the leg side, Harry Brook pads it away to short fine leg.

78.51

Darted across middle and leg, Joe Root takes a stance almost outside leg stump and plays it wide of mid off for a single.

78.40

Oh, a bit of cat and mouse between the batter and the bowler. Joe Root pre-meditates a bit and looks to come down the pitch, Abrar Ahmed fires it down leg but Root manages to keep is back leg inside the crease.

78.31lb

Bowled fuller and around leg stump, Harry Brook sits down for the hard sweep but misses. The ball goes flush off the pads behind square on the off side and they get a leg bye.

78.21

Shorter one outside the line of leg stump, shoveled away down to fine leg for one more by Root.

78.11

Flighted up, on a length and well down leg, Brook waits and pulls it hard down to fine leg for a single.

Aamer Jamal is walking off the field now. And another short hydration break as the players hydrate themselves up. Abrar Ahmed to continue with his long spell.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 78 overs : 382/3

J Root132 (209)

H Brook78 (102)

A Jamal15-0-73-1

77.60

Back of a length outside off, punched away on the up but straight to the shkirt extra cover fielder.

77.50

Banged in well short over middle, a reverse-swing bumper you can call it as that one did certainly come back in. Joe Root manages to duck under it.

77.40

Banged in short over middle, Joe Root gets on top of the bounce and pulls it down firmly to short square leg.

77.31

Short and wide, width on offer, Harry Brook stands tall and cuts it towards deep point for another single.

77.21

Drop and run! Back of a length on off, Root dabs it down with soft hands into the off side and gets across for a comfortable single.

77.14

FOUR! Nicely done and Joe Root releases all the built-up pressure as well. Dug in short at the hips, Root stays put and just shovels the pull, controlling it and playing it uppishly between fine leg and deep square leg for a boundary.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 77 overs : 376/3

H Brook77 (101)

J Root127 (204)

A Ahmed28-0-134-0

76.60

Pushed through quicker now, on a nagging length and angled across middle, Harry Brook rocks back and jams it out on the off side. A bit of a shaky period for these two batters.

76.50

Slows this one up, bowling it on a length and down leg. Harry Brook is early into the sweep shot but the ball grips and turns across, hitting him on the arm.

76.41

Same delivery and same result as Joe Root goes down and sweeps it gently down to fine leg for one more.

76.31

Fuller in length and around leg, swept away down to fine leg for a single by Brook.

76.20

Flighted up down leg, on a length and Harry Brook goes back before padding it down to fine leg. No run takes as there was no shot offered by Brook.

76.10

On a good length around leg, Harry Brook looks to fetch the ball and reverse pull it almost but misses and gets hit on the thigh pad.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 76 overs : 374/3

J Root126 (203)

H Brook76 (96)

A Jamal14-0-67-1

75.60

Hits the deck hard again bowling it around off, Joe Root looks to get ahead and block but yet again there's some unusual bounce and lack of pace that takes him aback. A dramatic over that.

75.51

Hard length around off, played late and dabbed away with soft hands in front of point for a single.

75.51wd

WIDE! That will frustrate the bowler! Jamal puts it immense effort and bangs in a short ball around off. This one though goes sailing over Brook's head and Jamal will have to reload that one;.

75.40

Would you believe it? That ball has rolled back onto the stumps but the bails don't fall off! Back of a length around off, Harry Brook looks to block but gets it back onto the deck and the ball comes back to hit him on the grill of the helmet. The ball then goes back down and spins back onto the stumps. Brook fails to boot it away but is lucky that the bails stay intact.

75.31

Oh, that was a really good effort ball from Aamer Jamal but somehow Joe Root escapes. A well-directed short ball, around off and gets it around head height. Joe Root is taken aback by the bounce but also by the lack of pace. The ball goes off the toe end of the bat and over the mid-wicket region for a single.

75.21

Just short of a good length and well outside off, Harry Brook looks to cut but mistimes it in front of point for a single.

75.10

Hard length around the top of off, Harry Brook gets on the front foot and solidly blocks it under the eyes.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 75 overs : 370/3

J Root125 (201)

H Brook74 (92)

A Ahmed27-0-132-0

74.60

Similar line and length, Root gets another big stride across and blocks it off. England now trail by 186 runs at the end of the 75th over.

74.50

Darted in around the leg peg, Joe Root gets a big stride out on the leg side and defends it towards the off side.

74.40

Nice and full around leg, Joe Root looks for the paddle sweep but fails to get it away.

74.30

On a length and around off, played away onto the off side.

74.21

A huge shout of 'Catch' from Mohammad Rizwan behind the stumps and that wasn't far away. On a dragged length around leg, this one jumps off the crack and Harry Brook is taken aback. He tries to keep it down but sweeps it off the top edge and behind that man just backward of square leg for a single.

74.10

Floated up, full and around leg, Harry Brook sweeps it down towards the man just behind square leg.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 74 overs : 369/3

H Brook73 (90)

J Root125 (197)

A Jamal13-0-63-1

73.61

Back of a length and well outside off, just guided away wide of deep third for one. The two is on but they decide against it.

73.50

Just a smidge fuller on the stumps, shaping back in late as well, Harry Brook manages to play it away across to wide mid on.

73.40

Good length, shaping it into middle and leg, clipped away to the fielder at short mid-wicket.

73.32

Hits the deck hard again and bowls it outside off, Brook stands tall and just dabs it away well behind point for a couple of runs. These two now jogging more than running.

73.20

On a hard length and over off and middle, Brook gets on the back foot again and keeps it down on the deck.

73.10

Just back of a length and over middle, Harry Brook presses back on his toes and tucks it in front of square leg.

Harry Brook is on the ground and is in a bit of discomfort due to a cramp and is being attended by the physio. Conditions are energy-sapping out there and the players get treated with some electrolytes in the meantime. Brook is up and good to continue now. Also, the second new ball is not too far away now.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 73 overs : 366/3

J Root125 (197)

H Brook70 (84)

A Ahmed26-0-131-0

72.60

Flighted ball down leg, Joe Root strides across and just pads it away. 6 easy runs off that over.

72.52

Fired in on middle, Joe Root stays leg side of the ball and jams it away through the covers for a couple of runs this time.

72.41

Flatter again and just down leg, nudged away wide of leg gully and down to deep backward square leg for yet another single.

72.31

Short and on the pads, tucked away down to deep backward square leg for a third straight single in the over.

72.21

Tossed up down leg, Harry Brook goes down and sweeps it to fine leg for another single. Now, Brook is cramping up a bit and that sweep shot is taking a bit out of both these batters.

72.11

A bit more round arm, on a length and around leg, Joe Root presses back and flicks it away behind square leg for one.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 72 overs : 360/3

J Root121 (193)

H Brook68 (82)

A Jamal12-0-60-1

71.61

Hard length around off, Joe Root stays compact and just plays it away with soft hands in front of point for an easy single.

71.50

Good-length delivery, slips it down the leg side and Joe Root leaves it alone.

71.40

Pitched up on off and middle, slanting in late, Joe Root defends it right under the eyes.

71.31

Hits the deck hard, bowling it on the body, Harry Brook flicks it away past square leg for a run.

71.20

On a good length and angling in, tucked away to mid-wicket.

71.12

As straight as you can get without hitting the stumps at the other end. Pitched up on middle, Harry Brook plays a lovely straight drive and gets it down the ground for a couple of runs.

Aamer Jamal (11-0-56-1) to continue.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 71 overs : 356/3

J Root120 (190)

H Brook65 (79)

A Ahmed25-0-125-0

70.60

Bowled down the leg side, flatter as well and Joe Root leaves it alone.

70.51

Fuller in length and this is swept away in front of square on the off side for a single.

70.40

Flatter on the pads, played off the back foot to square leg.

70.31

On a length around off, played off the back foot through covers for a single.

70.20

Tossed up on middle and leg, looking for the reverse sweep there but Joe Root gets it off the under side of the glove instead.

70.13b

THREE BYES! Full and down leg, Harry Brook looks for the sweep but misses and the ball pops off the pitch and goes past the keeper down to fine leg. The batters pick up three byes.

Welcome back for the final session of Day 3. The players are already out in the middle. Joe Root and Harry Brook unbeaten with a solid 106-run stand to resume their innings. Abrar Ahmed to bowl the first over of the session with England trailing by 203 more runs. Here we go...

... DAY 3, SESSION 3 ...

All in all, it is still a batting paradise and there's distantly no sign of the pitch becoming a rank turner or even a huge extractor of swing. The fact that only one maiden over has been bowled in the span of 70 overs proves the challenging conditions faced by the bowlers on this surface. England will come out with the same intent and shrink the opposition's lead as they still have a few batters to come out. Pakistan will need to get their act together and find breakthroughs by creating chances. A couple of wickets or more and they will be right back in the game. At this point, it hangs right in balance. Another fascinating session of the day is up next. Stay tuned as the post-Tea session of Day 3 begins in just about 20 minutes.

Pakistan, meanwhile, struggled to make inroads. They turned to spin bowling from one end, hoping to find some turn, but to no avail. Abrar who bowled a lengthy spell was ineffective and found it challenging to trouble the well-set English batters, despite of some visible cracks on the surface. The pacers did manage to extract a hint of reverse swing, creating a few opportunities and ultimately claiming Duckett's wicket off Jamal's bowling. But, that was the only success for the home side in this session.

Although Duckett fell short of a well-deserved century, his brisk innings set a solid foundation. Harry Brook then joined Root at the crease, and together they maintained a healthy scoring rate, with only a minor dip. Root notched up another century to his name, his first on Pakistani soil while Brook shouldered him responsibly as well and stands unbeaten on 64.

The second session, widely regarded as the prime batting time of the day, saw England build on their earlier momentum. Ben Duckett and Joe Root crafted a pivotal partnership, amassing 136 runs from just 154 deliveries. Duckett expertly exploited all areas of the field, finding the boundary with regularity, while Root maintained his characteristic steady pace, punctuating his innings with some elegant drives.

TEA, DAY 3 - Session Summary - 25 overs, 119 runs, 1 wicket - Another session has flown by in this Test and even after 8 sessions of play, the track remains absolutely stubborn for the bowlers. England has managed to pile up a good amount of runs in this session as well and has made the Pakistani bowlers work extremely hard to get breakthroughs. England would be mighty pleased with the way they have batted as they walk in the sheds.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 70 overs : 351/3

H Brook64 (76)

J Root119 (187)

S Ayub1-0-5-0

69.61

Dropped short on off, angling in, Harry Brook uses the depth of the crease and short-arm jabs it to mid on for one. That will be TEA ON DAY 3!

69.50

Flatter delivery on off, kept out by Brook.

69.42

Dropped quite short and outside off, Harry Brook cuts it past point for a couple of runs. The 100-run stand comes up between these two as well.

69.31

Fractionally short and on the pads, turned away through mid-wicket for another single.

69.21

Brings out the carrom ball now, getting it to go away from off, Harry Brook watchfully taps it past covers for a single.

69.10

Starts on the shorter side around off, Harry Brook goes on the back foot to keep it out.

A part-timer deployed right before the Tea break. Saim Ayub is introduced into the attack, replacing Naseem Shah

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 69 overs : 346/3

H Brook60 (71)

J Root118 (186)

A Ahmed24-0-123-0

68.61

On the pads and this is swept away behind square leg for an easy single by Brook.

68.50

Pushed through quicker on middle, angling across as well. This one keeps low and Harry Brook manages to jam his bat down in time.

68.40

Flatter delivery on the stumps, kept out by Brook.

68.31

Quick and short on middle and leg, Joe Root rocks back to pull but is hurried and miscues it towards wide mid onm picking up a quick single as well.

68.22

Shorter in length around leg, Joe Root looks to come forward and plays the reverse but rocks back quickly and flicks it away in front of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

68.11

On a dragged length down leg, Harry Brook goes down to sweep and gives the ball a tap on the head, playing it down to fine leg for a single.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 68 overs : 341/3

J Root115 (184)

H Brook58 (67)

N Shah15-0-63-1

67.60

Back of a length around the fifth stump line, punched away sweetly and to the left of cover-point for no run.

67.54

FOUR! For a moment, it looked like the catching opportunity was on but the ball has bisected the two fielders in the deep. A surprise bumper from Naseem Shah, well-directed and Joe Root is hurried into the pull. The ball goes off the top edge and right in between fine leg and deep square leg for a boundary. Naseem wanted the fielder to be stationed at deep backward square leg but it was much squarer in place and he is not happy with his boundary riders.

67.40

Pitches the ball up around off, attacking the stumps, Joe Root defends it late and right under the eyes.

67.31

Banged in on a hard length and well outside off, Brook leans back a touch and just caresses it away down to deep point for another single.

67.20

Back of a length and over middle, angling back in a bit, Brrok defends it back onto the deck.

67.11

Back of a length, angled well across off, Root presses back and eases it wide of deep third for a single.

Around 10 minutes or so left for Tea now. Naseem Shah (14-0-58-1) to continue.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 67 overs : 335/3

H Brook57 (65)

J Root110 (180)

A Ahmed23-0-118-0

66.60

Nicely bowled! A tad fuller around middle and leg, gripping as well but Harry Brook stays watchful and blocks it out.

66.50

Flatter and just down leg, Brook looks to work it off the back foot but plays all over it and gets pinged on the pads.

66.41

Nice and full, on the stumps now, Joe Root brings out the conventional sweep and hits it towards deep square leg for yet another single.

66.31

Dropped short around leg, Harry Brook goes deep in his crease and muscles the pull towards deep square leg for one more.

66.21

Full and around middle, Joe Root with a nudge of a reverse sweep down to backward point for one.

66.10

Nagging length, well down leg, Joe Root rocks back and just pads it away.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 66 overs : 332/3

H Brook56 (62)

J Root108 (177)

N Shah14-0-57-1

65.60

Back of a length over middle and angling in, Brrok stays upright and flicks it to the fielder just in front of square leg.

65.50

On a hard length again and well outside off, Brrok hangs back and just nudges it down towards gully.

65.40

Hard length in the channel outside off and just angling back in a bit, Harry Brook looks to cut but gets an under edge back on the deck.

65.33

Pitched up, wide of the off stump, Joe Root gets forward well and creams the drive through covers. Aamer Jamal has to make good ground from deep cover-point and Root manages to race back for the third run.

65.21

Short of a good length, angling away from off, Harry Brook just drops it into the off side and gets across for a quick single.

65.11

Just drops it back of a length and outside off, Joe Root gets on his toes and dabs it away behind point for a run.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 65 overs : 327/3

J Root104 (175)

H Brook55 (58)

A Ahmed22-0-115-0

64.61

Flighted up on leg stump, Joe Root gets inside the line and plays the reverse sweep down to deep third for one more.

64.51

Fuller in length and just down leg, Harry Brook with another hard sweep straight to deep backward square leg for a single.

64.40

Bowled flatter and around leg, Harry Brook looks to rock back and flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. The ball then rolls back towards the stumps and Brook boots it away.

64.31

Flighted around leg, Joe Root gets a stride across to the leg side and reverse sweeps it off the inner edge down to short third for a single.

64.21

Another one floated down leg, Harry Brook sweeps it hard and flat to deep backward square leg and picks up a single.

64.10

Floated up well outside the line of leg stump, Harry Brook fetches the ball and reverse sweep it to the man in front of square on the off side.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 64 overs : 323/3

J Root102 (173)

H Brook53 (54)

N Shah13-0-52-1

63.60

Pitched up around off, driven on the up and just to the right of mid off.

63.50

Beauty! A very rare sight that in this Test match and Naseem Shah will feel, he should have got a wicket off that delivery. Good length, on off and seams away nicely with some extra bounce as well. Joe Root is drawn forward into the drive but is beaten all ends up and the ball zips past the outside edge.

63.41

Floated up on the pads, clipped away off the legs through square leg for another easy single.

63.30

Good length wide outside off, Harry Brook reaches out and dabs it straight to the gully fielder.

63.21

Good length again, just angled into the pads, Root flicks it away in front of square leg for a single.

63.10

Good length on off, targeting the top of the stumps, Joe Root solidly blocks it off the front foot.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 63 overs : 321/3

J Root101 (169)

H Brook52 (52)

A Ahmed21-0-111-0

62.61

On the stumps, Joe Root keeps the normal stance and brings out the reverse sweep, hitting it past the point region for a single.

62.50

Oh, dear! Joe Root has literally played that left-hander and it is not the first time he has done it in his Test career either. Flighted ball around leg, Root switches his stance very early and looks for a conventional left-handed sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. Just a polite appeal for LBW.

62.41

In and around the leg stump, swept away firmly through square leg for a single.

62.30

Flighted down leg, Harry Brook brings out the hard sweep but hits it straight to shirt fine.

62.21

There it is, a 35th Test ton for Joe Root and he just continues his stellar 2024 season, bringing up his first Test century in Pakistan as well. Floated up on middle and leg, Root brings out the reverse sweep past short third for a single. Muted celebrations and honestly, he is just too drained out to celebrate.

62.11

Short ball down the leg side and angling across, Harry Brook gets a bit low and shovels the pull shot in front of square for a single.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 62 overs : 317/3

H Brook50 (49)

J Root99 (166)

N Shah12-0-50-1

61.61

FIFTY up for Harry Brook and that is a breezy knock from him as he brings up his 10th Test half-century. He loves batting in Pakistan for sure. Dug in just short on the pads, nudged away down to fine leg for a single. He will now be eyeing up a 4th Test ton in Pakistan.

61.50

Just back of a length and over off, Brook hops back and bunts it out looking for a quick single but Root sends him back promptly.

61.42

Dishes out a full and wide one, Harry Brook reaches out and slaps the drive away wide of sweeper cover for another brace. Brook moves on to 49 now.

61.32

Back of a length over middle, Brook presses back and tucks it away neatly past square leg and picks up a couple of runs.

61.20

Pitched up full on the pads and this one angles well down the leg side. Good tumbling take from Rizwan down to his left.

61.10

Bowled back of a length and wide of off stump, Harry Brook leans back and taps it wide of gully but the fielder there makes a fine diving stop.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 61 overs : 312/3

H Brook45 (43)

J Root99 (166)

A Ahmed20-0-107-0

60.61

Darted in full and down leg, Harry Brook gets his bat across and pushes it on the full in front of square leg for one more.

60.51

Full on leg stump, nudged away around the corner for a single and Root moves on to 99.

60.40

Tosses it up, on a length around leg and gets some grip and bounce off the surface, Root leans on to block but is taken aback.

60.30

Floated up around the pads, Root stays back and flicks it leg side.

60.22

Fractionally short on off, Joe Root backs away and forces it past covers for a couple of runs more. He moves on to 98 now.

60.11

Drops the length short outside the line of leg stump, Harry Brook tucks it off the back foot behind square leg for a single.

Root has called for an exchange of gloves. The reserve player from the English dugout runs in and hands Root a fresh pair of gloves while the others intake some more fluids in the meantime to keep themselves hydrated. Conditions are too hot and humid with the sun beating down hard. Root is happy with the new gloves and is good to continue now.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 60 overs : 307/3

J Root96 (162)

H Brook43 (41)

S Afridi14-1-69-1

59.60

Keeps it full and bowls it on the stumps now, Joe Root plays the on drive towards mid on.

59.54

FOUR! Trickling, trickling and the ball wins the race to the fence! Pitched up outside off, Joe Root leans across and caresses the ball past the fielder at short cover. The man from extra cover gives a long chase but it goes in vain.

59.40

Nice and full around off, driven on the full and firmly towards mid off.

59.30

Fuller and outside off, driven away without much timing to covers and Joe Root has started to cramp up again but is good to continue.

59.22

Good length around off, Root gets on the front foot and punches it away wide of covers for a couple of runs.

59.10

Pitches the ball up around off, angling it in, Joe Root gets on the front foot and pushes it towards mid on.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 59 overs : 301/3

H Brook43 (41)

J Root90 (156)

A Ahmed19-0-102-0

58.60

Flatter one angled across off, Brook punches it away to covers.

58.51

Floated up full around, Root pushes it on the up and through mid off for another single and moves into the 90s.

58.41

Flatter and on the pads, worked away past square leg for a single.

58.30

Tad fuller around leg and skidding across quickly, Harry Brook opts to rock back and ends up playing all over it.

58.21

Similar delivery to the last one, just a bit straighter and Root manages to clip it away past square leg for a single. The 50-run stand is also up between these two.

58.10

Well bowled! Quick and flat around leg, skidding across with not much bounce on it. Joe Root gets pegged back and gets pinged on the pads as well.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 58 overs : 298/3

J Root88 (153)

H Brook42 (38)

S Afridi13-1-63-1

57.61

Short of a length again and around off, Joe Root rocks back and smashes the pull in front of square but only for a single in the deep.

57.51

Just short on the body, whipped away off the hips to deep square leg for one.

57.40

Back of a length over off, rising up a bit high, Harry Brook presses back and keeps it down on the deck.

57.34

FOUR! And again! Banged in short and outside off, once again Harry Brook hangs back and plays a tennis-forehand wide of the vacant mid off region and picks up back-to-back boundaries.

57.24

FOUR! Good adjustment from Harry Brook and there's just no fielder there. Banged in short and outside off, Brook gets on top of the bounce and forces the flat-batted shot though mid off. Nobody in front of square on the off side and it will be a boundary.

57.10

Back of a length and well outside off, Harry Brook looks to fetch and pull but gets an under edge back onto the deck.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 57 overs : 288/3

J Root87 (152)

H Brook33 (33)

A Ahmed18-0-99-0

56.60

Just short! Full and on the leg stump line again, from around the stumps, Joe Root employs the reverse sweep but gets it off the top edge that lands flat and just ahead of Salman Agha at point. He tumbles and stops the ball and signals that it bounced before his hands.

56.50

On the leg stump. Root stays deep in the crease and nudges it across to the leg side.

56.41

Length down the leg. Brook tucks across to backward square leg for a run.

56.31

Flighted one on the stumps. Root presses forward and drives it to the wide of cover for one.

56.20

A stifled appeal for LBW, but the umpire is unmoved. Pitched outside leg on a good length, spinning in, Joe Root sits down to reverse sweep it but plays all over and wears on the pads. Rizwan right after appealing says that it is pitching well outside leg. Hence, they do not opt for a review.

Another slight halt in play and the umpires have eventually called for a drinks break. It all started with Joe Root just feeling his hamstring a bit and is getting some refreshments. The session so far has been a bit more balanced, especially with Ben Duckett's wicket. However, Harry Brook has come out looking in pristine form and Pakistan need to be patient with their lengths in order to break through once more, too many driveable balls being bowled at the moment.

56.10

On a length, straightening and sliding down the leg. Root sweeps at it but misses and immediately hobbles, looking in discomfort. He hops on the crease and Rizwan gets cheeky and dislodges the bails. Root is attended by the physio as he just might have pulled off a muscle of his leg.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 56 overs : 286/3

H Brook32 (32)

J Root86 (147)

S Afridi12-1-53-1

55.60

Back of a length, on the top of the middle, Harry Brook tucks it to mid-wicket.

55.54

FOUR! Brook into his 30s now with that classic drive! Too full and fairly outside off, Harry Brook extends his arms and slashes it through covers for a boundary.

55.42

Excellent running between the wickets! Hard-length delivery outside off, Harry Brook rides on the bounce and works it past backward point for a quick couple of runs.

55.30

Well bowled! Very close to the off stump, slightly leaving the batter with the angle, Harry Brook looks to guide it towards behind square but misses.

55.20

Full and slower one at the middle stump line. Brook gets on the front foot and pushes it to mid off with soft hands.

55.10

Length ball, on off, Harry Brook punches off the back foot to the bowler.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 55 overs : 280/3

H Brook26 (26)

J Root86 (147)

A Ahmed17-0-97-0

54.61

Pitched up, full and pushed through outside off, Harry Brook strides across and drives to deep cover for a single to end the over. England trail by 276 more runs.

54.50

Nice and full, on the stumps, Harry Brook lunges forward and blocks it well.

54.40

Full on the leg stump. Brook steers it to short mid-wicket.

54.30

Drags his length, on the middle, nudged away to short mid-wicket.

54.20

Flat on the stumps, pushed back firmly by Brook to the bowler.

54.10

Looped up, full and on off, Harry Brook pushes it to the off side.

Just a slight delay in proceedings as the batters call for some refreshments and the towel is also out as Joe Root wipes some of the sweat off his arms and neck. Also, Abrar Ahmed to continue...

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 54 overs : 279/3

J Root86 (147)

H Brook25 (20)

S Afridi11-1-47-1

53.60

Short of a good length from around the stumps, Joe Root rises with the bounce, swivels and pulls it along the ground, but finds Saim Ayub stationed at square leg.

53.50

Back of a length, on off, Joe Root bunts it to the pitch off the back foot.

53.43

Swinging into the batter from middle on a fullish length, Harry Brook tilts forward and flicks it nicely with the angle past mid-wicket. The ball however, loses its steam midway to the fence and Shan Masood from the inner ring cuts it off with the slide. Three taken.

53.30

Good length, just outside off, dabbed off the back foot by Brook to point.

53.20

Good bowling! In front of the middle, on a fuller length, Harry Brook blocks it well on the front foot.

53.10

A muted appeal for LBW but 'No' says the umpire. Comes from around the wicket and gets that in-drift on a fuller length, on the leg stump, Brook goes for a flick across but misses and wears on the pad. Rizwan straightaway signals that it is sliding way down leg.

Shaheen Afridi comes back into the attack now.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 53 overs : 276/3

J Root86 (145)

H Brook22 (16)

A Ahmed16-0-96-0

52.62

Abrar pulls back his length, turns it in from outside off, Joe Root uses the depth of the crease and nurdles it with soft hands to deep backward square leg and strolls back for the second.

52.50

Nice and full, tossed and pushed through on middle, Joe Root leans on and pushes it to mid on.

52.41

Back of a length, turning away from off, Harry Brook goes on the back foot and punches it to cover-point for a single.

52.34

FOUR! Absolutely zero margin for error against a batter like Brook! Drifting on pads, overpitched, Harry Brook sits down and sweeps it through the deep backward square leg for a boundary.

52.21

Drags his length a bit outside off, Joe Root cuts it past point for one.

52.10

Tossed up, full on the stumps, Joe Root defends it out to the off side.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 52 overs : 268/3

H Brook17 (14)

J Root83 (141)

A Jamal11-0-56-1

51.64

FOUR! Such an eye-pleasing shot that from Brook! Jamal goes full again, keeps the line of attack around the fourth stump, Harry Brook takes a good stride forward, hits it through the line and drives it through the covers for a cracking boundary. Didn't try to hit it too hard, just pure timing on that one.

51.50

Jamal hurls it full and on the stumps, Harry Brook presents full face of the bat and drives it to mid on.

51.40

Shorter and around the off stump. Brook plays late and dabs it to the right of diving gully.

51.43nb

Good length outside the off stump. Brook opens the bat face and guides it to the left of the deep backward point fielder for a couple of runs. Uh, oh! Another No Ball from Jamal.

51.34

FOUR! Beautifully played! Jamal bowls a full ball tailing on the pads, Brook is on the front foot and flicks it beautifully through mid-wicket for a boundary. Holds his shape and balance perfectly on that one does Brook.

51.20

Good-length delivery at 135 kph, on off, Harry Brook gets on the back foot and punches it on the surface.

51.10

Attacks the pads with a shade of reverse swing, almost a yorker, Harry Brook takes it on the full and flicks it to mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 51 overs : 257/3

H Brook7 (7)

J Root83 (141)

A Ahmed15-0-88-0

50.61

Quicker through the air, at 93.2 kph, on a good length sliding on the leg stump, Harry Brook hangs back and punches it through backward point for an easy single to end the over.

50.50

Slows it up a bit, does Abrar, on a fuller length, with a hint of turn away from the batter, Harry Brook lunges ahead and blocks it well.

50.40

Nice and full in front of middle, Harry Brook leans on the ball and defends it out.

50.30

Sliding down leg this time on a good length, Harry Brook shoulders arms.

50.20

A slider on the pads, on a length, Brook stays back and defends it to short mid-wicket.

50.11

Full on the middle stump. Root nudges it to the right of short mid-wicket for a quick single.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 50 overs : 255/3

H Brook6 (2)

J Root82 (140)

A Jamal10-0-45-1

49.64

FOUR! Guided away nicely! Good length, just outside off, Harry Brook lets the ball arrive, weighs on the back foot, opens the bat face, and glides it through deep third for a boundary.

49.52

Full on the pads. Brook flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a couple. Brook is off the mark straightaway.

Harry Brook is the new batter in.

49.4W

OUT! LBW! A loud shout for LBW and up goes the finger this time! Seeing Root insisting him to go upstairs, Ben Duckett reviews it straightaway and challenges the on-field decision. Jamal charges in from around the wickets and lands it on a good length, it jags back in a tinge after pitching and cuts Duckett in half. Ben Duckett is cramped up for room with his feet moving nowhere. He tries to play it across to the leg side but brings his bat down a bit late, hence, misses and wears it on the pad. UltraEdge shows nothing and Ball Tracking comes up with three reds as the ball crashes into the middle and leg stump on the projection. Ben Duckett departs on 84 off just 75 balls. Another English batter walks back to the dressing room remaining shy of the century. England are 249/3 now and also lose a review.

49.30

Sliding down leg, Ben Duckett misses to flick it away. Mohammad Rizwan dives to the right in the direction of the ball and does well to intercept it.

49.21

Hurls it on the pads, Root tucks it around the corner to deep backward square leg for a single.

49.21nb

Rare swing and a miss for Root. This is on a good length, nipping away from outside off and keeps a bit low as well. Joe Root stays in the crease and looks to slash it away through point but misses. Another overstepping by Aamer Jamal. No Ball called.

49.10

At 133.7 clicks, on a hard length angling on the pads, Joe Root tucks it off the back foot solidly to mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 49 overs : 247/2

B Duckett84 (73)

J Root81 (137)

A Ahmed14-0-86-0

48.60

Drifting on the leg stump line, on a fullish length, Ben Duckett strides across and taps it to the leg side with soft hands.

48.52

Nice and full again, on the stumps, Ben Duckett reverse sweeps it past backward point for a couple of runs.

48.41

Quick legs there! Not that short of a length, on middle and spins away, Joe Root rocks back and pushes it to the point region and steals a quick single.

48.30

Nice and full around off, Joe Root guides it to point.

48.20

Quick and flat this time, full on the stumps, watchfully blocked by Root.

48.10

Very slow, through the air at just 80.6 kph, on a fuller length and turning away a tad bit, worked away to cover by Root.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 48 overs : 244/2

J Root80 (133)

B Duckett82 (71)

A Jamal9-0-37-0

47.61

Just outside off on the back of a length, Joe Root transfers the weight on the back foot and guides it past backward point for a single to end the over.

47.50

Nice driven off the middle of the bat, but straight to the fielder. On a good length, just outside off, Joe Root presses forward and plays it straight to cover.

47.40

Bangs it into the surface, short and over the batter's head. Joe Root is happy to duck under it as it sails to the keeper.

47.30

Closer to the off-pole, on a fullish length, Joe Root gets on the front foot and drives it across to mid on.

47.31nb

Nice and full, at off, Joe Root leans on the ball and eases it to mid off with a straight bat. Jamal has overstepped and it is signalled as a No Ball.

47.20

Lands it on the good length, over the top of off, Joe Root lets the ball arrive and knocks it off the back foot to the pitch.

47.10

Full and straight with no movement at all, around the fourth stump, Joe Root presses forward and blocks it back to the bowler.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 47 overs : 242/2

B Duckett82 (71)

J Root79 (126)

A Ahmed13-0-83-0

46.60

In front of the sticks, around middle and off, Ben Duckett takes a huge stride forward and defends it on the pitch.

46.51

Fuller and outside off, Joe Root gets on the front foot and drives it nice and along the ground through the covers for a single.

46.40

Length ball, from over the stumps, outside off, punched off the back foot to cover.

46.31

Tossed up, pushed through on the middle and leg, Ben Duckett turns it to the leg side for a comfortable single.

46.21

Pitched up on a fullish length, around off, Joe Root leans ahead and drives it through cover for one.

46.11

Around the wickets, full and drifting on the pads, Duckett nudges it to the wide of square leg for a quick single.

Abrar Ahmed to bowl the next over.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 46 overs : 238/2

J Root77 (123)

B Duckett80 (68)

A Jamal8-0-35-0

45.64

FOUR! Touch of class from Root! With a leg side heavy field, Jamal misses his length and line, offers a lot of width outside off, Joe Root gets on top of the ball on the front foot, hits it through the line, and drives it crisply through the cover-point gap for a boundary.

45.50

Nice and full on the middle stump line, Joe Root prods forward, brings his bat down straight and defends it underneath the eyes.

45.41lb

Aamer charges in from around the stumps for Duckett. Bowls it on the length, angling on the pads, Ben Duckett misses to flick it away and the ball deflects off his thigh pad to the square leg region. They cross.

45.31

First run of the second session! Angling on the pads on the back of a length, Joe Root glances off the hips towards deep backward square leg for an easy single.

45.20

Goes fuller this time, in front of the stumps, Joe Root tilts ahead and flicks it straight to the short mid-wicket fielder.

45.10

On the money, is Jamal! Hard length, on the top of the middle, Joe Root gets behind the line of the ball and punches it on the pitch.

Welcome back for the post-Lunch session! It is a bit hazy out there in Multan right now! The umpires are punctual and the Pakistani players take their fielding positions. Joe Root, unbeaten on 72, and Ben Duckett motoring on 80, to resume their innings for England. Aamer Jamal will bowl the first over of the second session, and Root to take the strike. Let's play...

... DAY 3, SESSION 2 ...

Right then, Day 3 has moved along at a brisk pace for now and this is turning out to be a real run-fest. But with WTC points on offer, both teams will have that in the back of the mind and might force the issue to try and get a result which could bring about a shift in momentum. Join us at 7.40 am GMT for the post-Lunch session.

Pakistan, just like their counterparts, are being made to toil hard in the field as the pitch is still pretty flat and the ball isn't even doing anything off the cracks. They did pick up a wicket in the first hour of play but that was the best it got for them in this morning session. Duckett targeted Abrar Ahmed and hit him out of the attack after which the pacers tried to extract some reverse swing which really wasn't there and now a crucial session lies ahead for them where they might be forced to press the issue a bit more.

England began Day 3 with a well-set Zak Crawley and Joe Root at the crease and the former began proceedings in style with a flurry of boundaries. However, he threw his wicket away on 78 with Root going along nicely at the other end. Ben Duckett then came out and it felt like his thumb never got injured as he was positive right from the off and kept attacking the Pakistani bowlers. They have put on 119 runs in quick time and both will be looking for their tons after the break.

SESSION SUMMARY - 25 overs, 136 runs and 1 wicket. We are through the first session on Day 3 and still, the bat is ruling the ball as England have piled on quick runs in the session and have given themselves a great platform to bat for a few more sessions and breach Pakistan's score but there's still a long way to go as they are still 324 runs behind.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 45 overs : 232/2

B Duckett80 (67)

J Root72 (118)

A Ahmed12-0-79-0

44.60

Pitched around off, Ben Duckett lunges ahead and defends it back to the bowler. AND THAT WILL BE LUNCH DAY 3.

44.51

Looped up, but at the pads, Root clips it towards square leg for a single.

44.40

Tossed up around off, Joe Root leans forward and defends it to the off side.

44.31

Pulls his length now, around middle and leg, Duckett works it away towards square leg for a single.

44.24

FOUR! Smartly played! Pushed through, and tossed up, drifting a bit down leg, Duckett gets down on one knee and sweeps it hard and along the ground through deep backward square leg for a boundary.

44.10

Just short of Masood at cover. Flat and too full around off, Ben Duckett slaps it off the toe end in front of the cover fielder. Masood tumbles and collects it on the bounce.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 44 overs : 226/2

J Root71 (116)

B Duckett75 (63)

A Jamal7-0-30-0

43.60

A surprise bounce from Jamal, it springs further off the deck, Joe Root walks out of the crease, climbs on the bounce but gets it off the gloves and fends it to the off side.

43.50

Outside off, not much tail in this time around, Joe Root defends it well towards cover.

43.40

Length ball around middle and leg, Root defends it to mid-wicket.

43.30

A huge shout for LBW but no reaction from the umpire whatsoever. Shan Masood enquires with his players as they only have one review left. Eventually decides not to go for it. Hint of lateral movement into the batter on a good length, at off and middle, Joe Root presses ahead to defend but it nips back and cuts him in half and pings his front pad beating the inside edge of the bat. The replay shows that the impact was on the umpire's call on the off stump.

43.20

Length ball, drifting into the pads, Root misses the tickle to the keeper.

43.13

Full toss, onto the pads, Ben Duckett works it away to deep mid-wicket for three runs. Not quite timed well and the fielder from the inner ring cuts it off before the ropes with a slide.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 43 overs : 223/2

J Root71 (111)

B Duckett72 (62)

A Ahmed11-0-73-0

42.60

Short of a length well outside off, punched off the back foot to cover by Root.

42.50

Full ball around off, Root pushes it to cover.

42.40

Bowls a length-delivery around middle and leg, Root tucks it to mid-wicket.

42.30

Fuller in length and at the stumps, Root prods forward and defends it back to the bowler.

42.21

Tossed up around off, Ben Duckett gets down on one knee and sweeps it along the ground to deep backward square leg for a single.

42.10

Flatter delivery at the stumps, Duckett tucks it to mid-wicket.

42.11nb

Drifting into off stump, Duckett attempts to guide it but it spins and he hits it to cover. No Ball called.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 42 overs : 221/2

J Root71 (107)

B Duckett71 (59)

A Jamal6-0-27-0

41.64

FOUR AND ROOT REACHES TO AN IMMACULATE MILESTONE HERE! He surpasses Sir Alastair Cook in terms of most runs scored in Test cricket for England and joins the top 5 batters to score most runs in Test cricket. Gets a huge standing ovation from the crowd and his teammates. Coming to the delivery, Aamer Jamal pitches it up, full and around off, Root presses forward, brings the bat down vertically through the line, finds the middle of the bat and drives it beautifully straight down the ground for a boundary.

41.50

Hard length, outside off, Joe Root plays it late and guides it off the gloves to point.

41.42

Pitched up wide, full, Joe Root easily drives it to the deep cover for a couple of runs.

41.30

Length ball drifting down leg, Root misses the tickle through to the keeper.

41.20

A huge shout for LBW, but the umpire is unmoved. Shan Masood eventually opts for a review and challenges the on-field decision. Jamal bowls it a bit fuller in the channel of middle and leg, it nips in just a shade as well. Joe Root is rooted in his crease and tries to work it across but plays all over the wrong line and gets rapped on the front pad. Nothing on UltraEdge and Ball Tracking shows two greens as the ball is passing down over the leg stump. Mohammad Rizwan initially signalled for a height but Masood still went upstairs. Pakistan has burnt two reviews in quick succession and has only one remaining.

41.11

Aamer Jamal comes back into the attack, replacing Salman Agha. Charges in from around the wickets, delivers a length ball angling the pads, Duckett tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 41 overs : 214/2

J Root65 (102)

B Duckett70 (58)

A Ahmed10-0-71-0

40.60

Full on the stumps, driven back to the bowler by Root on the front foot.

40.51

Short and wide outside off, Duckett cuts it to the off side for a single.

40.41

A slight miscommunication in the middle but no harm done. 100-run partnership up between the two. Full and flat on the middle and leg, Joe Root turns it towards deep mid-wicket and takes a few steps ahead but hesitates to take the single. Eventually calls for one and hurries to reach to the other end.

40.30

On the stumps, full in length, blocked off well by Root on the front foot.

40.20

Flatter leg-spinner on middle, Joe Root alertly goes on the back foot and dabs it to point.

40.11

Tossed up full at the pads, Duckett clips it to deep square leg for a single.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 40 overs : 211/2

B Duckett68 (56)

J Root64 (98)

S Agha5-0-34-0

39.61

Darted at the stumps this time outside off, Ben Duckett skews it through cover for a single.

39.54

EDGED AND FOUR! Slows it up through the air, pitches it outside off and turns away, Duckett slashes hard at it, trying to go for the expansive drive, loses his shape a bit and gets an outside edge which flies over Babar Azam at slip and races away. Saud Shakeel from backward point chases it all the way down to the boundary but the ball wins the race.

39.44

FOUR! Gloriously played by Ben Duckett! A genuine half-volley, there to be hit, around off, Ben Duckett bends low, clears his front leg, and brings his bat horizontally rather than orthodoxically and drives it crisply through covers for a boundary.

39.31

Dragged length from around-the-wicket angle, on leg, Root punches it through mid-wicket for a single.

39.22

Length ball, across off, Joe Root goes back and across and punches it through covers for a couple. 200 up for England.

39.10

Pitched outside leg, full in length, Root goes for a reverse sweep but plays over the line and gets an inside edge onto the boot.

A bit of a second drinks break as the players get some refreshments. To be fair, it is quite a hot and humid morning out there in Multan.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 39 overs : 199/2

B Duckett59 (53)

J Root61 (95)

A Jamal5-0-20-0

38.60

Bowls it down leg, again, with no movement on this one. Ben Duckett lets it be. On 199, England trail by 357 more runs.

38.50

Speared on the leg side, Duckett knocks it straight to the mid-wicket fielder

38.41

Length ball, just outside off, Root presses forward with a good stride ahead and taps it solidly to wide of point for a quick single.

38.31

Duckett drives this full-length delivery down to the deep mid-wicket for a single.

38.24

FOUR! Brave shot that right after getting beaten on the outside edge! In-between length around off, moving a tad bit from the left-hander, Ben Duckett weighs on the back foot, lets the ball arrive, and slashes it through cover-point for a boundary.

38.10

Peach of a delivery from Jamal! An appeal for caught behind but 'No' says the umpire. And Pakistan go upstairs to challenge the on-field decision. Jamal delivers a good-length delivery around off, pitches and gets a lateral movement away from the batter, Duckett gets squared up for room and hangs his bat away from the body, gets beaten on the outside edge. UltraEdge comes up and shows a day-night gap between the bat and the ball. A poor review by Pakistan.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 38 overs : 193/2

B Duckett54 (48)

J Root60 (94)

S Agha4-0-22-0

37.63

Good running there! Agha drags his length, around middle, Ben Duckett is on the back foot and short-arm jabs it through mid-wicket and calls for the third run immediately. Jamal chases from the inner ring and cuts the ball in the deep.

37.51

Fuller one, around middle and leg, Root drives it down to long on for a single

37.41

Flighted fuller and around middle and leg, Duckett nudges it to the wide of mid-wicket for a single.

37.30

Aims at the stumps, Duckett hangs back and pushes it back to the bowler.

37.21

Root guides this good length ball to deep backward point for a single.

37.11

FIFTY FOR DUCKETT IN NO REAL TIME! Looped up, around off, Duckett clears his front leg and drives it inside out to long off for a single. His fourth against Pakistan in Tests.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 37 overs : 186/2

J Root58 (92)

B Duckett49 (44)

A Jamal4-0-14-0

36.60

Solid in defense, is Root! Short of a good length from Jamal, angling on off, Joe Root gets behind the line of the ball and punches it with a straight bat to the off side.

36.50

Half-tracker, outside off, Root leans forward and dabs it to gully.

36.42

Gets it through, won't be a boundary though. Curves back in from middle, and fuller in length, Root tilts ahead and flicks it past mid-wicket and mid on for a couple of runs as the mid on fielder chases it down before the ropes.

36.30

Hard-length delivery, outside off, Joe Root gets on his toes and punches it solidly to the off side.

36.20

Much fuller this time, on the stumps, Joe Root gets on the front foot and plays it with a straight bat and drives it back to Aamer Jamal.

36.10

Hint of reverse swing first up for Jamal. He bowls it on a good length, tailing into the batter, on middle and leg, flicked away by Root to mid-wicket.

Aamer Jamal is brought into the attack for the first time on Day 3.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 36 overs : 184/2

J Root56 (86)

B Duckett49 (44)

S Agha3-0-15-0

35.63

Ful and tossed up outside off, Joe Root gets to the pitch of the ball and drives it through covers. Ayub gives it a chase from the inner ring and cuts it down to a triple.

35.51

This one comes in with the arm, Duckett prods forward to defend, gets a healthy inside edge towards square leg for a single.

35.40

Looped up, around off, Duckett pushes it back to Salman.

35.31

Identical line and length, Joe Root works it past mid on for a single.

35.20

Pitched fuller, on leg, Joe Root lunges out and taps it to mid off.

35.11

Slow on middle and leg, full in length, Ben Duckett leans on and nudges it away with soft hands to square leg for an easy single.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 35 overs : 178/2

J Root52 (83)

B Duckett47 (41)

N Shah11-0-45-1

34.60

Good length, outside off, Joe Root knocks it off the front foot to cover.

34.50

Beaten! This one holds its shape a bit, on a good length, just around off, Joe Root anticipates it to tail in a bit and pushes at it from inside the line of the ball. Gets beaten on the outside edge.

34.41

Hits the deck hard and outside off, slashed away neatly through cover-point for a single by Duckett.

34.31

This one stayed a little low on the bounce, good length angling into the batter, on middle, Joe Root controls the pull shot along the ground for a single at deep square leg.

34.20

A shade outside off, and nipping back in a shade, Root presses forward and drives it solidly to mid off.

34.10

Pitched on a good length, on the fourth stump line, Joe Root weighs on the front foot and plays it through the line towards cover.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 34 overs : 176/2

B Duckett46 (40)

J Root51 (78)

S Agha2-0-9-0

33.60

Full in length, looped up on the stumps, driven straight to cover by Duckett.

33.54

FOUR! Nicely played! Dragged short of a good length, turning a shade away from middle, Ben Duckett uses the depth of the crease, moves across to create room, and slashes it through covers for a boundary. He moves to 46!

33.40

Flatter delivery at the stumps, Duckett rocks back and nurdles it to mid-wicket.

33.30

Flights it up at the stumps, Duckett prods forward and defends.

33.21

Pitched up, around middle and leg, Root tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

33.10

Around the wicket, tossed up, on leg, pushed to the leg side by Root.

Drinks! Phew, a very eventful first hour in this 'Moving Day' so far. England have batted extremely well and have negotiated this crucial hour with a positive intent. Although they have lost Zak Crawley on 78, who deserved a ton with the way he was timing the ball. But the scoring rate hasn't blipped one bit since the arrival of Ben Duckett. He has partnered with Joe Root and has scored more than run-a-ball while Root himself has notched up his 50, with a touch of class. On an extremely batting friendly track, Pakistani bowlers couldn't do much and with no movement and turn whatsoever for the bowlers, as yet, they have been dealt with caution and aggression. However, a wicket or two is what Pakistan needs to slow things up a bit before the Lunch break.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 33 overs : 171/2

J Root50 (76)

B Duckett42 (36)

N Shah10-0-43-1

32.61

Inside edge! But that will be FIFTY for Joe Root, his 65th in Test cricket and that takes him so, so close to Sir Alastair Cook's record for the most Test runs by an England batter. Back of a length and on a right line around off, Root with a tentative push off the back foot and the ball goes off the inside edge towards backward square leg for a single.

32.50

Nagging length around off stump, Joe Root looks to drop and run on the off side but there's no run there.

32.40

Pitched up wide of the off stump, reversing back in a bit, Joe Root gets well forward and smothers any movement and creams the drive straight to extra cover.

32.31

Delivered on a hard length on the hips, nudged away around the corner for a run.

32.24

FOUR! Edged and through the gap! Naseem Shah steams in and pitches it up around off, getting the ball to just hold its line, Duckett pushes at it and gets a genuine outside edge. However, on a flat pitch, the first slip is wide and this one goes between the keeper and the slip fielder for a boundary.

32.12

Back of a length, angling into the body, Duckett with a gentle tuck to the left of mid-wicket where Saud Shakeel fails to make the stop and the batters pick up a couple of easy runs.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 32 overs : 163/2

B Duckett35 (33)

J Root49 (73)

S Agha1-0-4-0

31.61

Tossed up around off, driven wide of the fielder at covers for a single. The 50-run stand is up between these two.

31.50

On the shorter side again, around off, Duckett backs away and cuts it straight to covers.

31.40

Fractionally short on middle and leg, Duckett rocks back and punches it towards mid on.

31.30

Another one that is flighted up and this one drifts onto middle, Duckett defends it with a straight bat.

31.20

Nicely flighted, in and around off, Duckett watchfully blocks it off.

31.13

Begins from around the stumps and bowls it full around off, Joe Root brings out the reverse sweep and gets it down to deep third for three runs. Good running there!

Salman Agha is introduced into the attack now, he replaces Abrar Ahmed.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 31 overs : 159/2

J Root46 (72)

B Duckett34 (28)

N Shah9-0-35-1

30.61

Good length, angling into the pads, flicked away down to fine leg for a single.

30.54

FOUR! That is gorgeous from Joe Root! Slightly overpitched and around off, Root gets the front foot across and just caresses the ball on the up, placing it in between mid off and covers for a boundary.

30.40

Pitched up outside the line of off, Joe Root gets on the front foot and drives it towards cover.

30.30

Just back of a length around off, angling back in, Joe Root presses back and defends it with a straight bat. Naseem Shah has a bit of a stare back at Root and the batter isn't quite sure why.

30.20

On a good length and wide of the off stump, Root gets on the front foot and firms it straight to the cover fielder.

30.10

Full and around off, just a hint of reverse there, Joe Root gets on the front foot and drives it off the inner half of the bat to mid on.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 30 overs : 154/2

B Duckett34 (28)

J Root41 (66)

A Ahmed9-0-68-0

29.60

Flighted up, in and around off, Duckett keeps it out.

29.50

Darted in a bit, full and around off, Duckett leans on and blocks it off.

29.44

FOUR! Wow, Abrar Ahmed is being handed a really beating here by Ben Duckett. Flighted full on middle, Duckett gets the front leg out of the way and lifts it back over the bowler's head and towards long off for a third boundary of the over.

29.34

FOUR! Chancing his arm there Ben Duckett and he gets away with it. Tossed up, full and outside off, Duckett fetches and swats it flat and just over the mid on fielder for a boundary.

29.20

Flighted up down leg, Duckett miscues the sweep and it goes uppishly towards the leg gully region.

29.14

FOUR! That is really just begging to be hit. Abrar slows it up but drops it short and wide, Duckett gets enough time to rock back and slap it away in front of square on the off side for a boundary.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 29 overs : 142/2

J Root41 (66)

B Duckett22 (22)

N Shah8-0-30-1

28.60

Hard length around off, Joe Root plants his front leg across and looks to glide it away but hits it straight to the gully fielder.

28.51

Short of a length and outside off, Duckett hops a bit and slaps it away uppishly through backward point for a single.

28.40

Goes wider on the crease, angling it back in a long way towards the stumps, Duckett gets across and blocks it to mid on.

28.30

Banged in a bit around middle, angling it into the body, Duckett tucks it away to the fielder in front of square leg and Saud Shakeel fumbles a bit but they don't go for the single.

28.20

Pitches it up now around off, angling it in, Duckett prods halfway and defends it under the eyes.

28.10

Comes from around the wicket and hurls it on a good length, looking to attack the top of off, Duckett solidly blocks it off.

First change in bowling from Pakistan. Naseem Shah (7-0-29-1) replaces Shaheen Afridi.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 28 overs : 141/2

B Duckett21 (17)

J Root41 (65)

A Ahmed8-0-56-0

27.61

Flighted on the pads, swept away down to fine leg for one more.

27.50

Tossed up, a tad full and on middle, Duckett opts to block this one off.

27.42

In the air but fairly safe! Lobbed up wide of the off stump, Ben Duckett stays put and just extends his arms before slashing it away flat over the point region for a couple of runs.

27.31

Drifted into the pads, pushing Root onto the back foot but Root is able to tuck it away past square leg for a single.

27.21

Floats this one up full and on the stumps, Duckett goes down and sweeps it away to deep square leg for one.

27.10

Nicely flighted, on a slightly dragged length and turning back in sharply, Duckett stays watchful and plays it late behind point.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 27 overs : 136/2

B Duckett17 (12)

J Root40 (64)

S Afridi10-1-44-1

26.61

Back of a length and outside off, Duckett hangs back again and just opens the bat face to guide it away to deep third for an easy single.

26.52

The call is for two right away from Duckett and he gets it with ease. Just back of a length and around off, Duckett hangs back and punches it away through the gap in front of covers for a brace. It has been a brisk start in terms of runs for England on Day 3.

26.41

Hard length outside off, Joe Root prods across and pats it on the up past point for a single.

26.34

FOUR! Aerial but lands safe and goes away to the fence as well. The first ball that has been banged in this morning and Shaheen Afridi bowls it over middle. Joe Root picks it up fairly early and pulls it away in the air and well behind the man at deep square leg for a boundary.

26.21

Good length, wide of the off stump, Duckett gets his hands across and cuts it to deep point for one more.

26.11

Full and straight, looking to slip one in past the gate, Root flicks it away firmly to the man at deep square leg for a single.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 26 overs : 126/2

B Duckett13 (9)

J Root34 (61)

A Ahmed7-0-51-0

25.64

FOUR! Too short around off, Duckett has all the time in the world to back away and then he smashes it well wide of mid off for another boundary.

25.54

FOUR! Ben Duckett is at it already and that bottom hand doesn't seem to be bothering him at all. Tossed up on middle, angling in, Duckett gets down on one knee and slog-sweeps it away over mid-wicket and well in front of square for a boundary.

25.42

Nagging length again and the line is tight around off, Duckett looks to block off the front foot but gets a thick outside edge that goes wide of the first slip fielder and they get another brace.

25.30

On a dragged length outside off, drifting back into the left-hander, Duckett watches it well and blocks it down the pitch.

25.22

Fullish length, wide of off again, Duckett reaches out and hits it past the cover fielder now for a couple of runs in the deep.

25.10

Comes from around the wicket and serves a wide one outside off, Duckett has to reach for it and taps it straight to covers.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 25 overs : 114/2

B Duckett1 (3)

J Root34 (61)

S Afridi9-1-34-1

24.61

Nagging length around off, Duckett stays back and low a bit before tapping it wide of covers for a quick single.

24.50

On a slightly fuller length on off, angling it back in, Duckett tucks it across to mid-wicket.

24.40

Over the wicket now to the left-hander, on a dragged length and over middle, Ben Duckett hops back and blocks it down the pitch.

And there he is, Ben Duckett strides out to bat at number 4.

24.3W

OUT! CAUGHT! Aamer Jamal takes it on the second attempt and Zak Crawley is out. Shaheen Afridi just floats the ball up around, angling it into the pads and it is there to be flicked away. Crawley gets on the front foot and casually flicks it uppishly and straight to short mid-wicket. Jamal is day-dreaming a bit and spills it but has the presence of mind then to pouch it on the second attempt. A soft, soft dismissal and Crawley departs for 78 which really should have been more. England 113/2 now and this 109-run stand for the second wicket comes to an end. England trail by 443 more runs.

24.20

Good-length delivery on the fifth stump line, Crawley stands tall and just eases it away to cover-point.

24.10

Hits the deck hard, bowling it on a shade fuller length around off, Crawley stays put and presents a dead bat at it.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 24 overs : 113/1

J Root34 (61)

Z Crawley78 (82)

A Ahmed6-0-39-0

23.60

Floated up on middle and leg, drifting in a bit, Root blocks it down the pitch.

23.50

On a nagging length around off, Joe Root strides across and watchfully blocks it off.

23.41

Floated up around off, Crawley stays leg side of the ball and drives it away to deep cover for a single.

23.30

Flighted up, too full again and on off, Crawley plays it off the front foot towards mid off.

23.20

Nicely flighted around off, getting some dip as well, Crawley eases it away on the off side.

23.10

Tossed up, quite full and on off, Crawley gets on the front foot and jams it back towards the bowler.

STAT ATTACK! Joe Root, currently batting at 34, is just 36 runs behind Sir Alastair Cook in terms of the most runs scored in Test cricket for England. Cook scored 12,472 runs in his illustrious career and Root currently is the second-highest run-getter for England in Tests ahead of the stalwarts like Graham Gooch, Alec Stewart, and David Gower.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 23 overs : 112/1

J Root34 (59)

Z Crawley77 (78)

S Afridi8-1-33-0

22.60

Just back of a length and around off, Joe Root covers the line of the ball and blocks it off.

22.51

Bowled on a hard length and around off, Crawley stays upright and hits it on the up through covers for a single.

22.44

FOUR! Edged down with soft hands and that will roll away into the fence. Good length, in and around off stump, Crawley presses back a bit to play at it but gets an outside edge well wide of first slip and racks up the runs.

22.30

Pitches this one up a bit and around off, Crawley gets on the front foot and plays it away to covers.

22.20

Back of a length and over middle, Zak Crawley hits it hard but mistimes it straight towards mid on.

22.10

Pitched up on the stumps, Zak Crawley smashes the straight drive and Shaheen Afridi gets hit on the follow-through as the ball rolls on the on side.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 22 overs : 107/1

J Root34 (58)

Z Crawley72 (73)

A Ahmed5-0-38-0

21.60

Tossed up on the stumps, Joe Root reaches out and blocks.

21.51

Floated up on the stumps, whipped away wide of mid on for a single.

21.42

Flighted away outside off, Zak Crawley plants his front leg across and hits it away wide of covers for a couple of runs more.

21.31

Tossed up around off, driven away on the full and through covers for another easy single.

21.31nb

Tossed up around middle, drifting in a bit, Root lunges forward to defend. Abrar Ahmed has overstepped though and a NO BALL is called.

21.21

A bit of flight on this one, bowled fuller and around off, Crawley leans on and pushes it past covers for one more.

21.11

Starts off on the shorter side and bowls it outside off, Joe Root presses back and hits it with the turn through the big gap at covers for a single in the deep.

Early spin then, Abrar Ahmed (4-0-31-0) to bowl.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 21 overs : 100/1

Z Crawley68 (70)

J Root32 (54)

S Afridi7-1-28-0

20.60

Drags the length back now, bowling it around the top of off, Crawley stays put and just dabs it down in front of covers to bring the first over of the day to a close. England are 100/1!

20.50

Everything seems to be coming off the middle of the bat for Crawley. Pitched up around off, hammered on the up but yet again, Crawley finds the fielder at covers.

20.40

This is overpitched now on the fifth stump line, Crawley plays another stellar cover drive but hits it straight to the fielder there.

20.34

FOUR! Fabulous shot to get things underway on Day 3! A tad full and outside off, inviting the drive and Zak Crawley obliges. Crawley just presses halfway forward and punches it on the up, creaming it past covers for a boundary.

20.20

Keeps it relatively full and angles the ball into the stumps, Crawley gets across and clips it with good timing but straight to mid-wicket.

20.10

Full and wide outside off, bowled from around the stumps, Zak Crawley leaves it alone and the ball dies down towards the keeper.

All in readiness for the start of Day 3! The umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Sharfuddoula Saikat were seen having a chat with the Pakistani players near the ropes, not quite sure what it was about. Pakistani players now stride out after a brief huddle talk and take their respective fielding positions. Joe Root, unbeaten on 32, and Zak Crawley on run-a-ball 64 to resume the innings for England. And again, there's some chatter around with the umpires and the Pakistani skipper Shan Masood. Reading his body language, Masood wasn't looking quite pleased. But we are still not sure what the discussion was about. Well then, they take their positions finally and Shaheen Afridi (6-1-24-0) will get the proceedings underway with the ball with England trailing by 460 runs. Let's play...

JUST IN - David Gower on-air informs that Ben Duckett is doing well now and will most probably come out to bat today. A huge positive news for the English camp. He was struck with a left thumb dislocation on Day 2 in the process of taking the catch at the first slip, and his left hand was strapped as well. He was seen doing the fitness drills and also played some football with his teammates before the start of the day.

As we look ahead to Day 3, the pitch remains largely favorable for batting, though some signs of wear have begun to appear. Late on Day 2, the ball showed hints of grip and turn, with occasional variable bounce as well, but that wasn't as threatening for the batters at all. The Bazballers will not flinch a bit from motoring the score at a good pace, being obedient to their new embraced strategy. Pakistan, on the other hand, will be eyeing the crucial first hour of play. They'll aim to exploit any early morning assistance and potentially variable conditions to make inroads. With both teams having clear objectives, we're set for a fascinating day of Test cricket. Stay tuned as the first ball of Day 3 isn't far away.

Pakistan, buoyed by their initial success, have since been met with resolute resistance. While Naseem and Shaheen posed threats in their opening spells, the pacers have found little assistance from the pitch. The spinners have shown glimpses of grip and turn, but Crawley, in particular, has taken an aggressive approach against Abrar. Pakistan has used four bowlers so far and only a spinner. Also, with the pitch expected to wear and tear in the remaining days, we might see more spin being deployed to ambush the English batters. But it remains to be seen how effective the bowlers can be on this flat track.

England faced an early setback with the loss of captain Ollie Pope for a duck, but Zak Crawley and Joe Root have since steadied the ship, scoring at a brisk pace and dampening Pakistan's hopes of a collapse. Their ability to navigate the critical first hour will be pivotal. There's also uncertainty surrounding Ben Duckett's possibility to come out to bat after he dislocated his left thumb, an unwelcome development for the English camp following their long stint in the field.

Hello and a warm welcome to our coverage of the third day of this first Test between Pakistan and England at Multan. It has been pretty much dominated by the batters so far and the pitch is still favourable for batting. After being toiled and sweated for almost two days with the ball, England has come up with a positive intent with the bat. Although, Pakistan has a huge cushion of lead at its disposal. This 'Moving Day' can shape the narrative of the game.

... DAY 3, SESSION 1 ...

Well then, that's a wrap from Day 2. Pakistan has bossed up this match so far and would aim to continue this momentum. England, on the other hand, would be aiming to ascend with their little surge towards the backend with two well-established batters unbeaten on the crease. Day 3 is known as the 'Moving Day' in Test cricket by the pundits. So let us see how in whose favor it moves, and who dominates it. Do join us on 9th October for Day 3. The action will begin at 5 am GMT. But as you all know, you can join us an hour early for the build-up. Take care, ADIOS!

Aamer Jamal is down for a quick chat. He talks about the catch he took and says that he sets his mind every delivery, hoping that one might come his way. Adds that so far they have bowled stump-to stump which is the way to go and given the pitch is low and slow, they should bowl more into the pitch. Mentions that they will come with a good mindset on Day 3 morning and get a good first innings lead.

So whom does this day belong to? A silly question, eh? Well, Pakistan has made England field in the heat of Multan for almost six sessions - which is two whole days and have notched up above 500 runs - supported by three centurions, a fabulous 82 by Saud Shakeel, and handy contributions by the lower middle order as well.

Pakistan, replicating their batting performance, came out all guns blazing with the ball. Afridi and Naseem Shah troubled the English top order and constantly tried to create chances here and there with threatening spells in tandem. All in all, it was a job well done kind of a day for Pakistan first of course, with the bat, while they could have done much better with the ball.

Determined to erase memories of their lackluster bowling display, England's batters strode out with an aim to strike back hard. However, their resolve was immediately tested as skipper Ollie Pope fell early. However, the alliance between Zak Crawley and Joe Root eased things up a bit for England as the two constructed a productive partnership. The pitch was still flat and good for the batters to pile up runs and the two effectively dashed the hopes of a collapse to see England through the session.

The English attack endured a grueling ordeal, toiling for 149 long overs for almost two days under the unforgiving sun. Jack Leach emerged as the bright spot, snaring three wickets, while Atkinson and Carse managed two apiece. Yet, their efforts were marred by a couple of dropped chances late in the innings, adding to their frustration.

Pakistan decided to continue to bat after Tea. With the ball not doing much at all, they decided to come out with an aggressive intent.  Salman Agha and Shaheen Afridi, sensing the docile nature of the pitch, forged a blistering partnership of 85 runs off just 103 balls. Agha led the charge, crafting a masterful century, while Afridi provided crucial support with some lusty blows. Their efforts propelled Pakistan to a formidable 556, leaving England's bowlers battered and weary.

STUMPS, DAY 2 - 3rd Session Summary - 31 overs, 137, runs, and 3 wickets. With 96/1 after being toiled and soaked out in the sun for two long days, England would be quite pleased with the way they negotiated with the bat in this session. Although they have a huge mountain to climb and are still trailing by 460 runs. Pakistan would have aimed to pick a wicket or two more after an early success, but they do have a huge cushion of lead at their disposal.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 96/1

J Root32 (54)

Z Crawley64 (64)

N Shah7-0-29-1

19.60

Safely negotiated! Perfect length in and around off, just nipping back in, Joe Root tentatively gets on the front foot and blocks it off the inner half of the bat and gets the ball back onto the front pad. That will be STUMPS ON DAY 2!

19.50

Pitched-up delivery, on the fifth stump line and angling away, Joe Root leaves it alone.

19.40

Banged in short now, a surprise bumper around off and middle, Joe Root leans back and sways away from the line of the ball.

19.31

Good length but drifted on the pads, Crawley flicks it away through square leg for a single.

19.21

Good length around off, Joe Root stays back and just dabs it away in front of point.

19.10

Just back of a length and around off, Joe Root hops back on his toes and solidly punches it out to extra cover.

Probably the last over of the day? Yes, Naseem Shah to bowl it out to wrap Day 2.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 94/1

Z Crawley63 (63)

J Root31 (49)

S Afridi6-1-24-0

18.62

Back of a length and wide of off, Crawley pounces on the width and slaps it away in front of sweeper cover for a couple of runs.

18.50

Ooh, that wasn't far away from the off pole! Pitches it full and on the fourth stump line, Crawley makes an assured leave and the ball just doesn't shape back in and goes to the keeper.

18.42

Back of a length around middle, worked away from the crease behind square leg for a couple of runs this time.

18.30

Nicely bowled and there's an appeal for LBW but it is turned down. Shaheen Afridi pitches this one a bit further up on middle and gets some shape back into the right-hander. Crawley gets pegged back and plays all over it, getting hit on the pads. Seemed high.

18.21

Hard length around the body line, Joe Root fends it off into the leg side and picks up a single as well.

18.11

Short of a good length and around leg, worked away down to fine leg for an easy single by Crawley.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 88/1

J Root30 (48)

Z Crawley58 (58)

N Shah6-0-27-1

17.60

A tad fuller and on a tight line around off, angling in, Joe Root blocks it right under the eyes.

17.51

Good length on the pads, flicked away off the inside edge and off the pads down to fine leg for a single.

17.44

FOUR! Just pumped away to the fence! Fractionally short over middle, Zak Crawley stands tall and plays a short-arm jab. The ball flies off the bat and goes over mid-wicket for another boundary.

17.30

Good length right around the top of middle, Crawley gets a foot forward and defends it out.

17.24

FOUR! Beautifully timed and a classy way to bring up the FIFTY from Zak Crawley, his 16th in Test matches. This is floated up on the pads and angling down leg, Crawley picks it off his legs and flicks it right in between fine leg and deep square leg for a boundary.

17.10

Seam-up delivery, served on a hard length and over off, Crawley solidly blocks it off.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 79/1

Z Crawley49 (53)

J Root30 (47)

S Afridi5-1-18-0

16.61

Just back of a length over middle, tucked away off the back foot through square leg for one more. Crawley moves on to 49 now.

16.51

Banged in short over middle, Root leans across and pulls it flat and towards deep square leg for a single.

16.40

Oh, that could have easily gone onto the stumps! Hard length, on a tight line around off and holding its line. Joe Root presses back to punch it away and gets an inside edge because of the low bounce.

16.30

Goes back to bowling over the wicket and drops it on a good length around off. Joe Root gets a stride across to block but the ball just nips back in and hits the flap of the pad before rolling back to the keeper.

16.20

Pitched up wide of off and angling it back in, Root gets across a bit and bunts it back onto the deck.

16.10

Comes around the wicket, serves it on a good length and attacks the stumps, Joe Root covers the line well and blocks it off.

Shaheen Afridi (4-1-16-0) is back into the attack, replacing Abrar Ahmed.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 77/1

J Root29 (42)

Z Crawley48 (52)

N Shah5-0-18-1

15.61

Hard length around off, played on the up and through covers for a single.

15.51

A touch full on leg again, whipped across to deep square leg for another single by Crawley.

15.41

Pitched up on middle, slanting onto the legs, flicked away down to fine leg for an easy single.

15.31

Banged in a bit short over middle, angling in, Zak Crawley looks to pull but gets an inside edge and the ball goes off the body to the off side. They pick up a quick single.

15.20

Pitches it up now on off and middle, Crawley stays put and just presents the full face of the bat at the ball, blocking it off again.

15.10

Hits the deck hard, bowling it in the channel around off, Crawley gets forward well and blocks it off.

Naseem Shah (4-0-14-1) is back on.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 73/1

Z Crawley46 (48)

J Root27 (40)

A Ahmed4-0-31-0

14.61

In the air, but in the gap as well! Nicely flighted around off, Zak Crawley looks to get forward and drive but ends up chipping with wide of mid off for a single.

14.54

FOUR! Stellar timing on that one and Abrar Ahmed is looking perplexed here. Fractionally short around middle, Crawley rocks back and punches it with a straight bat, just to the left of mid on and picks up yet another boundary.

14.40

The wrong'un now! Bowled flatter outside off, this one angles back into middle and leg, Crawley manages to flick it off the back foot towards mid-wicket.

14.30

Flatter trajectory, around middle again, Crawley plays it back to the bowler.

14.24

FOUR! Lovely use of the feet! Tossed up around middle, a bit slower, Crawley jumps out of the crease and whips it straight back down the ground for a boundary.

14.10

Nicely bowled, a bit tossed up, right on middle and dropping too. Crawley solidly blocks it off.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 64/1

J Root27 (40)

Z Crawley37 (42)

A Jamal3-0-12-0

13.62

Excellent running from these two! Slightly pitched up, wide of off, Joe Root takes a step or two across to the off side and caresses the ball in front of sweeper cover for a couple of runs.

13.50

Good length, attacking the middle stump now, Root covers the line well and punches it down to mid on.

13.44

FOUR! A touch of class from Joe Root here. Hard length around off, angling back in, Root hangs back and plays it late, gliding it off the face of the bat and perfectly in between first slip and gully for a boundary.

13.30

Short of a good length around middle and angling in, Root clips it straight to square leg.

13.22

Very full and wide of the off stump, Joe Root gets across to drive and jams it out wide of sweeper covers for a couple of runs.

13.10

Hard length outside off, Joe Root takes a couple of steps forward and strides across before blocking it in front of point.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 56/1

J Root19 (34)

Z Crawley37 (42)

A Ahmed3-0-22-0

12.63

Fractionally short around off, Joe Root uses the depth of the crease and carves it behind point for three more runs. Abrar Ahmed looks a bit frustrated as he has been expensive so far in his three overs, going for 22 runs.

12.51

Quick and short now on the stumps, tucked away onto the leg side for a single.

12.40

Speared in a bit on middle and leg, Crawley manages to block it off.

12.30

Fractionally short around middle, Zak Crawley rocks back and plays a short-arm jab straight to wide mid on.

12.20

Pushed through quick and flat on middle, Crawley rocks back to defend again.

12.10

Quicker through the air and darted into the pads, Crawley opts to defend it off the back foot.

Nasser on-air informs that Ben Duckett won't come out to bat this evening, even if a wicket falls here. He hasn't gone for the scans and can be seen sitting in the English dressing room, with his left hand heavily strapped. He took a huge blow on his left thumb when he took a sharp catch of Abrar Ahmed at the first slip to wrap Pakistan's innings.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 52/1

J Root16 (33)

Z Crawley36 (37)

A Jamal2-0-4-0

11.60

Nagging length outside off, Joe Root looks to get across and block but the ball just nips in a fraction and takes the inside edge to crash into the pads.

11.50

On the money! Pitched up a bit and attacking off and middle, Joe Root solidly blocks it off.

11.42

That's sloppy fielding from Abrar Ahmed. Full and drifted on the pads, flicked away straight to square leg where Abrar lets it through and the batters get a couple of free runs.

11.30

Pulls the length back a shade and keeps it in the channel outside off, Joe Root lunges across a bit and blocks it off.

11.20

Goes full and around off, trying to angle it back in, Joe Root gets to the pitch of the ball but mistimes the drive towards extra cover.

11.10

Just back of a length around middle and just angling back in, Root looks to work it away but plays around it and gets hit on the thigh pad.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 50/1

Z Crawley36 (37)

J Root14 (27)

A Ahmed2-0-18-0

10.60

Tossed up on off and middle, Crawley watchfully keeps it out.

10.50

Darted in quick and on off stump, Crawley blocks it off, just though.

10.44

FOUR! Dropped well short over the stumps, Crawley rocks back and takes on the pull, managing to hit it away well in front of square and the ball trickles into the fence.

10.30

Holds it back a touch and drifts it in from around off, Crawley reaches out and blocks it off the inner part of the blade to the leg side.

10.23

Slows it up wide of off stump, Joe Root reaches out to drive but gets an outside edge well wide of slip and rolls down to deep third. Three runs added to the total.

10.10

Bowled from the front of the hand, quicker too and angled into middle and leg, Root blocks it off.

Time for the last hydration break of the second day! Despite being rocked very early into the innings, England looks settled as of now with Zak Crawley and Joe Root scoring runs at a brisk pace. Both have added 39 runs in just 52 deliveries so far. Pakistan on the other hand, have asked all the tough questions to the Pakistani top order with Naseem Shah removing Ollie Pope on a duck, courtesy of a screamer catch by Aamer Jamal. England's aim would be to go unblemished without further damage till the end of the day as the pitch is still flat and good to bat on with no visible swing at all. Whereas, Pakistan would try to assert their dominance further with a couple of scalps from here. Abrar Ahmed to continue.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 43/1

J Root11 (25)

Z Crawley32 (33)

A Jamal1-0-2-0

9.61

Hard length outside off, Root strides across and taps it away wide of point for a single.

9.50

Keeps it full and a bit wide of off, Joe Root gets forward to drive but gets it off the toe end of the bat behind point.

9.40

Pitched up around off, Joe Root gets across a bit and punches it on the up towards mid on.

9.30

Hard length outside off, Root gets a stride across and pushes the ball away straight to gully.

9.20

Pitched up in the channel outside off, Joe Root gets well forward and blocks it off.

9.11

Begins with a fullish delivery, attacking the pads, Zak Crawley looks to flick and gets an inside edge off the pads down to fine leg for a single.

Double change. Aamer Jamal replaces Naseem.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 41/1

Z Crawley31 (32)

J Root10 (20)

A Ahmed1-0-11-0

8.63

Some spin there! Tossed up outside off and turning away, Crawley looks to block but does so with soft hands and gets an outside edge that goes wide of first slip and towards deep third. The batters pick up three easy runs.

8.54

FOUR! Pounces on the short one now and Zak Crawley is really getting a move along here. Fractionally short outside off, Crawley rocks back and cuts it away in front of point for another boundary.

8.44

FOUR! Tossed up around off, Crawley steps out again and gets to the pitch of the ball before hammering it to the right of mid off for a boundary.

8.30

Just drags the length back, bowling it around off, Crawley looks to step out but has to defend it out.

8.20

Full and outside off again, driven along the ground this time to cover.

8.10

Uppish but doesn't carry! Starts with a floater, bowled wide of the off stump, Zak Crawley reaches out to drive and almost chips it straight to the fielder at deepish cover.

Spin introduced now. Abrar Ahmed replaces Shaheen Afridi. A slip and leg slip ambushing the batter for him.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 30/1

J Root10 (20)

Z Crawley20 (26)

N Shah4-0-14-1

7.60

good length on middle, punched away straight back down the pitch.

7.50

Short of a good length and wide outside off, Joe Root punches it away with the swing and straight to covers.

7.40

On the fuller side around middle and angling back in, Joe Root flicks it away to mid-wicket.

7.30

Oh, that jumped off the deck! Naseem Shah hits the hard length outside off, Joe Root leans a bit to block but gets taken aback by the extra bounce and takes a blow on the gloves.

7.22

Pitched up and angled onto the pads, Joe Root leans on and flicks it away well past square leg for a couple of runs.

7.10

Back of a length over off and straightening down the line, Joe Root presses back and gets right behind the line to block it off.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 28/1

Z Crawley20 (26)

J Root8 (14)

S Afridi4-1-16-0

6.64

FOUR! Another glorious stroke from Zak Crawley to end the over. Overpitched and outside off, Crawley gets forward and smashes it on the up, this time to the right of extra cover for another boundary.

6.50

Hits the length hard and brings the line onto middle, Crawley stands tall and taps it just across to the leg side.

6.44

FOUR! Hammered away! Full and wide this time from Shaheen, Crawley gets well forward and plays a thumping drive square on the off side for a boundary.

6.30

BEAUTY! Pitches it full on off, threatening to angle in but this one goes across sharply as well. Crawley looks to drive at it but is late and the ball zips past the outside edge. There was a sound but probably that of the bat flicking the pad.

6.20

Nagging length on off, hitting the deck hard and going away, Crawley gets halfway forward and solidly defends it out.

6.10

Well left! Speared in full and just inches outside the off stump line, angling further away, Crawley watches it well and shoulders arms.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 20/1

Z Crawley12 (20)

J Root8 (14)

N Shah3-0-12-1

5.61

Pitched-up delivery on off stump, Crawley gets on the front foot and pushes it through covers for a single.

5.50

Another big appeal for LBW and again, the umpire says no. Full and straight, angled into the pads, Zak Crawley gets across a touch and looks to whip it leg side but plays all over the ball and gets pinged on the front pad. Shan Masood has another chat about the review but opts against it and once again the replays confirm that the ball would have missed leg stump.

5.40

Pitches the ball up on the pads and gets it to angle down leg, Crawley misses the flick.

5.31

Good running! Hard length at the stumps, some lift off the deck this time, Root nurdles it into the leg side and gets across for a single.

5.20

Hurls it across on a good length again and around off, Joe Root eases it away off the front foot to covers.

5.10

That was a prolonged appeal by Naseem Shah for LBW but the umpire remains unmoved. On a good length around off, nipping it across the right-hander. Joe Root gets a bit of a stride across and keeps it out on the off side. They all think it clipped the pad first but decide against the review and rightly so as the replays show that the impact was outside the line of off stump.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 18/1

Z Crawley11 (17)

J Root7 (11)

S Afridi3-1-8-0

4.60

Pitched up again, just a tad bit wide of the off stump, Crawley prods and lets it through to the keeper.

4.50

Pitched up full on off, Crawley drives it off the full face of the bat and straight towards mid off.

4.40

Nagging length, on a tight line around off, Zak Crawley looks to drive but it just isn't full enough and gets an outside edge on the bounce to Saim Ayub at gully.

4.30

Just back of a length and around off, Crawley is happy to leave this one alone.

4.20

Keeps it nice and full, attacking the off stump line, Crawley gets his bat down in time and jams it out towards cover.

4.10

That zipped through! Pitched up, on just a shade fuller length on the fourth stump line. This is pitches and zips across the defense of Zak Crawley and beats the outside edge.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 18/1

J Root7 (11)

Z Crawley11 (11)

N Shah2-0-10-1

3.60

Length ball, angling in a bit, around off, Joe Root lets the ball arrive and taps it off the back foot to the point region with soft hands.

3.50

Hard length, at the stumps, Joe Root knocks it on the surface with soft hands.

3.40

Naseem sprays it way down leg on a length, Root leaves. Mohammad Rizwan dives to his left and makes a sharp stop behind the wickets.

3.30

Hits the deck hard on off, Joe Root gets behind the line of the ball and punches it solidly to the surface.

3.21

Around off on a fuller length, Zak Crawley presses forward and taps it through point for a quick single.

3.12

Length ball, on off, Zak Crawley crunches it through cover-point for a couple of runs.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 15/1

J Root7 (7)

Z Crawley8 (9)

S Afridi2-0-8-0

2.60

A loud ambitious appeal for LBW, but the umpire is unmoved! Brings the line of attack closer on middle, on a fuller length with a bit of shape in, Joe Root attempts for another straight drive and plays over the line of the ball. The replays show that it took a healthy inside edge onto the pads.

2.54

FOUR! Trademark Root! Across off on a fullish length, Joe Root balances himself well, extends his arms with a straight bat face, middles it and drives it crisply down the ground for a boundary. Didn't try to hit it too hard, just pure class and timing on it.

2.40

Shade outside off on a good length, Joe Root covers the stumps and makes a tight leave on the back foot.

2.30

Too full and across off again, this is driven to point by Root.

2.20

Full and across off, Joe Root bends low with a half stride forward and lets it be.

2.10

Full and outside the off stump. Root leaves it alone to the keeper.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 11/1

Z Crawley8 (9)

J Root3 (1)

N Shah1-0-7-1

1.64

FOUR! Crunched away! Back of a length ball, just outside off, Zak Crawley stands tall and gets a good width to his benefit, gets on top of the ball and slaps the ball square through covers for a cracking boundary. A successful over though for Naseem and Pakistan as they got to see the departure of Pope.

1.50

Length ball, swinging away outside the off stump. Crawley leaves it alone.

1.40

Back of a length and outside the off stump, Crawley takes a half stride forward and leaves it alone.

1.33

Full and outside the off stump. Root presses forward and drives it through extra cover for three runs to get off the mark.

Joe Root is in at number 3.

1.2W

OUT! TAKEN! PLUCKED FROM THIN AIR! ABSOLUTE SCREAMER! Pakistan wouldn't have expected for a better start than this! Naseem Shah bowls it on a hard length, slightly nipping into the batter from middle, Ollie Pope positions himself on the back foot and pulls it flat in an attempt to get it past mid-wicket. He hits it hard and in the air towards the right of mid-wicket where Aamer Jamal dives to the direction of the ball and takes a wonderful one-handed catch in the air to dismiss the English skipper. Disappointment all over Pope's face as he departs on a two-ball duck. All the Pakistan players flock around Jamal and are all pumped up, and why not!

1.10

Naseem steams in from over the stumps and lands it on a good length with a bit of a shape, outside off, Ollie Pope slashes it away straight to point.

Naseem Shah to operate from the other end.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 4/0

Z Crawley4 (6)

O Pope0 (0)

S Afridi1-0-4-0

0.64

FOUR! Off the mark in style! Dishes out a full and wide one, Zak Crawley reaches out and opens the bat face quite a bit to squeeze it away well behind point for a boundary. England are 4/0 after the first over.

0.50

Hits the deck hard outside off, left alone and that's carried nicely to the keeper.

0.40

Good length outside off, swinging back in just a bit but Crawley makes another leave.

0.30

Nice and full outside off, angling away, left alone by the batter.

0.20

Ooh, that stayed low! Pitched up again outside off and angling it across, Zak Crawley reaches across to smash the cover drive but the ball goes under the willow.

0.10

On the money! Runs in from over the stumps and pitches the ball right up on middle, just a hint of inswing as well. Zak Crawley gets nicely onto the front foot and punches it straight back.

Commentary

We are back for England's first innings. The umpires and the players of Pakistan are out in the middle. As expected, Ben Duckett has not come out to open and it will be skipper Ollie Pope who will join Zak Crawley at the top of the order for England. Shaheen Afridi has the brand-new cherry in hand and is raring to go. Three slips and a gully in place, let's go...

... SECOND INNINGS ...

Right then, the game was getting away quickly from England as Day 2 went on but they have managed to pick up the last two wickets in succession but it is still a tall ask for them with the bat. If Ben Duckett doesn't open then they will have to improvise and make sure that they see the final session on Day 2 through. Join us in a bit as England's reply is up next.

Pakistan are right where they would have liked to be at the end of their first innings. A huge total on the board and more than enough time left in the final session to attack with the new ball. Day 2 though belonged to Salman Agha who's stellar ton to along with the other two centuries we saw on Day 1, has put Pakistan on top of things and their bowlers will be raring to go.

A bizarre 10 or so minutes towards the end of the first innings and Pakistan have managed to put on a massive 556 runs on the board. Abrar Ahmed handed a couple of chances to England which were missed and eventually, when he did fall it was at the expense of Ben Duckett suffering a possible dislocation of the left thumb. He is supposed to open the innings for England which seems highly unlikely now.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 149 overs : 556/10

A Ahmed3 (8)

S Agha104 (119)

J Root7-0-25-1

148.6W

OUT! CAUGHT! Finally, England have bowled out Pakistan after 149 overs. Root flattens the trajectory and quickens the pace of the ball, and angles it across the batter like a bumper. Abrar Ahmed is hurried into the shot as he arches back and looks to guide it down to deep third but it bounces a bit more. Abrar is late to slash it and it goes off the higher part and straight to Ben Duckett at the first slip who is quick to react and takes a very sharp catch by stretching his hands in the direction of the ball. Duckett though immediately signals to the dressing room and looks in huge discomfort. He probably has dislocated his left thumb. Pakistan end their first innings on 556.

148.52

IN THE AIR AND LANDS SAFE! Root tosses it up, on the stumps, Abrar charges down and heaves it downtown for a couple of runs behind mid on.

148.41

Length and down the leg. Agha paddles it to deep fine for a run.

148.30

Flights it up, on the stumps. Salman prods forward and defends it back.

148.20

This one turns away from outside off. Salman Agha backs away and fends it to his right.

148.10

Loopy delivery on the pads. Salman flicks it to square leg.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 148 overs : 553/9

A Ahmed1 (6)

S Agha103 (115)

J Leach40-5-160-3

147.60

Good length angling in. Abrar fends it to square leg.

147.51

Much full and on the leg stump line. Salman charges down and works it to long on for a run.

147.41

IN THE AIR AND DROPPED! Oh, my word! Slower through the air, on middle and turning away, Abrar Ahmed sits down for a sweep but is months early into the shot. Goes through and slices it up in the air over mid-wicket. Gus Atkinson backtracks it with a bit of a laboured chase, goes on to grab it with hard hands and drops an easy sitter. Allows one.

147.31

Dragged length, around middle and leg, Salman Agha rocks back and tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

147.20

Pitched on leg stump line, Salman knocks it to mid-wicket.

147.10

Tossed up at the leg stump line, Salman defends it on the leg side.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 147 overs : 550/9

A Ahmed0 (4)

S Agha101 (111)

J Root6-0-22-0

146.60

Fuller and outside off, Abrar drives it to mid off.

146.50

Flighted one at the stumps, Abrar defends it back to Root.

146.40

How has Jamie Smith missed that? Two days in the field probably taking on a toll here. Length-delivery and Root slows it through the air outside off. Abrar charges down the goes for a big heave but misses. The wicket-keeper Jamie Smith fails to collect the ball and misses a stumping chance as the ball pops out of his gloves.

146.31

Looped up around leg, Salman nudges it to mid-wicket for one.

146.20

A seam-up delivery. this is punched to covers.

146.10

Tossed-up delivery on the pads. Salman sweeps it to short fine and denies the single.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 146 overs : 549/9

A Ahmed0 (1)

S Agha100 (108)

J Leach39-5-157-3

145.60

Length ball outside off, Abrar clears his front leg, attempts for the big heave downtown and mistimes it over mid on.

Abrar Ahmed walks in as the last batter for Pakistan. So, no declaration yet.

145.5W

OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! Third wicket for Jack Leach! Leach lands it full and on off, it turns into the batter sharply, and stays a bit too low as well. Afridi attempts to play the slog sweep. He swings across hard but plays over the line and it turns in and rattles the sticks. Pakistan 9 down now on 549.

145.40

Bowled outside off, Afridi attempts the reverse sweep and misses.

145.31

3RD TEST HUNDRED FOR SALMAN AGHA IN JUST 108 BALLS! Played well with Saud Shakeel and now playing extremely well with the tailenders! Flighted down the leg side, Salman gets down on one knee and sweeps it very fine down to deep backward square leg for a single.

145.21

Length and at the stumps, Afridi rocks back and knocks it down to long on for a single.

145.11

Pushed through, flighted one down the leg stump, Salman Agha sits on his knee and paddles it to deep fine for a single. Salman Agha moves to 99 now!

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 145 overs : 546/8

S Afridi25 (46)

S Agha98 (106)

J Root5-0-21-0

144.60

Full at the stumps, Afridi blocks it on the pitch.

144.50

Flatter and at the pads, Afridi glances it to short fine with soft hands.

144.41

Root bowls it short and down the leg side, Salman turns it down to fine leg for a single.

144.31

Tossed up outside off, Afridi leans forward, and pushes it to the left of backward point for a single.

144.20

Tossed up outside off, Afridi leans forward, and blocks it out.

144.11

Looped at the stumps, Salman looks to work it away on the leg side but closes the bat face early, gets a leading edge towards deep third for a single.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 144 overs : 543/8

S Afridi24 (42)

S Agha96 (104)

J Leach38-5-154-2

143.60

Tossed up, pushed around leg stump line, Afridi defends it to mid-wicket.

143.50

Drifting down leg, Afridi nudges it to short fine leg.

143.40

Length ball at the stumps, Afridi defends it to the leg side.

143.36

SIX! Afridi into his 20s now! Lands it full and on leg stump line, Shaheen Afridi skips down to the pitch and swipes it aerially and across over deep mid-wicket for a six.

143.21

Short of a length and at the stumps, Salman pulls it down to deep mid-wicket for a single.

143.16

SIX! Salman goes to 95! Leach bowls a genuine half-volley on the stumps, Salman Agha gets to the pitch of the ball, middles it and tonks it over long off for six.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 143 overs : 530/8

S Afridi18 (38)

S Agha89 (102)

S Bashir32-3-124-1

142.60

Length, on the stumps, defended well.

142.50

Nagging length, at the stumps, Afridi blocks it on the pitch.

142.44

FOUR! Nice shot that! Short of a good length, outside off, Shaheen Afridi creates room by shuffling across and slaps it with a flat bat over covers for a boundary.

142.30

Pushed through, full and around off, Afridi defends off the front foot to cover.

142.21

Length ball at the stumps, Afridi gets behind the line and defends.

142.12

Tossed up and outside off, Salman gets down on one knee, looks to play the reverse sweep, but gets an a part of his gloves down to third man fence for a couple.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 142 overs : 523/8

S Afridi14 (34)

S Agha86 (100)

J Leach37-5-141-2

141.60

Full at the stumps, pushed back to the bowler.

141.50

Sharp turn, it comes back in, Afridi prods forward to defend, and wears on the back leg.

141.40

Length ball, at the pads, Afridi nudges it to short fine leg.

141.30

Pushed through, full and just around off, Shaheen Afridi lunges ahead and drives it to mid off.

141.21

Just outside off, Salman drags the sweep down to deep square leg for a single.

141.12

Loops it up, full and around off, Salman Agha strides ahead and eases it through the vacant cover region for a couple of runs.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 141 overs : 520/8

S Afridi14 (30)

S Agha83 (98)

S Bashir31-3-117-1

140.60

Bashir pulls his length, on middle, Shaheen Afridi goes deep inside the crease and punches it to mid-wicket with soft hands.

140.50

Drifting in on the pads, on a fuller length, knocked to mid-wicket.

140.40

Much fuller in length, Shaheen Afridi leans on and blocks it out.

140.30

Lands full and on the stumps, Shaheen Afridi plays it through the line and defends it out.

140.20

Tossed up around off, Afridi prods forward and defends it to cover.

140.10

Flat and on a good length, punched to the pitch by Shaheen.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 140 overs : 520/8

S Agha83 (98)

S Afridi14 (24)

J Leach36-5-138-2

139.60

Pitched up, full and on the stumps, Salman Agha gets forward and hits it back to Leach to end the over.

139.52

Salman knocks this length ball down towards the mid on region for a couple of runs.

139.40

Pushed through on off, defended well by Agha.

139.31

Short of a length and outside off, Shaheen Afridi slaps it to the right of diving Harry Brook at mid off who saves three runs for his side.

139.20

Tossed up delivery outside off, turns back in, Afridi tucks it to mid-wicket.

139.11

Jack Leach to continue from the other end. Lands it on a good length with a bit of a turn, outside off, guided away by Salman to deep third for an easy single.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 139 overs : 516/8

S Afridi13 (22)

S Agha80 (94)

S Bashir30-2-117-1

138.60

Bashir flights it up, at the stumps, Afridi blocks it.

138.50

Flatter delivery around off, Afridi defends it back to the bowler.

138.40

Flighted one around off, Afridi leans forward and defends on the off side.

138.30

Back of a length and at the stumps, Afridi punches it to cover.

138.21

Flighted delivery outside off, Salman steps down the track, hits it hard down the ground from the toe end of his blade for just a single.

138.10

Tossed up delivery around off, Salman defends it on the off side.

We are back for the final session on Day 2! The umpires are back out in the middle and so are the players of England. Salman Agha and Shaheen Afridi to resume their stay at the crease for Pakistan. Shoaib Bashir to continue after the break. Let's play...

... DAY 2, SESSION 3 ...

England, on the other hand, had another long session in the field where they had to endure a bit in the first hour with Salman Agha in full flow. However, they did mange to pick up a couple of quick wickets after the drinks break and it looked like they had a chance of finishing off the tail. However, they failed to bowl more deliveries at Shaheen Afridi as Salman frustrated them with his play. They will now look to come back out and pick up the remaining two wickets at the earliest. Join us at 10.02 am GMT for the final session on Day 2.

A session that belonged to one man - Salman Agha made his intentions clear right after the Lunch break, picking up 10 runs in the first over of the session and kept attacking from one end as Saud Shakeel hung around and trudged to his fifty. They did lose a couple of wickets in a short span of time but Salman once again took matters into his own hands and managed to score freely but also retain strike for the new over almost perfectly. Shaheen Afridi too hit a couple of lusty blows and gave ample support to Salman with his running between the wickets.

TEA BREAK, DAY 2! SESSION SUMMARY - 26 overs, 118 runs and 2 wickets. A hugely productive session for Pakistan after Lunch and they have easily piled on 500-plus runs with a couple of wickets still intact. There might be a decision to be made during the Tea break reading declaration whether it comes straight after Tea or sometime during the final session remains to be seen.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 138 overs : 515/8

S Afridi13 (18)

S Agha79 (92)

G Atkinson25-5-99-2

137.60

Goes full does Gus Atkinson, on middle and leg, Shaheen Afridi tilts ahead and clips it to mid-wicket. And that will be TEA ON DAY 2!

137.51

Short of a good length, Salman Agha glances it to deep square leg for a single.

137.40

Short at 128.2 kph, on the stumps, Salman Agha mistimes the pull shot off the toe end of the bat to short mid-wicket.

137.31

Back of a length, around off, Shaheen Afridi taps it to wide of point for a single.

137.21

Banged in short again, on the bodyline, Salman Agha hooks it in the air towards deep fine for a single.

137.10

Atkinson digs it into the surface, short and outside off, Salman Agha shows no interest to have a go at it.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 137 overs : 512/8

S Afridi12 (16)

S Agha77 (88)

J Root4-0-18-0

136.60

Looped up on the stumps, this is defended well by Shaheen.

136.50

Tossed up, full in length, Shaheen Afridi leans across and defends it out.

136.40

Root drags his length back a bit, around off, Shaheen Afridi goes back and across and blocks it off.

136.30

Full and on the stumps, Shaheen Afridi pushes it to cover.

136.24

FOUR! 50-run partnership is up between these two now! Root stays around the stumps and lands a half-volley on the stumps, Shaheen Afridi crouches a bit and lofts it across in the air over mid on for a boundary. The replays show that the ball lands just inside the ropes on the bounce.

136.10

Around the stumps, tossed up full and on off, Shaheen Afridi hits it across towards mid on.

Joe Root to roll his arm over now.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 136 overs : 508/8

S Afridi8 (10)

S Agha77 (88)

G Atkinson24-5-96-2

135.61

Back of a length, outside off, Shaheen Afridi dabs it to backward point for a single to end the over.

135.52

Short in length, outside off, Shaheen Afridi stands upright and slaps it through covers for a couple of runs.

135.41

Length-delivery, angling on the pads, Salman Agha helps it down to deep fine for a single.

135.30

Short and over the stumps, Salman Agha sways away from the line.

135.24

FOUR! Cracking shot that! Short again by Gus Atkinson, on middle, Salman Agha stands tall and brings the bat horizontally before pulling it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

135.10

Gus Atkinson charges in from over the stumps, bowls short and angling down leg, left alone.

Gus Atkinson is brought back in for a small burst before Tea.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 135 overs : 500/8

S Agha72 (84)

S Afridi5 (8)

J Leach35-5-134-2

134.61

500 up for Pakistan! Drifting on middle and leg, Salman Agha executes the sweep shot to deep square leg for a single to end the over.

134.50

Tossed up, on the stumps, pushed back to the bowler.

134.44

FOIR! Salt on the wounds of England here! Also, this brings up 1000 TEST RUNS for Salman Agha in 15 matches. Pitches up, on middle, Salman Agha reaches to the pitch of the ball and swipes across and over mid-wicket for a boundary.

134.30

An appeal for LBW but turned down by the umpire. A long chat between the English players and Ollie Pope eventually signals the 'T' to review it. This is tossed up, full and dipping in a bit with an in-drift on leg, Salman Agha does not sit properly to sweep it away and plays over the line of the ball. UltraEdge shows that there's no bat involved. Ball Tracking come sup and shows it is pitching outside leg. England burn a review here.

Half-hearted appeal for LBW not given. Ollie Pope has a long think about it and does eventually take the DRS. UltraEdge is checked first and it shows that the bat hit the ground and there is no spike when the ball passes the bat. Ball Tracking shows that it is pitching outside leg. NOT OUT and England lose a review as well. Ollie Pope is 0 for 13 in DRS calls, wow!

134.24

FOUR! Swept away! Too full and on leg, Salman Agha brings out the broom and beautifully sweeps it past backward square leg for a boundary.

134.10

Seeing Salman trying to access the reverse sweep, Leach slows it up and pitches full on off, Salman Agha is months early into his shot and wears it on the body.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 134 overs : 491/8

S Agha63 (78)

S Afridi5 (8)

S Bashir29-2-116-1

133.61

Flat and full, nudged to behind square for a single.

133.54

FOUR! Class written over it! Lands it full in length on off, Salman Agha clears his front leg and creates room before lofting it over mid off for a boundary. The ball lands on a bounce, just short inside the fence.

133.40

Tries to play the same shot does Salman Agha but misses to reverse sweep this fuller one this time.

133.34

FOUR! Innovative and effective! Bashir delivers a fuller one, pitching outside leg, Salman Agha sits down and reverse sweeps it to perfection through deep point for a boundary.

133.20

Wayward down leg, left alone.

133.12

Pitched full in length, on the stumps, Salman Agha dances down to the pitch of the ball and lofts it over the in-field over mid off for a couple.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 133 overs : 480/8

S Agha52 (72)

S Afridi5 (8)

J Leach34-5-125-2

132.61

Much full in length, this is worked away to the sweeper covers for a single to end the over.

132.52

8TH FIFTY IN TESTS FOR SALMAN AGHA, AND 3RD VERSUS ENGLAND! Slows it up, and drags his length, outside off and spinning away, Salman Agha negotiates it well and guides it behind to deep third for a quick couple of runs.

132.41

Full and on the pads, flicked away to square leg for a single by Shaheen.

132.30

A big shout by Leach for LBW, but the umpire shakes his head in denial. This is looped up, pitched outside leg and further spinning in, on leg, Shaheen Afridi sits down to slog it away but misses and it pings right on the box.

132.20

Stays 'round the wicket, lands full and on off, Shaheen Afridi leans ahead and keeps it out.

132.11

Around the wicket bustles Leach, lands a fuller one on the stumps, Salman Agha taps his front foot ahead and drives it with the spin and along the ground to long off for a single. He moves to 49!

Spin from both ends as Jack Leach is brought back into the attack.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 132 overs : 475/8

S Agha48 (69)

S Afridi4 (5)

S Bashir28-2-105-1

131.61

Full in length, again, turning in a bit as well, on middle and leg, Salman Agha sits down and sweeps it very hard but finds Jack Leach at backward square leg, who fumbles in the field and parries the ball to his left and allows a single.

131.50

Flighted one, full in length, Salman Agha leans on and eases it back to Bashir.

131.40

Tossed up, on the middle, Salman Agha pushes it to mid off.

131.30

Pitched up, full and on leg stump, Salman Agha works it to short fine.

131.20

Looped up, full and on middle and leg, nurdled away to short mid-wicket.

131.10

Full and fired down leg, left alone by Salman.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 131 overs : 474/8

S Agha47 (63)

S Afridi4 (5)

B Carse22-3-74-2

130.61

Sticks to bowling short-pitched bumpers, outside off, Salman Agha gets on his toes and uppercuts it over backward point for an easy single to end the over.

130.50

Sprays a short one down the leg stump line, Salman Agha misses to pull it away. Jamie Smith behind the stumps moves and dives low towards the ball's direction and makes a sharp interception.

130.40

Bowls a short one with a heavily loaded leg side field, Salman Agha rides on the bounce and pulls it straight to square leg.

130.30

Fired on a fuller length, on the stumps, Salman Agha responds with a solid front foot block to the leg side.

130.20

A short bumper pitched outside leg, ducked by Salman Agha.

130.11

Nagging length, outside off. Dabbed away to backward point for a single.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 130 overs : 472/8

S Agha46 (58)

S Afridi3 (4)

S Bashir27-2-104-1

129.64

FOUR! Showing some intent there, is Agha! This is pushed through by Bashir, on a fullish length, just around off and middle with a bit of turn, Salman Agha skips down the track to negate the turn and slaps it down the ground for a cracking boundary. He moves to 46.

129.50

Tossed up, full on the stumps, defended well by Agha on the front foot.

129.43

Full and tossed up on the stumps, Shaheen prepares himself for the slog but gets a healthy inside edge that runs behind to deep fine for a triple.

129.30

Nice and full, with a tinge of spin away from the southpaw, Shaheen Afridi plays inside the line and gets beaten on the outside edge.

129.21

Pitched outside leg, on fuller length, Salman Agha reverse sweeps it to wide of square leg for a quick single.

129.10

Pushed through, full and outside off, drive on the front foot to cover by Agha.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 129 overs : 464/8

S Afridi0 (2)

S Agha41 (54)

B Carse21-3-72-2

128.60

Short and outside off, Shaheen Afridi climbs on the bounce to fend it away but gets a splice of the bat to the off side. A successful over for England and Carse.

128.50

Length ball, outside off, Shaheen Afridi plays and misses.

Shaheen Afridi is the new batter in.

128.4W

OUT! LBW! BIG SHOUT FOR LBW AND GIVEN! Aamer Jamal after a brief chat with Salman Agha reviews it and challenges the on-field decision. This is short again, but it doesn't rise off the surface as anticipated by Jamal and skids and jags back in a touch as well. Aamer Jamal is cramped up for room as he tries to work it across the line but the lack of bounce gets the better of him and he ends up playing over the wrong line. Hence, gets a ping on the pads. UltraEdge shows nothing and Ball Tracking comes up with the ball clipping the middle stump on the umpire's call on the projection. Pakistan do not lose a review but they are 8 wickets down now. Brydon Carse gets his second one.

128.31

Identical length, but on the middle, Salman Agha rises the with bounce and pulls it along the ground to deep square leg for a single.

128.20

Keeps it short and outside off, again, Salman Agha this time is happy to leave it alone.

128.13

Bangs it into the surface does Brydon Carse, outside off, Aamer Jamal arches back and dabs it with a horizontal bat through backward point for three runs. Good running!

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 128 overs : 460/7

S Agha40 (52)

A Jamal4 (8)

S Bashir26-2-96-1

127.60

Slightly fuller in length, with a bit more revolutions on it, on middle and leg, Salman Agha strides ahead and pushes it with soft hands to short mid-wicket.

127.50

Down leg on a good length, left alone by Salman Agha.

127.40

Length ball, turning on the pads, this is tucked away to square leg on the back foot by Agha.

127.31

Looped up on a fullish length, on middle and off, Aamer Jamal lunges ahead and taps it to covers for a quick single.

127.21

Full in length, pushed through on middle, Salman Agha drills it down to long on for a single.

127.10

Pitched up, full and on middle and leg, flicked to short mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 127 overs : 458/7

A Jamal3 (7)

S Agha39 (47)

B Carse20-3-68-1

126.60

Wayward down leg, Aamer misses to flick it away and the keeper collects it behind the pegs.

126.52

Short of a good length by Carse this time, Aamer Jamal gets ahead on the front foot and carves it from outside off through point for a couple of runs.

126.51wd

WIDE! Over-the-head bumper by Carse, down the leg, Aamer Jamal sees the ball sailing over and Wide is called.

126.40

Short again, on the top of the sticks, Aamer Jamal pulls it straight to mid-wicket.

126.31

This is a short one, nipping in a touch, pulled away to deep square leg by Agha for a single.

126.21lb

This one just did not get up off the deck, pitched short in length angling down leg, Aamer Jamal sits down to duck it but it stays dramatically low on the bounce and hits Jamal's front thigh pad before rolling near the deck. They take a leg bye.

126.10

Short in length and on the bodyline, Aamer Jamal is happy to duck under it.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 126 overs : 453/7

S Agha38 (46)

A Jamal1 (2)

S Bashir25-2-94-1

125.62

Flighted-delivery just outside off, Agha leans forward to defend, but the ball straightens up a bit. Hence, Salman gets a thick outside edge past Root at slip, and runs down to deep third fence for a couple.

125.50

This is tossed up on off, Salman Agha blocks it off.

125.41

Jamal flicks this fuller delivery to deep mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark.

125.30

Tossed up and outside off, turns back in a touch, Jamal defends it to the surface.

Drinks! After a sedate first session, things have moved on with a brisk pace in the post-Lunch session. Pakistan have crossed 450 courtesy of a solid 7th wicket partnership between Saud Shakeel and Salman Agha of 57 runs. England's spinners were taken for a few hits by the two before Shakeel eventually fell for 82, missing his well-deserved century. With only Salman as the last recognized batter for Pakistan, England will aim to wrap up things before Tea.

125.2W

OUT! CAUGHT! A ripper of a delivery from Shoaib Bashir and Saud Shakeel has to walk back here. Bashir flights the ball up around middle and leg, tad fuller as well and gets it to dip on the batter. Shakeel lunges to block it with a straight bat but the ball grips and rips past the bat and just catches a bit of an outside edge. The ball goes down to the right of first slip where Joe Root takes a sharp catch and that will be the end of a fine knock from Shakeel as he made 82 (177).

125.10

Tossed-up delivery on the stumps, Shakeel pushes it away to the off side.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 125 overs : 450/6

S Agha36 (44)

S Shakeel82 (175)

J Leach33-5-120-2

124.60

Drags the length back bowling it around off, Salman Agha goes on the back foot and plays it away in front of point for no run.

124.50

Flighted ball on the stumps, kept out by Salman.

124.41

Shortens the length, bowling it around leg, Shakeel works it from the crease and behind square leg for a single. The 450 is now up for Pakistan.

124.30

Tossed up on the stumps, pushed away down to mid off.

124.22

Floated up on off and middle, Shakeel brings out the reverse sweep, smothers the spin and hits it past Brydon Carse at backward square leg for a brace.

124.13

Drifted into the pads, Salman Agha flicks it away fine and Brydon Carse has to give a long chase from around backward square leg. The batters race back for the third run.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 124 overs : 444/6

S Shakeel79 (172)

S Agha33 (41)

S Bashir24-2-91-0

123.60

Fuller one on middle, turning it away, Shakeel leans on and solidly blocks it off.

123.51lb

Almost bowls it seam-up now, a bit shorter and at the body, trying to cramp the batter for room. Salman Agha tickles it away towards short fine and picks up a single. Signalled as leg byes.

123.40

Shorter in length, quicker too and on off and middle, Salman Agha tucks it away to the leg side.

123.31

Good running! On middle, tapped away in front of covers for a quick single.

123.22

Sees the batter stepping out and slows up it, dragging the length back as well. Saud Shakeel holds his shape for a second more and checks the lofted shot, hitting it over covers for a couple of runs.

123.10

Quicker through the air, full and outside off, left alone by Shakeel.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 123 overs : 440/6

S Agha33 (39)

S Shakeel76 (168)

J Leach32-5-114-2

122.60

Drops the length short now, bowling it a bit slower over middle, Salman Agha flicks it away in front of square leg.

122.50

Stump-to-stump bowling! Full again and on the stumps, blocked off the front foot.

122.40

Tossed up on off and middle, Salman with another block off the front foot.

122.30

Nicely flighted on off, not too full and a bit of turn as well, Salman Agha gets well forward to make the block.

122.20

Flighted up, on a dragged length and around off, Salman rocks back to keep it out on the off side.

122.11

Bowls it pretty full and on the pads, Shakeel flicks it away well in front of mid-wicket and turns the strike over.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 122 overs : 439/6

S Shakeel75 (167)

S Agha33 (34)

S Bashir23-2-88-0

121.61

Drags his length, and flattens the trajectory does Bashir, keeps it around off, Saud Shakeel leans on and taps it through covers for a quick single.

121.50

In the blockhole, on middle, Saud shovels it out back to the bowler.

121.41

Fuller in length and at the stumps, Salman leans ahead, works it with the spin, down to long on for a single.

121.30

Pitched up, around middle and leg, Salman presses forward and defends.

121.20

Further down leg on a fuller length, Agha leaves.

121.10

Shoaib Bashir delivers a tossed up ball, sliding down the leg side, Salman misses the tickle.

Getting a bit breezy out there in Multan. A bit of relief especially for the English players. Also, a change in bowling. Spin in tandem now, Shoaib Bashir (22-2-86-0) is back into the attack, replacing Woakes.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 121 overs : 437/6

S Shakeel74 (165)

S Agha32 (30)

J Leach31-5-113-2

120.60

On the pads, nudged away to the leg side.

120.50

Flighted up around middle, kept out by Shakeel.

120.40

Tossed up on leg, Shakeel uses his feet and clips it away to wide mid on.

120.30

Flighted up on the pads, nudged away with soft hands to square leg.

120.21

Slanted into the stumps, Salman Agha plays it from the crease and tucks it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

120.10

Quicker through the air, a bit full and on middle, blocked off the front foot.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 120 overs : 436/6

S Shakeel74 (161)

S Agha31 (28)

C Woakes23-5-69-1

119.60

Another maiden for Woakes and it seems like Shakeel is just going to hang around. Slower one, pitched up a bit and bowled wide of off, left alone by Shakeel.

119.50

Bowled on a fuller length around off, Saud Shakeel looks to drive it away but mistimes it off the toe end towards mid off.

119.40

Back of a length, angled into the body, tucked away towards mid-wicket.

119.30

Slower one, floated up on middle and off stump, Shakeel leans on and defends it out with soft hands.

119.20

Pitched up on off, just nibbling away a bit, Shakeel blocks it a bit off the outer half of the blade and towards cover.

119.10

Back of a length and outside off, Shakeel presses back a bit and taps it away in front of point.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 119 overs : 436/6

S Agha31 (28)

S Shakeel74 (155)

J Leach30-5-112-2

118.60

Darted in a bit around off, Salman Agha stays put and watchfully blocks it off.

118.50

Floated up around off, pushed away towards covers.

118.44

FOUR! A good battle brewing here between Jack Leach and Salman Agha but at the moment, the latter is winning handsomely. A half-tracker on middle, Salman picks it early and rocks back before muscling it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

118.30

Quicker through the air and around off, punched away straight to covers.

118.20

Tossed up around middle, grips a bit, Salman Agha presents the full face of the bat and plays it towards mid off.

118.10

Pushed through flatter and outside off, this one keeps low but Salman manages to keep it out on the off side.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 118 overs : 432/6

S Shakeel74 (155)

S Agha27 (22)

C Woakes22-4-69-1

117.60

Shortens the length a bit and bowls it into the batter, Shakeel tucks it away to the leg side. Maiden!

117.50

Another change up from Woakes as he bowls sort of a knuckle ball, gets it very full and outside off. This one dips late and Shakeel has to dig it out.

117.40

Beauty! Just rolls his fingers over the ball and serves it on a nagging length around off, this one angles in and moves away a bit. Shakeel looks to play at it but is beaten past the outside edge.

117.30

Back of a length and outside off, Shakeel stays back and upright before tapping it straight to point.

117.20

Good length outside off, this one gently swings away and Shakeel shoulders arms at it.

117.10

Bowled on a hard length around off, Shakeel hangs back and nudges it down towards gully.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 117 overs : 432/6

S Agha27 (22)

S Shakeel74 (149)

J Leach29-5-108-2

116.60

Flighted ball on the stumps, Salman Agha keeps it out.

116.50

Quicker one around off, punched away square on the off side.

116.46

SIX! BANG! Salman Agha doesn't care and nails the big shot this time. Drifted into middle and leg, Salman skips down the pitch and makes room before whacking it over long on for another biggie.

116.36

SIX! Oh, that would have been one of the catches of the entire year but Chris Woakes was just a millisecond or so early and it will be a six. Tossed up on middle, Salman Agha steps out and looks to go straight down the ground but ends up slicing up high and towards the long off fence. Woakes there backtracks and completes the catch but his momentum is taking him over. He lobs the ball back up, does a 360 over the ropes and then leaps back up to complete the catch. However, the replays from behind the fence show that his right leg was just in contact with the ground when he made contact with the ball again and Salman will be a relieved man.

Has Woakes managed to catch it cleanly? A tremendous effort by him at long off. He times his jump well and manages to reverse-cup the ball over his head. But loses the balance and goes behind the ropes with the momentum. Flicks the ball back into the field of play, gains his balance, and completes the catch. Although, the TV umpire checks whether he has executed the job cleanly. And to his and England's disappointment, it is deemed that Woakes' right leg was in contact with the ground while the ball was in his hand. He cleanly lifts his left leg in the air but is just milliseconds late to do that with the right leg. This is what the TV umpire thinks here. Hence, NOT OUT! The English players are visibly not happy with the decision, but Woakes had to get nearly everything spot on. Salman Agha was already walking back to the hut but survives eventually. Margin of milliseconds there. Tough luck for England, who have bowled 116 overs now. It will surely be a matter of debate in the cricketing circles as from one angle, it looked like a clean catch, but the benefit of the doubt goes with the batter.

116.21

A bit fuller on leg, flicked away towards mid-wicket for a single by Shakeel.

116.10

Flighted up around the pads, played with soft hands and nudged away around the corner.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 116 overs : 419/6

S Shakeel73 (147)

S Agha15 (18)

C Woakes21-3-69-1

115.61

Good length on off, jagging back in a bit late, Shakeel looks to play on the up but gets an inner edge that goes through mid-wicket. They pick up a single.

115.52

Short of a length and outside off, Shakeel waits back and just dabs it past the diving man at short third for another brace.

115.40

On a good length and still, a fair bit outside the line of off, Shakeel makes another leave.

115.30

Slower one, floated full and wide outside off, Shakeel watches it well and leaves it alone.

115.20

Oh, nearly chopped on! Nagging length around off, Shakeel leans across to play at it but it isn't full enough and goes off the under side of the gloves and past the stumps.

115.12

Pitched up wide of the off stump, Shakeel comes forward and forces the drive through covers for a couple of runs. He has taken a middle-stump stance and is looking to get across to the off side.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 115 overs : 414/6

S Shakeel68 (141)

S Agha15 (18)

J Leach28-5-95-2

114.61

On the pads, nicely tucked away past square leg for one more by Shakeel.

114.51

On a dragged length around off, tapped away behind point for a single by Salman Agha.

114.42

Salman Agha showing some range in his sweeps now. Floated up on middle and leg, Salman gets inside the line and plays the dab sweep fine of short fine leg for a couple of runs.

114.30

A bit flatter and on off, Salman defends it out on the off side.

114.24

FOUR! Top shot! Tossed up on the stumps, Salman Agha gets down on one knee and brooms it hard and flat and in just front of square for a boundary.

114.10

Fired in at the toes, Salman Agha blocks it off.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 114 overs : 406/6

S Shakeel67 (140)

S Agha8 (13)

C Woakes20-3-64-1

113.60

Maiden! Pitched up on the fifth stump line and going straight on, Shakeel makes another leave and not a single shot attempted in that over by Shakeel.

113.50

A lot fuller and wide of the off stump, wanting to induce the drive, Shakeel gets his body across and leaves it alone.

113.40

On a hard length outside off and this one goes straight on, Shakeel doesn't play at it.

113.30

Nice and full outside off, another one that angles back in and Shakeel makes yet another leave.

113.31nb

NO BALL! Bowls it a bit fuller and outside off, angling it in, Shakeel gets a stride across and makes another comfortable leave.

113.20

On a good length and in the channel outside off,  Shakeelshoulders arms at this one.

113.10

Pitches it up, wide of the off stump line, Shakeel lets it through to the keeper.

Chris Woakes (19-3-63-1) to bowl the next over.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 113 overs : 405/6

S Agha8 (13)

S Shakeel67 (133)

J Leach27-5-87-2

112.60

Slows it up and flights it on the stumps, Salman Agha blocks it off but 10 runs come off that over and Pakistan have breached the 400-run mark as well.

112.50

Full and darted onto the pads, Salman pushes it down to mid on.

Halt! After striking a couple of fours, Salman Agha has called for a change of bat, maybe it has taken a bad hit. The reserve player runs out from the Pakistani dugout with a couple of bats. Agha chooses one and is good to go.

112.44

FOUR! More aggression from Salman Agha after the break. Tossed up around iff, turning away, Salman steps out and thumps it away over wide mid off for a boundary and looks like he needs a change of bat.

112.30

Nice and full on middle, Salman blocks it off.

112.20

Flighted ball, on a nagging length and on the pads, nudged away around the corner for no run.

112.14

FOUR! Perfect start for Salman Agha and Pakistan after the break as Salman gets off the mark in style. Looped up, full and outside off, Salman gets forward and drives it firmly through covers for a boundary.

Welcome back for the post-Lunch session, folks! Sun shines in full glory over Multan as the players walk out to the field. English players, after a small team talk spread out to their respective fielding positions. Saud Shakeel unbeaten on 67, and Salman Agha to resume their innings for Pakistan. Jack Leach (26-5-79-2) will bowl the first over of the second session with a slip and a silly point in place. Let's play...

... DAY 2, SESSION 2 ...

Well then, the first session of Day 2 has flown by. Pakistan still looks in control here as they are nearing the 400 mark. But, England would be pleased as they saw the back of Mohammad Rizwan on a duck, who could have proved to be a resilient customer on the pitch. Although, they have their task cut out and still have four wickets to claim. Saud Shakeel stands unbeaten on 67 and would aim to extend his inning further. Will England come hard on the opposition? Or can Pakistan breach above 450? Do join us for a riveting post-Lunch session after 40 minutes.

England, for their part, had a disappointing initial hour. The seamers found little assistance from the pitch, and their deliveries were met with cautious defense. Shoaib Bashir managed to extract some turn with his spin, but England remained unable to secure that elusive first wicket of the day on a batting-friendly surface. Just as it seemed England had exhausted their plans, Brydon Carse broke through, claiming his maiden Test wicket and ending the team's wicketless drought. And as they say, one brings two, Jack Leach too chipped in with a pricy wicket towards the end of the session.

Building on their strong start from day one, Pakistan continued to assert their dominance. Saud Shakeel and nightwatchman Naseem Shah skillfully navigated the crucial first hour, steadily accumulating runs. Shakeel reached a milestone, notching his seventh Test half-century, while Naseem displayed remarkable resilience too. The latter even managed to clear the ropes a few times, surpassing his previous best score of 18. Their 64-run partnership proved to be a source of frustration for the English attack. Although they lost two quick wickets, and notably, Mohammad Rizwan who was expected to build on another partnership with Shakeel, couldn't even trouble the scorers.

LUNCH, DAY 2 - Session Summary - 26 overs, 69 runs, 2 wickets. A pretty much mixed session but England would be fairly satisfied as they walk into the sheds. It was a slow, sedate, and monotonous first hour of the day, to be fair and it became increasingly evident that the pitch heavily favored the batters. It looked like the session was going Pakistan's way as England's bowlers toiled and sweated relentlessly for breakthroughs. But the second half of the first session brought some delight for the tourists as they managed to claim two in a quick interval.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 112 overs : 397/6

S Shakeel67 (133)

S Agha0 (7)

G Atkinson23-5-88-2

111.60

Safely negotiated and that will be LUNCH ON DAY 2! Bowled from over the wicket now and banged in over leg stump, Shakeel gets inside the line and pulls it down on the bounce to the man at leg gully.

111.50

Tries the slower one now, bowled a bit fuller and this one angles across and almost skids across the turf. Shakeel looks to pull but gets it off the cue end of the bat.

111.44

FOUR! Banged in halfway down the track now and at the bodyline, Saud Shakeel takes it on and pulls it aerially just behind square leg for a boundary. A ring of fielders in front of square close in now, looking for a catching opportunity.

111.30

Hard length around the top of off, Shakeel stays on the front foot and taps it away to covers.

111.20

Back of a length again, angled just down leg, looking to strangle Shakeel down the leg side. Shakeel did go after it but failed to connect.

111.10

Back of a length over middle and angling in, Shakeel pushes it down in front of mid-wicket.

Last over before Lunch now. Atkinson to continue and wrap up the first session.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 111 overs : 393/6

S Agha0 (7)

S Shakeel63 (127)

J Leach26-5-79-2

110.60

Lobbed up quite full this time and on middle and leg, this is driven gently towards mid on. Another maiden and the scoring rate has really slowed down now.

110.50

Tossed up on the stumps again, Salman gets a good stride in and keeps it out.

110.40

This is drifted into middle and leg, looking to turn it away, Salman Agha leans on to make the block.

110.30

Floated up around middle, Salman blocks it down the pitch.

110.20

Tossed up full on off, Salman Agha drives it away to mid off and looks to get off the mark but Shakeel sends him back.

110.10

Flighted ball, pushed away onto the off side.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 110 overs : 393/6

S Shakeel63 (127)

S Agha0 (1)

G Atkinson22-5-84-2

109.60

Banged in a bit and around middle and leg, this one holds its line, Shakeel looks to leave but gets thumped onto the thigh guard.

109.50

Gus Atkinson is unable to get his line right here as he spills another one well down the leg side.

109.40

Pitched-up delivery on off, Saud Shakeel easily blocks it off.

109.30

Looks to bowl a bit full and into the pads but angles it a fair bit down the leg side.

109.20

Keeps hitting the deck hard but brings the line onto off and middle, Shakeel stays upright and blocks it off.

109.10

On a hard length and angled down the leg side from around the stumps, Shakeel leaves it alone.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 109 overs : 393/6

S Agha0 (1)

S Shakeel63 (121)

J Leach25-4-79-2

108.60

Flighted up, around off Salman Agha watches it all the way and keeps it out.

Salman Agha is in at number 8.

108.5W

OUT! CAUGHT! That's poor batting from Mohammad Rizwan and England will gladly take a cheap wicket here. Jack Leach tosses the ball up around middle, Rizwan tries to break the shackles and looks to step out and go over mid off. However, he gets too close to the pitch on the ball and ends up just chipping it to mid off where Chris Woakes takes a simple catch. A quick double blow here for Pakistan and they are now 393/6 as Riozwan departs for a twelve-ball duck.

108.40

Nice and full on the stumps, kept out by Rizwan.

108.30

Nagging length on off, gently turning away, Rizwan keeps it out again.

108.20

Pretty full, dropping it onto middle and leg, Rizwan plays it on the full and down the pitch.

108.11

Good length, on the pads and turning in, enough time for Shakeel to rock back and flick it away in front of square leg for a single.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 108 overs : 392/5

M Rizwan0 (8)

S Shakeel62 (120)

G Atkinson21-4-84-2

107.60

Maiden! Nagging length on off, Mohammad Rizwan blocks it off again.

107.50

Just back of a length and around off, Rizwan gets halfway forward and has ti lean back a bit to keep it out.

107.40

Keeps the length full and gets the line correct. Around off, Rizwan defends it off the front foot.

107.30

Fuller and even further down leg, Rizwan leaves it alone.

107.20

On a good length and angling down leg, Rizwan misses the flick.

107.10

Pitched up a bit around off, not all that full, Rizwan leans on and is a bit taken aback but manages to keep it out on the off side.

Brydon Carse got a wicket in his last over but Gus Atkinson (20-3-84-2) has been brought into the attack from that end after Carse's five-over stint.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 107 overs : 392/5

S Shakeel62 (120)

M Rizwan0 (2)

J Leach24-4-78-1

106.64

FOUR! Nailed! Too full and on the pads, Saud Shakeel gets down on one knee and sweeps it away hard and well in front of deep backward square leg for a boundary.

106.50

Flighted, full and on off and middle, Shakeel defends it off the front foot.

106.40

On the pads, Shakeel nudges it away to the leg side.

106.30

On a slightly dragged length around middle and leg, Shakeel blocks it off.

106.20

Fuller in length, tossed up on middle and leg, Shakeel takes the front leg out and clips it towards mid-wicket.

106.10

Attacking the stumps, Shakeel keeps it out.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 106 overs : 388/5

M Rizwan0 (2)

S Shakeel58 (114)

B Carse19-3-64-1

105.60

A wicket-maiden for Brydon Carse! Bowled back of a length over middle, angling it across, Rizwan rides the bounce well and keeps it down on the off side.

105.50

Hard length, attacking middle and leg, Mohammad Rizwan stays back and dabs it away onto the leg side.

Mohammad Rizwan is in at number 7.

105.4W

OUT! CAUGHT! Finally, some relief for England and Brydon Carse now has his first Test wicket. You can see the joy on his face as he has worked really hard for it. Comes from around the wicket now with a slip and leg slip in place. This is just slipped down on the pads at around 138 clicks, Naseem Shah looks to flick it away but ends up nurdling the ball towards leg slip. Harry Brook there takes a sharp low catch in front of him and England have their fifth wicket. Naseem Shah departs for a valuable 33 (81) and the 64-run stand for the fifth wicket comes to an end.

105.30

Banged in well short on middle and leg but it angles down leg and Shah is able to duck under it.

105.20

Dishes out a full and wide one, Naseem Shah isn't expecting it but does well to jam out an angled bat at it. The ball goes quickly towards point.

105.10

Back of a length and on a tight line around off, Shah hops back and just about manages to keep it out.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 105 overs : 388/4

S Shakeel58 (114)

N Shah33 (77)

J Leach23-4-74-1

104.60

Floated up, a bit full and outside off, inviting the false drive. Shakeel just leans on and pushes it away to covers.

104.51

Fuller in length and at the stumps, Shah drives it to the left of mid on and Ollie Pope dives over the ball, letting it through for a single.

104.40

Pushed through around off, a bit quicker too, Shah plays it away towards cover.

104.30

Flatter and on a length around middle, kept out by Shah.

104.26

SIX! Oh, wow! That is some shot from Naseem Shah. Tossed up on middle and leg, turning away, Shah is tempted as long off is brought inside the would-be inner ring and he is up to the challenge. Steps out and goes inside-out over wide long off, holding the pose as well and gets another six.

104.10

Nicely flighted, around middle and just getting some drift, Naseem Shah leans on and blocks it down the pitch.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 104 overs : 381/4

N Shah26 (72)

S Shakeel58 (113)

B Carse18-2-64-0

103.61

Back to over the wicket and attacking the stumps, Shah nudges it away in front of square on the leg side and picks up a single.

103.61nb

At 139.8 clicks, banged in around leg stump, not rising high and Shah ducks under it. Another NO BALL as Carse has nothing behind the line yet again. Frustrating to bowl extra deliveries when you have been toiling hard in the field.

103.50

Changes the angle of attack by coming around the wicket and looks to angle one across from around leg stump. Naseem Shah blocks it off.

103.51nb

A surprise fuller delivery now, on off and middle, Shah is able to get his bat down in time and keeps it out. Carse has overstepped though and a NO BALL is called.

103.40

Hard length, at almost 143 clicks and around the top of off, Naseem Shah presses back a bit and solidly blocks it off.

103.31

Hard length on the pads, worked away off the hips down to fine leg for an easy single.

103.20

Shortens the length now and bowls it over off, Shakeel lifts one leg and stylishly pulls it away to Gus Atkinson at a deepish mid-wicket.

103.10

Hard length, at 142.4 clicks and angled down the leg side, Shakeel leaves it alone.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 103 overs : 377/4

N Shah25 (67)

S Shakeel57 (110)

J Leach22-4-67-1

102.60

On a dragged length and angled into the pads, Naseem Shah goes on the back foot and nudges it behind short leg.

102.50

Flighted ball on off and middle, Shah defends it on the off side.

102.46

SIX! Up, up and away! That is a clean strike from Naseem Shah and this is now his highest score in Test cricket. Lobbed up around middle and leg, Shah dances down the track and smokes it away over wide long on for a biggie.

102.30

Slows it up a bit and drifts it into middle and leg, Shah opts to block it off.

102.20

Pushed through a bit flatter on off, skidding through, Shah jams this one out on the off side.

102.10

Comes from around the stumps and darts one in full, on middle and leg, Naseem Shah leans on and blocks it down the strip.

Spin replaces spin from the other end. Jack Leach (21-4-61-1) replaces Shoaib Bashir.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 102 overs : 371/4

S Shakeel57 (110)

N Shah19 (61)

B Carse17-2-60-0

101.60

Just short of a length around middle, this one climbs up on the batter but Shakeel manages to keep it down on the leg side.

101.50

Hits the deck hard and tries to attack the bodyline but this is spilled down the leg side.

101.40

Short and over middle, Shakeel hops back and stylishly half-pulls it towards mid-wicket.

101.30

Back of a length and angled into the rib cage, Shakeel hops and keeps it down towards mid-wicket.

101.22

Hard length around off, Shakeel stays upright and just punches it away through the huge gap in front of point for a couple of runs more. Brydon Carse has a think about chasing it himself but trips and falls. Thankfully, he is fine.

101.11

Back of a length and around off, Shah leans back a bit and plays a late dab wide of deep third for a single. Shah wanted a second there but it wasn't on.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 101 overs : 368/4

S Shakeel55 (105)

N Shah18 (60)

S Bashir22-2-86-0

100.60

Tossed up and angling into middle and leg, Saud Shakeel steps out and shimmies to the leg side but ends up just pushing it towards mid off.

100.50

Quick and flat, bowled around middle, Shakeel easily keeps it out.

100.40

Nice and full, attacking the stumps, Saud Shakeel bunts it out in front of covers.

100.31

This is tossed up on middle and leg, Naseem Shah skips down the track and heaves it away off the inner half of the blade through mid-wicket for a single.

100.20

The length is shortened and this is bowled around off, Shah presses back and jams it out on the off side.

100.11

Tossed up, quite full and on off, stroked away into the vacant cover region for a single by Shakeel.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 100 overs : 366/4

N Shah17 (58)

S Shakeel54 (101)

B Carse16-2-57-0

99.60

Just back of a length and around middle, this one nips back in, Naseem Shah is beaten and the ball goes off the thigh pads straight to Joe Root at first slip who spills it. Thnakfully, there wasn't an inside edge on that one.

Ouch! That must have stung him! Naseem has taken a blow on his bowling finger of the right hand and straightaway takes off his glove. The physio is out with the magic spray and does its job as always. He looks good to continue now.

99.50

Just short of a length and bowled at a brisk pace as well. This is angled in towards the body and Shah gets a blow on the gloves as he looks to fend it away.

99.40

Banged in short now, around off and angling it in, Naseem Shah ducks under it with ease.

99.32

Hard length on the pads and at 140.4 clicks, Naseem Shah just chips it away off the pads and over the square leg region for a couple of runs.

99.20

Over the wicket to the right-hander, around middle and fractionally short, Naseem Shah awkwardly tucks it away past short leg.

99.11

Dug in a bit short and angled in at the body from around the stumps, Saud Shakeel brings the bat in front and bunts it down just to the on side for a single.

Drinks break! A bit of a sedate session to start off Day 2 so far but the big highlight is that England haven't managed a breakthrough and even the night watchman has looked fairly comfortable. There has been the odd edge but that hasn't even carried and it seems like this pitch is still pristine for batting. Let's see if the visitors can pick up a wicket or two before Lunch.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 99 overs : 363/4

N Shah15 (53)

S Shakeel53 (100)

S Bashir21-2-84-0

98.60

Length ball at the stumps, Naseem tucks it to mid-wicket.

98.50

Drags his length, around middle, and gets a sharp turn back in, Naseem Shah looks to work it away on the leg side, but misses and wears on the thigh pad.

98.40

Sharp turn, going down leg, Naseem misses the flick and wears on the front pad.

98.30

Pushed through full and on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

98.21

Flighted one, around off, slower through the air, Shakeel leans forward, hits it to the right of cover and sneaks a quick single.

98.10

Spun outside off, on a fuller length, left alone by Saud Shakeel.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 98 overs : 362/4

N Shah15 (49)

S Shakeel52 (98)

B Carse15-2-54-0

97.60

A short one from over the stumps, Naseem Shah is happy to duck it and leave.

97.51

Hard length, attacking the pads, Saud Shakeel glances it away to deep backward square leg for a single.

97.40

Around the pegs, down the leg stump line, Saud Shakeel tries to flick it away but misses.

97.31

Back of a length, around off, Naseem hangs back, taps it in front of cover and steals a quick single..

97.20

An appeal for caught behind by the English players but the umpire is unmoved. Pope is at gully and is dependant on the wicket-keeper Jamie Smith, but gets no positive response from him and they do not opt for a review. This is on a hard length, down the leg side, Naseem tries to tickle it off the back foot but misses to the keeper. However, the replays do show that there was a faint murmur but off Naseem's thigh pad.

97.10

Brydon Carse replaces Atkinson and bowls a short one first up, angling down leg, left alone by Naseem.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 97 overs : 360/4

S Shakeel51 (96)

N Shah14 (45)

S Bashir20-2-83-0

96.64

FOUR! 7TH TEST FIFTY FOR SHAKEEL IN 13 MATCHES! A well-constructed innings by the left hander. Shoaib Bashir keeps bowling on a fuller length, on the stumps, Saud Shakeel predicts the length quite early, sits down and brings out the broom. Drags the sweep through square leg for a boundary.

96.51

Lands it full, and in front of the sticks, Naseem Shah lunges ahead and drives it to long on for a single.

96.40

Pushed through, full and on off, Naseem Shah leans ahead and eases it back to Bashir.

96.30

Tossed up and around off, Naseem prods forward and defends.

96.26

SIX! 350 up for Pakistan! Naseem Shah would surely have enjoyed that! Tossed up, full and turning on middle, Naseem Shah skips down the track, gets his bat underneath it properly, middles it and tonks it over long on for a six. Into the double figures is Naseem.

96.10

Drifting on the pads, on a length, Naseem Shah pads it away.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 96 overs : 349/4

S Shakeel47 (95)

N Shah7 (40)

G Atkinson20-3-84-2

95.60

Length-delivery, angling on off, Saud Shakeel pats it off the back foot to mid on.

95.51

Edged, over the slips and safe! Good length, outside off from Gus Atkinson, Naseem Shah pushes at it with hard hands, gets a healthy outside edge that flies over the slips and dribbles to the deep for a single. The deep third fielder does well to cut the ball off to his right.

95.40

Length ball, fractionally outside off, Naseem Shah punches it to cover-point with soft hands.

95.30

Short in length again, nipping in a long way, Naseem Shah sits down and it sails over the head.

95.20

Short of a good length, on the bodyline, Naseem Shah tries to get out of the way by ducking at it but the ball stays pretty low on the bounce, and clunks the back of his helmet. A mandatory concussion to follow for Naseem.

95.10

Hard length, over the top of off, Naseem Shah rises with the bounce and punches it to cover.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 95 overs : 348/4

S Shakeel47 (94)

N Shah6 (35)

S Bashir19-2-72-0

94.60

Length-delivery a hint of turn outside off. Shakeel dabs it towards backward point.

94.51lb

Prodigious spin, into the batter from off, Naseem Shah gets in a bit of tangle to flick it away to the leg side, but the ball pings his front pad and rolls to the off side. They hesitate at first, but quickly rush to take a leg bye.

94.40

Flighted one, drifting on the stumps. Naseem leans forward and defends it back.

94.31

Full and pitched on off, Saud Shakeel sits down to sweep, gets it off the inside edge that runs down to deep third for a single.

94.20

Tossed up on the middle stump and it turns away a tad. Shakeel lunges forward and defends it in the off side.

94.10

Shoaib Bashir replaces Chris Woakes and pushes it through, full and on off, Saud Shakeel leans on and pushes it out.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 94 overs : 346/4

N Shah6 (33)

S Shakeel46 (90)

G Atkinson19-3-83-2

93.60

Nicely bowled! Very full, on the fourth stump line, Naseem Shah goes for a forward push but gets beaten all ends up.

93.50

Short of a good length, outside off, Naseem Shah stays rooted to the crease, bends back and awkwardly tries to cut away but misses.

93.40

Back of a length, on middle, Naseem Shah rides on the bounce and fends it to the leg side.

93.30

Slightly full and on middle, Naseem Shah bends forward and hits it to mid off.

93.20

Attacks the off and middle channel, on a hard length, Naseem Shah gets on the toes and taps it with soft hands to cover.

93.10

Hard length, fairly outside off, Naseem Shah checks the delivery and leaves it.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 93 overs : 346/4

S Shakeel46 (90)

N Shah6 (27)

C Woakes19-3-63-1

92.60

Well-directed short-pitch delivery on the bodyline, Saud Shakeel swivels and pulls at it but it sails over his head.

92.50

That in-betweener angling on off, Saud Shakeel brings the bat down vertically through the line and hits it to mid-wicket.

92.40

Good length, nipping into the batter. Shakeel defends it to the off side.

92.32

Cramps the batter for room does Woakes, bowls full and on the stumps, Shakeel opens up his body and gets a healthy leading edge that runs past the right of Bashir at point. He chases the ball to the ropes and keeps it to a couple.

92.20

Angling on the pads from around the stumps, and keeps it full this time, Saud Shakeel attempts the flick shot but wears it on the front pad instead.

92.10

Back of a length, over the top of off, Saud Shakeel gets behind the line and dabs it to the pitch.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 92 overs : 344/4

N Shah6 (27)

S Shakeel44 (84)

G Atkinson18-2-83-2

91.60

Beaten! Full and outside off, enticing the batter to have a go at it, Naseem Shah goes for a cover drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.

91.54

FOUR! Frustration continues for England here! First boundary of the day. Good length, outside off, Naseem Shah pushes at it and gets it past the point and gully gap for a boundary. A long chase for the two fielders from the inner ring but the ball wins the race.

91.40

Back of a length and outside off. Naseem dabs it to backward point.

91.41wd

WIDE! Sharp bumper, on the bodyline, Naseem ducks under it and leaves.

91.30

Full again, Naseem Shah pushes it back to Gus Atkinson.

91.20

Edged but didn't carry! Full and outside off with a hint of movement, Naseem Shah pushes at it with soft hands and gets an outside edge that lands just ahead of the second slip on a bounce.

91.10

Wayward down leg on a short length, Naseem Shah ducks and lets the ball sail to the keeper.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 91 overs : 339/4

S Shakeel44 (84)

N Shah2 (21)

C Woakes18-3-61-1

90.60

Full and on off, at a gentle pace, Saud Shakeel lets the ball arrive at him, and defends it straight to the fielder stationed at short mid off.

90.51

Good-length delivery, in front of the stumps, Naseem Shah rises on the bounce and glances it through square leg for an easy single.

90.40

Not that short in length, outside off, Naseem Shah arches back and decides to let it be.

90.30

Shaping into the batter this time, full and angling on middle and leg, Naseem Shah opens the bat face and eases it out to the off side.

90.20

Well played! Full and around off, Naseem Shah blocks it to the off side.

90.11

Hard-length delivery, across off, Saud Shakeel gets on the back foot, and cuts it square to deep point for a single.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 90 overs : 337/4

N Shah1 (17)

S Shakeel43 (82)

G Atkinson17-2-78-2

89.60

Over the top of off, on a short of a good length, Naseem Shah negotiates well and taps it to the pitch off the back foot.

89.51

Goes short this time, Saud Shakeel rides on the bounce, pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

89.40

Nicely bowled! A bit full and on off, Saud Shakeel goes for a front foot push but gets a faint inside edge on the pads. A muted appeal for LBW by the English players, just for a moment.

89.32

Hard length, angling in, Saud Shakeel plays it with the angle on the back foot and tucks it past the diving mid-wicket fielder to his left for a couple of runs.

89.20

Attacks the off peg, full in length, confidently blocked out by Saud.

89.10

Spears it in, full and around off, angling in, Saud Shakeel plays through the line and blocks it solidly on the front foot.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 89 overs : 334/4

N Shah1 (16)

S Shakeel40 (77)

C Woakes17-3-59-1

88.60

Keeps the line of attack outside off, on a fuller length does Woakes, Naseem Shah lunges ahead and eases it to the point region.

88.50

Inviting length, full on off, Naseem Shah prods ahead and hits it to cover.

88.40

Length ball, but going down leg, Naseem Shah moves across to glance it away but misses.

88.30

Hard length, on the off stump line, Naseem Shah gets on his toes and pats it to the cover region.

88.20

Beauty! Outside off on a length, shaping a bit away, Naseem Shah gets squared up, and hangs his bat away from the body and gets beaten.

88.11

Full and zipping off the surface on middle and leg, Saud Shakeel tilts forward and flicks it to deep backward square leg for an easy single.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 88 overs : 333/4

N Shah1 (11)

S Shakeel39 (76)

G Atkinson16-2-75-2

87.60

Nips into the batter on a hard length, Naseem Shah tries to cover the line, gets cramped for room but manages to tuck it to the leg side near the strip.

87.51

Hard length ball, around off, Saud Shakeel presses forward and taps the ball through point for a comfortable single.

87.40

At 133.6 clicks, on a fullish length, attacking the off stump, Saud Shakeel blocks it out off the outer half of the bat.

87.31

Length, at the stumps, tucked away by Naseem to the square leg region for a single.

87.23

First runs of the day for Pakistan and Shakeel! A bit fuller and just around off, trying to extract that swing, but gets no movement whatsoever. Saud Shakeel leans on and drives it past Zak Crawley at covers. The ball trickles to the fence in the deep but loses the steam and Crawley chases it to keep it to three.

87.10

Atkinson starts from around the stumps, lands it on a hard length, angling on off, Saud Shakeel gets ahead and drives it straight to Zak Crawley at short cover.

Gus Atkinson to operate from the other end.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 87 overs : 328/4

N Shah0 (9)

S Shakeel35 (72)

C Woakes16-3-58-1

86.60

Tight line and length, around off, on a good length, Naseem Shah gets a bit across and pats it to mid on. Maiden to start with by Woakes.

86.50

Absolute seed from Woakes! In that corridor of uncertainty, just around off, Naseem Shah gets ahead and pokes at it for a forward push, plays inside the line and gets beaten on the outside edge by a whisker.

86.40

Full, at 128 kph, on the stumps, Naseem Shah tentatively pushes it to cover-point.

86.30

More close to the off-pole, on a length, Naseem Shah gets behind the line of the ball and punches it with soft hands to cover.

86.20

Pulls his length back a bit and keeps the angle outside off with a tinge of outswing, Naseem Shah arches back to cut it square but gets beaten.

86.10

Woakes begins with three slips and a gully, bowls full and outside off, Naseem prods forward and eases it to the off side.

We are all set for the start of Day 2! The umpires are back out in the middle and so are the players of England. The two overnight batters for Pakistan, Saud Shakeel and Naseem Shah are ready to resume their stay at the crease. Chris Woakes to get proceedings underway with the ball here. Let's play...

Right then, the stage is set for Pakistan to pile on more than 500 runs but with the second new ball in play, we might just see England attack a bit more. With the likes of Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha still to come, it should be a good contest between bat and ball. Stay tuned as Day 2 action isn't far away.

England will not be too displeased with how Day 1 ended as they managed to pick up 3 wickets in that final session bringing about a bit of relief. They will now look to target the first session in order to make a dent in the Pakistani middle order but they need to be careful as it is still a very flat pitch.

Pakistan piled on 328 runs on Day thanks to a huge stand between skipper Shan Masood and opener Abdullah Shafique with both notching up tons and the former even went on to breach the 150-run mark. On Day 2, they will begin with a well set Saud Shakeel and the night watchman but they still have batting to come.

Hello and welcome to Day 2 of this first Test match between Pakistan and England in Multan. If Day 1 is anything to go by, we are in for another run-fest but we might just see a bit more in it for the bowlers as well, who knows.

... DAY 2, SESSION 1 ...

As the Multan pitch remains batter-friendly, Pakistan will look to build on their solid start and push towards a commanding total on Day 2. With Saud Shakeel still at the crease, along with capable batters to follow, the hosts have an opportunity to further stretch their lead. England, on the other hand, will need early wickets in the morning to wrestle back some momentum and prevent Pakistan from running away with the game. Do join us on 8th October for Day 2. The action will begin at 5 am GMT. But as you'll know you can join us early for the build-up. ADIOS!

Abdullah Shafique is up for a chat. He says that performing for the team is a next-level feeling for him. He also praises the way Shan Masood batted with him to build a solid partnership and have put up the performance. He reckons that he worked on his flaws and it's a part of a process to make mistakes and rectify them at the same time. Ends up saying that the cramp he had was nothing but a part of a game and he is doing very well now.

After their dismissals, Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel steadied the ship, stitching a 61-run partnership that kept Pakistan in the ascendancy. Babar, in particular, looked in good touch, guiding his side towards a solid score. However, just before Stumps, England clawed their way back with a crucial wicket, as Azam was caught by Chris Woakes, who made good use of the second new ball. That late breakthrough gave England a glimmer of hope, but Pakistan remains in control, thanks to their formidable top-order display. It was Gus Atkinson who picked up the first wicket after the Tea break. Jack Leach also applied good pressure with three maiden overs on the trot, and got rewarded with a wicket.

SESSION SUMMARY - 34 overs, 95 runs and 3 wickets. It’s been a day dominated by Pakistan’s batters, with the hosts sitting comfortably at 341/4 at the close of play. Resuming at 122/1, Pakistan added to England’s frustration as Abdullah Shafique and skipper Shan Masood piled on the runs in a 253-run partnership. Masood led from the front, reaching 150, while Shafique brought up a well-deserved century. However, both batters, visibly struggling with fatigue in the hot and sunny conditions, fell soon after reaching their milestones. Despite looking uncomfortable, they chose to continue after Tea rather than retiring injured, which ultimately cost Pakistan two quick wickets.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 86 overs : 328/4

S Shakeel35 (72)

N Shah0 (3)

B Carse14-2-52-0

85.60

Short ball, angled into the left-hander. Saud Shakeel gets behind the line and blocks it out solidly. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 1.

85.54

FOUR! TOP SHOT!Good-length delivery, angling into the batter. Saud Shakeel plants his front foot, leans on the delivery and flicks it from the middle of his willow towards deep mid-wicket. The ball races away for four more runs.

85.40

Pitches it up, on middle, angling in and nips it in as well. Shakeel lunges and looks to turn the delivery but once again misses on the inner edge and thumps his upper pad.

85.30

It is a yorker, on middle and off. Saud Shakeel gets his blade down in time and blocks it away.

85.20

Fuller, on off. Saud Shakeel eases it towards off side.

85.10

Another appeal for LBW but turned down! Tad fuller, just outside off, angling in towards the batter. Saud Shakeel prods and looks to defend it to his front but misses the inner edge and the ball thumps his pad. The replay shows that there was a slight nick when the ball passes the inner edge of the bat.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 85 overs : 324/4

N Shah0 (3)

S Shakeel31 (66)

C Woakes15-2-58-1

84.60

Excellent delivery! Woakes bowls it one touch fuller, and outside off, nips it in vigorously. Naseem Shah rocks back to play at it but gets squared up as the ball skids low.

84.50

Fullish, just outside off. Naseem Shah tries to block it to his front but is a bit late to perform. The ball misses the outer edge and the keeper gloves it safely.

84.40

Back of a length on off. Naseem Shah hops and defends it down.

Who will walk out now? It is Naseem Shah.

84.3W

OUT! LBW! Huge appeal goes all around and umpire raises his finger. Babar Azam opts for a review now! Chris Woakes comes from 'over the wicket and bowls it fuller, on off and shapes it in. Babar Azam looks to play at it towards his leg side but gets beaten on the inner edge and thumps his pad. The UltraEdge shows no bat involvement and the Ball Tracking turns three red. Chris Woakes gets his first one and gets the big fish out of the pond.

84.20

PEACH! Good-length delivery, pitching it just outside off and nips it away from the batter. Babar Azam looks to defend it to his front but misses on the outer edge.

84.10

Full-length delivery from Chris Woakes, on off and middle. Babar Azam with no footwork blocks the delivery right underneath his eyesight.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 84 overs : 324/3

B Azam30 (68)

S Shakeel31 (66)

G Atkinson15-2-70-2

83.61

Short and around the ribs of the batter. Babar Azam easily pulls it towards deep backward square leg and gets single.

83.50

Bangs in a bouncer, on middle. Babar Azam ducks underneath.

83.40

Short of a length, outside off. Babar Azam makes a leave.

83.30

Back of a length, on off. Babar Azam turns it towards mid-wicket.

83.21

Back of a length, around off. Saud Shakeel rides the bounce and cuts it hard towards deep cover-point for a single. Pope at the cover region gets some hands on it but fails to field because of an awkward bounce on the turf.

83.13

Gus Atkinson scoots from 'over the wicket and bowls it fuller, just outside off, around sixth stump. Babar Azam plants his front foot and drives it beautifully through the gap of mid off and extra cover. The ball dies towards the sweeper cover region and the batters gets tripple in between the sticks.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 83 overs : 319/3

S Shakeel30 (65)

B Azam26 (63)

C Woakes14-1-58-0

82.60

Very full, on off. Saud Shakeel blocks it back to the bowler.

82.50

A length ball, on middle, Saud Shakeel gets behind the line and blocks it out.

82.44

FOUR! Nicely played. Good length, outside off, plenty of width on offer. Saud Shakeel latches on to it and crunches it through covers for four runs.

82.30

Very full this time, angling across, outside off. Saud Shakeel gets it to point off the outer half.

82.20

Back of a length this time, outside off, angling across. Saud Shakeel shoulders his arms at it.

82.10

Woakes steams in and serves a length ball, on off. Saud Shakeel stands tall and defends it out solidly.

Chris Woakes will bowl from the other end. Also, 8 overs left for the stumps of Day 1.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 82 overs : 315/3

B Azam26 (63)

S Shakeel26 (59)

G Atkinson14-2-65-2

81.60

Yorker length, on the fourth stump line. Azam shuffles and jams it into the deck.

81.50

Back of a length, outside off, shaping away. Azam leaves it alone for the keeper.

81.40

A length ball that nips in from outside off. Azam gets behind the line and defends it out.

81.30

Full ball, tailing in on middle. Babar Azam blocks it to mid on.

81.24

FOUR! Wonderful stroke. It is pitched up, wide of off. Babar Azam hits it on the up and drives it through the gap at covers. The ball races away to the boundary. The stand moves to 50 with this one.

81.13

Gus Atkinson goes searching for the swing straight away. It comes out as a half-volley, outside off, angling across. Shakeel pushes it through covers. The batters take three runs.

There it is! Ollie Pope, the skipper of England, has signaled that his team is ready to opt for the second new ball. Gus Atkinson rejoins the attack to serve with the new ball.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 81 overs : 308/3

B Azam22 (58)

S Shakeel23 (58)

S Bashir18-2-71-0

80.60

Floated and full, around middle. Azam defends it to short leg.

80.50

Quicker one, on middle. Azam clips it to mid-wicket.

80.40

Tossed up, on middle and leg. Babar Azam blocks it to short leg.

80.31

On the pads, Shakeel tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

80.20

Full one, around off. Saud Shakeel blocks it watchfully.

80.10

Shoaib Bashir comes 'round the wicket and serves an arm ball, on middle. Saud Shakeel prods and blocks it out.

The second new ball is available now! But the question is will England opt for it right away? No, they will be continuing with the same old ball.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 80 overs : 307/3

B Azam22 (55)

S Shakeel22 (55)

J Leach21-4-61-1

79.60

Tossed up, full and on middle. Azam gets forward and defends it back to Leach.

79.50

Floated and full, on middle. Azam pushes it into the off side.

79.40

Babar Azam blocks this full ball back to the bowler.

79.31

On the pads. Saud Shakeel flicks this full ball into the leg side for one more.

79.20

Quicker and fuller, on the middle. Saud Shakeel defends it out solidly.

79.10

Tossed up, around off. Shakeel blocks it into the deck.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 79 overs : 306/3

S Shakeel21 (52)

B Azam22 (52)

S Bashir17-2-70-0

78.61

Darted on the pads. Saud Shakeel clips it to square leg for one. Second new ball is due in one over. Will England go for it straightaway?

78.50

Saud Shakeel presses forward to this full ball and eases it back to the bowler.

78.40

Looped up, wide of off. Saud Shakeel prods and bunts it into the deck.

78.30

Saud Shakeel blocks this full ball back to the bowler with full face.

78.20

Short, outside off. Shakeel cuts it towards backward point. The fielder moves to his left and makes a sharp stop.

78.10

Tossed up, outside off. Shakeel eases it back to the bowler.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 78 overs : 305/3

B Azam22 (52)

S Shakeel20 (46)

J Leach20-4-60-1

77.60

Darted on the pads. Azam clips it into the leg side.

77.50

Fuller one, on middle. Azam defends it back to the bowler from inside the crease.

77.41

A single now as Shakeel works this full ball down to long on for one.

77.30

On the pads, clipped to mid-wicket.

77.22

Tossed up, full and on middle. Saud Shakeel gets low and reverse-sweeps it behind point for two runs.

77.10

Flatter one, on off. Saud Shakeel blocks it back to the bowler.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 77 overs : 302/3

B Azam22 (50)

S Shakeel17 (42)

S Bashir16-2-69-0

76.60

Around off, Azam blocks it out watchfully. A maiden from Bashir now.

76.50

Full one, on middle and leg. Azam works it to the right of the bowler.

76.40

Babar Azam prods to this full ball and blocks it back to the bowler.

76.30

Once again, this one goes down the leg side. Babar Azam lets it be.

76.20

Fuller one, angled down leg. Azam tries to flick it away but misses.

76.10

It is tossed up, around middle. It hits the rough and turns down the leg side. It goes past the keeper.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 76 overs : 302/3

S Shakeel17 (42)

B Azam22 (44)

J Leach19-4-57-1

75.62

It is full, on off. Saud Shakeel uses his feet and lofts it over the bowler's head for two runs. The fielder does well to cut it out at long on.

75.50

Saud Shakeel puhses forward to this full ball and jams it back to the bowler.

75.41

Length ball, outside off. Azam punches it through covers for a run. 300 up for Pakistan.

75.30

Flatter one, outside off. Azam dabs it to point for none.

75.20

An arm ball, full and on middle. Azam prods and blocks it back to the bowler.

75.10

Looped up, on off. Azam defends it away.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 75 overs : 299/3

S Shakeel15 (40)

B Azam21 (40)

S Bashir15-1-69-0

74.60

BEATEN! Shoaib Bashir gives it some air this time, outside off. The ball straightens after hitting the deck. Saud Shakeel tries to defend it out on his front foot but gets beaten.

74.50

Fuller one, on off, blocked out.

74.40

Floated and full, on off. Shakeel remains solid in his defense.

74.31

Very full, on off, Azam dabs it to point for a quick single.

74.20

It is quicker and fuller, angling down leg. Azam misses to tickle it away.

74.10

On the pads, tucked into the leg side.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 74 overs : 298/3

S Shakeel15 (37)

B Azam20 (37)

J Leach18-4-54-1

73.60

Floated and full, on leg. Saud Shakeel clips it into mid-wicket. A maiden here for Leach.

73.50

Tossed up, around off. Shakeel remains solid in his defense.

73.40

An arm ball, full and on off. Shakeel blocks it out watchfully.

73.30

Around off, Shakeel gets behind the line and defends it out solidly.

73.20

Quicker and full, on off. Shakeel dabs it back to the bowler.

73.10

Tossed up, around off. Shakeel blocks it into covers.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 73 overs : 298/3

B Azam20 (37)

S Shakeel15 (31)

S Bashir14-1-68-0

72.60

Fuller one, on middle. Azam prods and blocks it to short leg off the inner half. The second new ball is due in 7 overs.

72.54

FOUR! Nicely played. It is full, on the pads, very straight as well. Azam dances down the track, picks up the length nicely and flicks it over mid-wicket. It races away to the fence.

72.40

An arm ball, on middle. Azam blocks it out watchfully.

72.30

Sprayed down the leg side this time. Azam tries to flick it away but misses.

72.20

Darted on the pads, Babar Azam blocks it out solidly.

72.11

It is tossed up, full and outside off. Saud Shakeel gets low and sweeps it behind square on the leg side for one.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 72 overs : 293/3

B Azam16 (32)

S Shakeel14 (30)

B Carse13-2-48-0

71.60

Length, on off, Babar Azam blocks it back.

71.51

Lands it on leg, Saud Shakeel turns it through square leg for one.

71.41

Short, just outside off, Babar Azam fends it to the point fielder for one.

71.31

Touch short, on leg, Saud Shakeel turns it to square leg for one.

71.20

On a length, angling in, Saud Shakeel blocks it back.

71.10

Length, on off, Saud Shakeel blocks it to short covers.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 71 overs : 290/3

B Azam15 (30)

S Shakeel12 (26)

S Bashir13-1-63-0

70.64

FOUR! Well played! Short and wide, Babar Azam stands his ground and cuts it elegantly through backward point for a boundary.

70.50

Shorter, quicker and on middle. Babar Azam covers his line and blocks it to the left of the bowler.

70.40

Bowls it on off, Babar Azam flicks it to mid on.

70.30

Quicker, fuller and on off, Babar Azam blocks it back to the bowler.

70.20

Fuller, on middle, Babar Azam leans forward and eases it to mid on.

70.10

Short, on off, Babar Azam eases it to mid off.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 70 overs : 286/3

S Shakeel12 (26)

B Azam11 (24)

B Carse12-2-45-0

69.60

Fuller one, on middle, Saud Shakeel flicks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

69.50

Short and wide, Saud Shakeel eases it to the fielder at backward point.

69.40

Touch short, on off, Saud Shakeel punches it to short covers for none.

69.30

Length, on off, Saud Shakeel eases it to mid off again.

69.20

A full toss, on off, Saud Shakeel eases it to mid off.

69.10

Fuller one, on off, Saud Shakeel eases it to mid on.

Drinks Break! After the tea break, England got two wickets and they got rid of both the centurions. They would like to get a couple before the day's end. Pakistan, on the other hand, are doing great and it would be a huge thing for them if these two batters stay upright till the end of Day 1. Also, Brydon Carse rejoins the attack for England.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 69 overs : 286/3

B Azam11 (24)

S Shakeel12 (20)

S Bashir12-1-59-0

68.60

Short, on off, Babar Azam eases it to mid on.

68.51b

Lands it down leg, Saud Shakeel looks to flick it but misses. The keeper fails to collect it as the batters collect a bye.

68.40

Tossed up, on middle, Saud Shakeel blocks it back.

68.30

A low full toss, on middle, Saud Shakeel flicks it to mid-wicket.

68.20

Some turn and bounce, on middle, Saud Shakeel fends it to point.

68.10

Fuller one, on middle, Saud Shakeel flicks it to the fielder at square leg.

Shoaib Bashir joins the attack.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 68 overs : 285/3

B Azam11 (23)

S Shakeel12 (15)

C Woakes13-1-54-0

67.60

Another one outside off, Babar Azam leaves again.

67.50

Slower one, outside off, Babar Azam is happy to let it go.

67.40

Full, outside off, Babar Azam drives it straight to the cover fielder.

67.30

Length, angling in, Babar Azam stands tall and blocks it back.

67.20

Short and wide, Babar Azam slaps it to the cover fielder who makes a good stop to his left. Dot!

67.10

Length, outside off, Babar Azam leaves it alone.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 67 overs : 285/3

S Shakeel12 (15)

B Azam11 (17)

J Leach17-3-54-1

66.60

Slower through the air, on off, Saud Shakeel leans forward and blocks it to mid off.

66.51

Short, on off, Babar Azam punches it through covers for one.

66.40

Bowls it on off, Babar Azam eases it to mid off.

66.34

FOUR! Nicely played! Short and outside off, Babar Azam waits for the ball and steers it late through backward point for a boundary.

66.20

Another one on middle, this is again defended towards the bowler.

66.10

Too full, on middle, Babar Azam eases it back to the bowler.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 66 overs : 280/3

S Shakeel12 (14)

B Azam6 (12)

C Woakes12-0-54-0

65.60

Fuller, targeting the stumps, Saud Shakeel hangs back and defends it solidly.

65.50

Fuller again, on off, Saud Shakeel leans forward and blocks it to mid off.

65.40

Keeps bowling fuller, Saud Shakeel eases it back to the bowler.

65.30

Fuller again, this is defended towards the mid off fielder.

65.20

Fuller, on off, Saud Shakeel fends it to the fielder at point.

65.11

Length, on off, Babar Azam looks to block it but miscues it to point for one.

Change? Yes, Chris Woakes (11-0-53-0) joins the attack for the first time after the tea break.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 65 overs : 279/3

S Shakeel12 (9)

B Azam5 (11)

J Leach16-3-49-1

64.64

FOUR MORE! That is good batting! Lands it full and on off, Saud Shakeel plays a reverse sweep this time through backward point for another boundary.

64.54

FOUR! Well played! Fuller and on middle, Saud Shakeel brings the sweep shot again and plays it through square leg for a boundary.

64.40

Fuller again, on off, Saud Shakeel rocks back and blocks.

64.34

FOUR! That's a delight to watch! Full, on middle, Saud Shakeel gets low and sweeps it elegantly through square leg for a boundary.

64.20

Flighted up again, Saud Shakeel defends it back again.

64.10

Tossed up, on off, Saud Shakeel blocks it back.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 64 overs : 267/3

B Azam5 (11)

S Shakeel0 (3)

G Atkinson13-2-58-2

63.60

Length, on off, Babar Azam blocks it solidly towards the fielder at short cover.

63.50

Lands it outside off, and bit of inward movement, Babar Azam covers his line and leaves.

63.40

Another one outside off, Babar Azam shoulders arms at it.

63.30

Back of a length and way outside off, Babar leaves the harmless delivery.

63.20

Length, on off, Babar Azam punches it to covers.

63.14

FOUR! Streaky! Short and wide, Babar Azam looks to slap it but gets a bottom edge as the ball rolls past the left of the keeper for a boundary.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 63 overs : 263/3

S Shakeel0 (3)

B Azam1 (5)

J Leach15-3-37-1

62.60

Flatter and touch fuller on the stump. Saud Shakeel goes deep into the crease and defends it low.

62.50

Fullish, on leg. Saud Shakeel tucks it towards his leg side.

62.40

Tossed up, fuller just outside off. Saud Shakeel blocks it towards short cover.

Saud Shakeel walks in.

62.3W

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Jack Leach gets the follow-up wicket and now both of the set batters have been hunted down! Leach bowls it fuller and offers a bit of a flight, on off. Shan Masood looks to drive the delivery towards mid off but gets the connection from the inner part of his willow. The ball elevates a bit back to the bowler and Jack Leach makes no mistake to take that one. Pakistan losses their third third wicket!

62.20

Flighted, fuller and on off. Shan Masood looks to push it towards his off side but gets the connection from the inner half of his blade. The ball rolls back to the bowler.

62.10

Flatter, and fuller on middle. Shan Masood blocks it forward.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 62 overs : 263/2

S Masood151 (174)

B Azam1 (5)

G Atkinson12-2-54-2

61.61

Short of a length, down the leg. Shan Masood pulls it towards fine leg for a single.

61.50

Fires a short delivery on off and middle, angling in. Shan Masood looks to pull it away but misses the shot cause of some extra bounce off the pitch.

61.41

Full toss, on pad. Babar Azam flicks it towards deeps square leg and gets off the mark.

61.30

Full-length delivery outside off. Babar Azam leans on the delivery and drives it towards the right of the cover fielder. The fielder at the short cover dives to his right and parries it further to make a stop.

61.20

Good-length delivery, pitching it just outside off, shaping it in. Babar Azam rides the bounce and stands tall to block it outside off.

61.10

Overpitches the delivery, wide outside off. Babar Azam is happy to leave this one as well.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 61 overs : 261/2

S Masood150 (172)

B Azam0 (1)

J Leach14-2-37-0

60.60

Full-length delivery on leg. Shan Masood attempts a sweep but misses.

60.50

Pitched up, on stump. Shan Masood flicks it towards mid-wicket.

60.40

Tossed up, fuller outside off. Shan Masood mistimes his drive toward his off side and the ball rolls towards the bowler.

60.30

Full and on off. Shan Masood pushes it back to the bowler.

60.20

Pitches it up, just outside off. Shan Masood drives it gently towards the extra cover fielder.

60.10

Tossed up, fuller on leg and middle. Shan Masood drives it towards the left of the bowler.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 60 overs : 261/2

B Azam0 (1)

S Masood150 (166)

G Atkinson11-2-52-2

59.60

Gus Atkinson bowls on a hard-length, outside off. Babar Azam holds his stance and makes a leave.

Babar Azam walks in to bat now.

59.5W

OUT! CAUGHT! Gus Atkinson comes into the attack and makes an instant impact. Abdullah Shafique ends up playing away from the body and ends up giving away his wicket. It is pitched up, outside off. Abdullah Shafique leans into it and tries to drive it away, but ends up chipping it to Ollie Pope at silly point.

59.40

Shorter, in the channel. Abdullah Shafique taps it to point.

59.30

A length ball, around off. Abdullah Shafique pushes it to covers.

59.20

Fullish, outside off. Abdullah Shafique blocks it out.

59.11

Gus Atkinson bangs in a short delivery on leg. Shan Masood tilts a bit backward and pulls it gently towards the deep square leg region to take the single. Shan Masood gets his 150-run mark and lifts his willow up to soak all the cheers from the ground.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 59 overs : 260/1

A Shafique102 (180)

S Masood149 (165)

J Leach13-1-37-0

58.60

Flatter, touch fuller and just outside off. Abdullah Shafique opens his face of the willow and guides it towards the backward point fielder.

58.50

Fuller, just outside off. Abdullah Shafique brings up another defense into his play.

58.40

Fuller, on off. Abdullah Shafique defends it out.

58.30

Pitches it up, on middle. Abdullah Shafique strides out and defend it back to the bowler.

58.20

Tossed up, fuller on middle. Abdullah Shafique lunges and blocks it down.

58.10

Full-length delivery, on leg. Abdullah Shafique tucks it towards his leg side.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 58 overs : 260/1

S Masood149 (165)

A Shafique102 (174)

B Carse11-1-45-0

57.60

Full and wide outside off. Shan Masood drives it towards point.

57.51

Bangs in a short delivery, pitching it down the leg, shaping it towards the batter's lane. Abdullah Shafique looks to pull it but gets the connection from the outer part of his blade. The ball loops over the leg slip and rolls towards fine leg. The batter scoots for a single.

57.41

Now fuller, outside off. Shan Masood plants his front foot towards the delivery and transfers his height to his front foot to push the delivery towards deep cover-point for a single.

57.31

Short-length delivery on leg, around the shoulder of the batter. Abdullah Shafique hooks it from the inner part of his willow towards deep fine and gets a single.

57.20

Back of a length, once again on middle. Abdullah Shafique hangs back and pushes it back to the bowler.

57.11

Hard-length delivery outside off. Shan Masood cuts it towards deep backward point and gets a single.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 57 overs : 256/1

A Shafique100 (171)

S Masood147 (162)

J Leach12-0-37-0

56.60

Flatter and fuller on middle, shaping in. Abdullah Shafique camps back and tucks it towards the short mid-wicket for a no runs.

56.50

Fullish, on off. Abdullah Shafique couches a bit and defends it forward.

56.40

Flatter and fuller on stump. Abdullah Shafique lunges and rests it down right underneath his eyesight.

56.31

Full and on off. Shan Masood prods and pushes it towards long on. The batters gets a single.

56.20

Tossed up, fuller on stump. Shan Masood blocks it down.

56.14

FOUR! This is excellent cricketing from Shan Masood! Fuller delivery on leg. Shan Masood predetermined the shot and brings up his reverse sweep to play. The ball rolls towards deep backward square leg and gets four more runs.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 56 overs : 251/1

A Shafique100 (168)

S Masood142 (159)

B Carse10-1-41-0

55.60

Bumper now, on the middle. Abdullah Shafique detects the bouncer and ducks under it.

55.50

Short of a length, on leg. Abdullah Shafique shuffles across the stump and looks to tuck it but misses.

55.41

Uppish... but safe! Fuller and outside off. Shan Masood punches it but ends up getting a bit bottom-hand to it. The ball rolls towards deep cover-point and the batters gets a single.

55.30

Hard-length delivery outside off. Shan Masood makes a leave.

55.20

Good-length delivery outside off. Shan Masood looks to chop it towards the backward point but gets a thick inner edge. The ball bounces off towards the slip region.

55.14

FOUR! CRACKED! Short and outside off. Shan Masood rocks back and cuts it hard towards deep backward point fence for get another boundary into his account.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 55 overs : 246/1

A Shafique100 (166)

S Masood137 (155)

J Leach11-0-32-0

54.60

Fullish, on stump. Abdullah Shafique eases it down.

54.56

SIX! Oh goodness! This is huge! What a way to get to his century! Jack Leach bowls it touch fuller on off and middle. Abdullah Shafique once again comes dancing down the track and lofts it with all his power, from the middle of his willow to sail the delivery over the long on fence for a biggie. This is his second ton against England.

54.40

Drags his length back on off. Abdullah Shafique comes down the track and pushes it towards his off side.

54.31

Full and on stump. Shan Masood works it towards square leg for one.

54.20

Fuller, but sprays it down the leg. Shan Masood looks to sweep it but misses.

54.10

Tossed up, fuller on middle. Shan Masood lunges and eases it towards the right of the short mid-wicket fielder.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 54 overs : 239/1

A Shafique94 (163)

S Masood136 (152)

B Carse9-1-36-0

53.60

Shortish, once again, on leg. Abdullah Shafique hops a bit and nudges it towards his leg side.

53.50

Bumper, angling down the leg. Abdullah Shafique ducks underneath.

53.41

Short and wide outside off. Shan Masood cuts it towards deep backward point for a single.

53.32

On a length, outside off. Shan Masood drives it towards sweeper cover and gets a couple of runs.

53.20

Just short! Good-length delivery outside off. Shan Masood prods and punches it a bit uppish, straight toward the man at cover-point. Ollie Pope is quick to get low but only finger tips to get the ball.

53.10

Back of a length wide outside off. Shan Masood extends his arms to cut it. The fielder at cover-point dives to his right and makes a stop.

Brydon Carse to bowl from the other end. Meanwhile, there is a bit of delay. It is scorching hot and Shan Masood is feeling a bit uncomfortable here. He has called for some hydration, just one over after the Tea break. Masood has padded up again and he is good to go here.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 53 overs : 236/1

S Masood133 (148)

A Shafique94 (161)

J Leach10-0-25-0

52.61

Tossed up, fuller on off. Shan Masood plants his front foot and punches it towards long on for a single.

52.50

Full and on off. Shan Masood prods and rests it outside off.

52.42

A bit shorter, on leg. Shan Masood hangs back and tickles it beautifully towards the fine leg region and gets a couple of runs.

52.30

Fuller delivery, on leg and middle. Shan Masood flicks it towards mid-wicket for no runs.

52.20

Fuller on leg. Shan Masood eases it towards his leg side.

52.10

Peach of a delivery! Jack Leach comes from 'over the wicket and bowls it much fuller and flatter just outside off. Shan Masood looks to push it away but gets beaten up.

We are back for the final session. The conditions remain to be very hot, so it is going to be a challenging session for England on the field. They stride out and spread out to take their positions in the field. Followed by Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood who walk out to resume their innings for Pakistan. Jack Leach to start with the ball this time.

... Day 1, Session 3 ...

The question now is, can England summon some magic in the final session, or will Pakistan continue to pile on the runs and end up with a mammoth score at the end of the first day? Stay tuned to find out, as we will be back after the Tea Break in a short while...

England has toiled hard! They have had their moments with an early wicket of Saim Ayub, but since then, it has been all Pakistan! They even failed to trouble the duo of Abdullah Shafique-Shan Masood and they will need to come up with something special in the final session. The pitch is a flatter one though which makes it a batter's paradise.

It’s been a feast of runs for Pakistan so far! Resuming at 122/1, they've put the pedal to the metal and cruised to 233/1, with Abdullah Shafique on the brink of a century at 94 and the skipper, Shan Masood, looking solid at 130, leading from the front. This dynamic duo has stitched together a partnership of 225 runs that has taken them to the driver's seat!

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 52 overs : 233/1

A Shafique94 (161)

S Masood130 (142)

J Root3-0-14-0

51.60

Abdullah Shafique sees through the final ball and remains unbeaten. Joe Root flights this one up on middle, Shafique stays watchful and just blocks it off without any fuss. That will be TEA ON DAY 1!

51.52

A bit full and angling across off, Shafique gets on the front foot and pushes it away through the cover region for a couple of runs.

51.40

Flatter delivery around leg and targeting the leg stump, Shafique uses the depth of the crease and keeps it out.

51.30

Nicely tossed up, a bit full and on the stumps, Shafique leans on to defend.

51.20

Bowled flatter and on a dragged length around leg, Shafique blocks it off.

51.14

FOUR! Floated, full and down leg, Shafique goes down for the sweep and nails it through short fine for a boundary. With that, Shafique moves into the 90s as well.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 51 overs : 227/1

A Shafique88 (155)

S Masood130 (142)

J Leach9-0-22-0

50.61

Drags the length back outside off, Abdullah Shafique stands tall and pushes it down past covers for one.

50.50

Bowled quite full and around off, driven away straight to covers for another dot.

50.40

No run.

50.30

Full and straight, blocked back onto the deck by Shafique.

50.20

Drifted onto middle and straightening down the line, Shafique defends it off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket.

50.10

Nice and full, bowled around off, Shafique takes the front leg out and hits it straight to silly mid off.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 50 overs : 226/1

S Masood130 (142)

A Shafique87 (149)

J Root2-0-8-0

49.60

Round-arm delivery, around off and angling in, Shan Masood punches it on the up and straight to mid off.

49.52

Pretty full and wide of the off stump, Shan Masood reaches out and drives it stylishly through cover-point for a couple of runs.

49.41

Fired in full and attacking the toes now, Shafique clips it away in front of square leg and picks up a single.

49.30

Another one that is tossed down the leg side, Shafique gets his front pad across but the ball goes through to the keeper.

49.20

Floated up, on a length around leg and turning down leg as well, left alone by Shafique.

49.11

Tossed up, quite full and on off, driven away wide of mid off for a single.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 49 overs : 222/1

A Shafique86 (146)

S Masood127 (139)

J Leach8-0-21-0

48.60

Flighted up around middle, Shafique gets well forward and blocks it down the pitch.

48.51

Length ball on the pads, tucked away just to the left of mid-wicket for a single. Good, positive running yet again.

48.40

This is tossed up on middle, Shan Masood drives it straight back but can't beat the bowler.

48.30

Nicely flighted on the pads, Masood looks to lean on and flick but misses and gets struck on the pads.

48.20

Quick and flat, trying to angle it across off, Shan Masood rocks back and blocks it with a straight bat.

48.10

Flighted up, full and on the pads, Shan Masood misses the flick and the ball goes off the pad to short fine.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 48 overs : 221/1

S Masood126 (134)

A Shafique86 (145)

J Root1-0-4-0

47.61

Flatter one, sliding onto the pads, tucked away in front of square on the leg side for another easy single.

47.50

Nice and full, floated wide of off, Shan Masood jams out the drive but straight to covers.

47.41

Dropped short on the pads, worked away leg side for one more.

47.31

A juicy full toss, lobbed up wide of off stump, Shan Masood gets forward and hits it to deepish cover for a quick single.

47.21

Fuller in length and on middle, Shafique drives it back past the bowler and down to long on for one.

47.10

Starts from around the wicket, bowls it round arm and angles it across middle, Shafique blocks it down the pitch.

Spin from both ends as Joe Root is brought into the attack.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 47 overs : 217/1

A Shafique84 (142)

S Masood124 (131)

J Leach7-0-20-0

46.61

Lands it on off, Abdullah Shafique pushes it to covers for one.

46.51

Lands it on middle, Shan Masood flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

46.41

Short and wide, Abdullah Shafique slaps it to covers for one.

46.30

Touch short and on off, Abdullah Shafique eases it to mid on.

46.20

Lands it on off, Abdullah Shafique flicks it to the mid on fielder.

46.10

Full, on middle, Abdullah Shafique leans forward and blocks it back.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 46 overs : 214/1

S Masood123 (130)

A Shafique82 (137)

C Woakes11-0-53-0

45.62

Fuller this time, on off, Shan Masood drives it through covers for a brace.

45.50

Length, on off, Shan Masood punches it to the cover fielder.

45.42

Fuller one, on middle, Shan Masood flicks it through mid-wicket. A bit of confusion but they settle for two runs.

45.31

Bowls it on off, Abdullah Shafique taps it to covers for one.

45.20

Lands it down leg, Abdullah Shafique looks to flick it but gets a blow on his pads.

45.10

Slower one, outside off, Abdullah Shafique leaves it alone.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 45 overs : 209/1

S Masood119 (127)

A Shafique81 (134)

S Bashir11-0-59-0

44.60

Slower through the air, on off, Shan Masood blocks it to mid on.

44.50

Quicker, shorter, and on leg. Shan Masood flicks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

44.41

Short, on middle, Abdullah Shafique knocks it down the ground for a single.

44.30

Lands it on off, Abdullah Shafique flicks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

44.20

Too full, on off, Abdullah Shafique leans forward and blocks it to short covers.

44.11

Short, on off, Shan Masood cuts it to covers for one.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 44 overs : 207/1

A Shafique80 (131)

S Masood118 (124)

C Woakes10-0-48-0

43.60

Bowls it on off, Abdullah Shafique eases it to mid on.

43.50

Lands it on off, Abdullah Shafique flicks it to the right of the bowler who does well to stop it.

43.40

Length, on off, Abdullah Shafique blocks it solidly.

43.30

Bowls it on off, Abdullah Shafique eases it to mid on.

43.24

FOUR! Streaky and frustrations increase for the English side. Lands it just outside off, Abdullah Shafique looks to block it but gets a fine edge as the ball finds the fence at deep third man.

43.11

Length, outside off, Shan Masood cuts it through point for one.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 43 overs : 202/1

A Shafique76 (126)

S Masood117 (123)

S Bashir10-0-57-0

42.60

Lands it on off, Abdullah Shafique flicks it to the fielder at short mid-wicket.

42.50

Slower one, on off, Abdullah Shafique flicks it to the fielder at mid on.

42.41

One more. Touch short and on off, Shan Masood punches it to covers for one.

42.31

Slower through the air, on off, Abdullah Shafique flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

42.21

Two hundred up for Pakistan! It has been all Pakistan till now! Full, on middle, Shan Masood flicks it through mid-wicket for one. Can they carry on till the end of this session?

42.10

Touch short and down leg, Shan Masood looks to slog it but the ball hits his thigh and lobs towards the slip fielder who takes the catch. An appeal for the catch but the umpire is unmoved. Ollie Pope refers and Ultra Edge shows no spike. The onfield decision stands NOT OUT!

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 42 overs : 199/1

S Masood115 (120)

A Shafique75 (123)

C Woakes9-0-43-0

41.61

Lands it outside off, Shan Masood taps it through point for one.

41.52

Fuller again, on middle, Shan Masood nudges it in the gap through mid-wicket for a brace.

41.40

Full, on off, Shan Masood eases it to the cover fielder.

41.32

Slightly slower one, outside off, Shan Masood drives it through covers for a brace.

41.20

Full, outside off, Shan Masood eases it to the point fielder.

41.10

Length, on off, Shan Masood drives it but finds the cover fielder.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 41 overs : 194/1

S Masood110 (114)

A Shafique75 (123)

S Bashir9-0-54-0

40.61

Lands it on middle, Shan Masood tucks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

40.53

Short and wide, Abdullah Shafique hangs back and cuts it elegantly through point for three runs.

40.40

Short, on off, Abdullah Shafique blocks it solidly.

40.31lb

Peach! Looped up outside off, and then it dips and turns with extra bounce, Shan Masood looks to block it but gets his pad and rolls towards the off side. They cross for a leg bye.

40.20

Bowls it on off, Shan Masood eases it to mid on.

40.10

Fuller one, on off, Shan Masood eases it to the cover fielder.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 40 overs : 189/1

S Masood109 (110)

A Shafique72 (121)

C Woakes8-0-38-0

39.61

Good length outside off, hit away on the up and through cover-point for a single.

39.54

FOUR! Elegantly done! Back of a length but wide of the off stump, Shan Masood just leans back and plays it late and behind backward point for a boundary.

39.40

Pitches this one up around off, sliding it across, Shan Masood gets forward to drive and hits it to mid off.

39.30

Just back of a length and outside off, tapped away in front of point for no run.

39.20

Similar line and length, a bit towards off stump, Shan Masood plays it a bit tentatively and the ball goes off the inner edge back onto the deck.

39.10

Good length, honing in on middle stump from around the wicket, Shan Masood solidly blocks it off.

Drinks break! It is a warm afternoon in Multan at the moment and the players will be pleased to get some refreshments out on the field. Talking about the first hour of play after Lunch, Pakistan have bossed proceedings and even though the scoring rate hasn't seemed as quick as the first session, they have still mustered up 62 runs so far in this session. England will have to endure a lot more of this and just be patient and make sure they don't miss when a chance does eventually fall their way.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 39 overs : 184/1

A Shafique72 (121)

S Masood104 (104)

S Bashir8-0-50-0

38.60

Pretty full on the pads, Shafique works it behind short leg for no run.

38.50

Floated up fuller now on middle and leg, Shafique flicks it straight to short mid-wicket.

38.40

Quick and flat, aimed at middle and leg, clipped away in front of square leg.

38.33

Too full this time and angling down leg, Shan Masood with a fine tickle down to fine leg. The fielder at leg slip chases it down and it will be another three. However, the umpires have gone upstairs to check for a short run and it is a tight one but they have given it as three runs eventually.

38.23

Short again and turning in from outside off, Abdullah Shafique rocks back and hammers it through the cover region. Gus Atkinson gives and long chase and dives in to save the boundary. Three taken.

38.11

Dropped short on off, punched off the back foot and through covers for a single.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 38 overs : 177/1

A Shafique69 (117)

S Masood100 (102)

C Woakes7-0-33-0

37.60

Beaten! Hard length, in and around off, just nibbling away, Shafique stays upright and pushes at it but the ball beats the outside edge.

37.51

Glanced off the hips for a 5th Test ton by Shan Masood which has come 1524 days after his 4th one and it really has been a long wait. Tad short and angling down leg, Shan tucks it around the corner for a single and gets a big applause from the dressing room. Very confident knock thus far.

37.40

Slightly pitched up and angled into the pads, Shan Masood tentatively nudges it away in front of square leg.

37.30

Full and straight now, Shan Masood looks to drive it straight but doesn't time it to the left of the bowler.

37.22

Good length on middle and leg, looking to reverse it across but it goes straight on and Masood tucks it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. Masood moves on to 99.

37.14

FOUR! Hint of reverse there but that's just a juicy half-volley begging to be put away. Full and wide outside off from around the stumps, Shan Masood leans on and creams it square through covers for a boundary.

Chris Woakes is brought back on, possibly looking for some reverse swing here. The on-air commentator, Naser Hussain says that Woakes will pick up the ball with his fingers to avoid any sweat and that is because the ball needs to stay dry in order for it to reverse and Woakes does pick up the ball exactly how Hussain explained.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 37 overs : 170/1

A Shafique69 (116)

S Masood93 (97)

S Bashir7-0-43-0

36.60

Flatter and on off, Shafique turns it to the leg side again.

36.50

Better line from Bashir! Floated up, around the fourth stump line and trying to turn it in, Shafique gets forward and flicks it to the leg side.

36.40

On a length on middle, Shafique pushes it across to silly mid on.

36.31

Drops the length short around off, Shan Masood camps back and eases it wide of the point region for a single.

36.20

Keeps it full on off, Shan Masood leans on and strokes it away to mid off.

36.10

Nicely flighted, quite full and on middle, Shan Masood jams it to the left of the bowler.

Shoaib Bashir replaces Jack Leach and changes ends as well.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 36 overs : 169/1

A Shafique69 (113)

S Masood92 (94)

G Atkinson10-2-51-1

35.64

FOUR! Top shot! Back of a length and around off, Abdullah Shafique presses back and gets right on top of the bounce, punching it square and to the left of cover-point. The ball races away to the fence.

35.50

Back of a length again over middle, this one shoots off the deck, Abdullah Shafique gets right back behind the line of the ball and keeps it down just to the leg side.

35.40

Back of a length over off and middle, Shafique hops and tucks it away into mid-wicket.

35.30

Hard length around the stumps, Shafique just blocks it off.

35.24

FOUR! Not in control and that could have gone straight into the hands of Harry Brook. Banged in well short and angled down leg, Shafique swivels and pulls it on the bounce towards leg slip and the ball skips through to the fence for four runs.

35.10

Banged in a bit short and on off, this one just seams away a bit, Shafique stays back and drops his hands down to let it pass to the keeper.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 35 overs : 161/1

S Masood92 (94)

A Shafique61 (107)

J Leach6-0-17-0

34.66

SIX! BANG! Shan Masood with the first aggressive shot after the break and the 150 stand comes up between these two as well. This one is floated up around off, Shan skips down the track and stays leg side of the ball before thumping it over long off for a biggie.

34.50

Flighted up on the stumps, Shan Masood turns it to the leg side.

34.40

Keeps it nice and full around off, Shan Masood drives it firmly and along the turf but straight to mid off.

34.30

A bit fuller and quick on off, clipped away straight to silly mid on.

34.20

Tossed up outside off, not all that full, Masood blocks it down the pitch.

34.11

On a dragged length, Shafique brings the wrists into play and works it in front of square leg for a run.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 34 overs : 154/1

S Masood86 (89)

A Shafique60 (106)

G Atkinson9-2-43-1

33.62

Short of a length on middle and leg, Shan Masood leans back and across before pulling it nicely behind square leg for a couple of easy runs. No signs of reverse but the English pacers are adamant at the short stuff.

33.50

Dug in halfway down the track and at the body, Shan Masood plays it off the bodyline and towards square leg.

33.41

Banged in short and outside off, Abdullah Shafique fetches the ball before swiveling on his toes and pulling it past square leg for a single.

33.30

Back of a length and over the stumps, Shafique stays upright and plays it down in front of mid on.

33.20

Attempted slower bumper, doesn't rise high and just goes down leg, Shafique gets inside the line and lets it through.

33.10

Back of a length around off, hitting the deck hard as well, Shafique presses back and dabs it in front of Chris Woakes at point.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 33 overs : 151/1

S Masood84 (87)

A Shafique59 (102)

J Leach5-0-10-0

32.60

Fuller in length and outside off, trying to angle it back in, Shan Masood gets a stride across and pushes it towards cover.

32.51

Nice and full around off, this is driven away through the cover region for an easy single.

32.40

Evebn quicker, darted in at the stumps, Shafique takes the front leg out and punches it to mid on.

32.30

Tossed up around off, quicker as well, Shafique plays it away past short cover.

32.20

Fuller in length now on off, Shafique pushes it out towards mid off.

32.10

Flighted up on middle, just drifting in a bit, Shafique leans on to block.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 32 overs : 150/1

S Masood84 (86)

A Shafique58 (97)

G Atkinson8-2-40-1

31.66

SIX! For a moment, Joe Root seemed to be in play but the ball has just sailed over the fence. Gus Atkinson continues with the short-ball ploy and digs it in around the body. Shan Masood gets inside the line and pulls it a bit of the top edge and over fine leg for a biggie.

31.50

Even shorter now, over leg, Shan Masood gets on top of the bounce this time and pulls it down towards square leg.

31.40

Another short ball, just down leg, Shan Masood looks to pull but plays a loose shot and the ball goes off the arm and down to the keeper.

31.30

On the shorter side again around leg stump, Masood stands tall and pulls it away wide of square leg but the fielder there makes a sharp diving stop.

31.22

Back of a length, angling across off, Shan Masood leans back a bit and dabs it wide of deep third for a couple of runs.

31.10

Dug in well short and just angling down leg, Shan Masood leaves it for the keeper to collect.

Gus Atkinson replaces Brydon Carse from the other end.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 31 overs : 142/1

A Shafique58 (97)

S Masood76 (80)

J Leach4-0-9-0

30.60

Flighted delivery, on middle and drifting in, Shafique gets well forward and firms it to mid on.

30.50

Tossed up again on off and middle, Shafique with another block off the front foot.

30.40

Tosses it up on the stumps, Shafique blocks it off.

30.31

Shorter and turning into the pads, worked away from the crease through mid-wicket for a single.

30.24

FOUR! Stylishly done! Flighted ball, on a length and outside off, Shan plants his front leg across and sweeps it firmly through square leg for a boundary.

30.10

Tossed up, on a length and around off, Shan Masood blcosk it off.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 30 overs : 137/1

A Shafique58 (94)

S Masood71 (77)

B Carse8-1-33-0

29.60

Short, down leg, Abdullah Shafique leaves it alone. Brydon Carse ends his over now...

Slight halt! The players have switched sides, but there's still a ball remaining in the over! The TV Umpire has notified the on-field umpires about this, and the players are returning to their original positions.

29.50

Short, angling into the batter, Abdullah Shafique hops a bit and nudges it to the mid on fielder.

29.40

Short, down leg, Abdullah Shafique leaves it alone.

29.34

FOUR! Shot! A half-tracker from the bowler, around off, and Abdullah Shafique is very severe on it. He picks it up and tugs it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

29.21

On a length and on off, Shan Masood pushes it to covers for one.

29.10

Short, on middle, Shan Masood pulls it to the fielder at mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 29 overs : 132/1

S Masood70 (75)

A Shafique54 (90)

J Leach3-0-4-0

28.61

Lands it on off, Shan Masood flicks it to square leg for one.

28.50

Slower through the air, on off, Shan Masood leans forward and blocks.

28.40

Too full, on off, Shan Masood eases it to mid on.

28.31

Fuller one, on off, Abdullah Shafique pushes it to covers for one.

28.20

Touch short, on off, Abdullah Shafique punches it to point.

28.10

Slower one, on off, Abdullah Shafique eases it to mid on.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 28 overs : 130/1

S Masood69 (72)

A Shafique53 (87)

B Carse7-1-28-0

27.60

Short and wide, Shan Masood looks to play at it but misses.

27.50

Length, on middle, Shan Masood flicks it to the fielder at square leg.

27.42

Short again, on off, Shan Masood pulls it through mid-wicket for two runs.

27.34

FOUR! Hacked away between mid-wicket and mid-on for four! Short, on off, Shan Masood hangs back and pulls it for a boundary.

27.20

Length, angling into the batter, Shan Masood tucks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

27.10

Short, down leg, Shan Masood leaves.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 27 overs : 124/1

A Shafique53 (87)

S Masood63 (66)

J Leach2-0-2-0

26.60

Tossed up, on off, Abdullah Shafique leans onto it and blocks it to short covers.

26.50

Too full this time, Abdullah Shafique digs it back to the bowler.

26.41

Fuller, on off, Shan Masood flicks it to wide mid on for one.

26.30

Lands it on off, Shan Masood leans forward and blocks it back.

26.20

Slower through air, on off, Shan Masood blocks it to mid on.

26.10

Too full, on off, Shan Masood eases it to mid off.

Jack Leach to bowl from the other end.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 26 overs : 123/1

A Shafique53 (85)

S Masood62 (62)

B Carse6-1-22-0

25.60

Short again, on leg, Abdullah Shafique tugs it but the ball hits his arm and bounces towards the fielder at backward square leg. Dot.

25.50

Short and outside off, Abdullah Shafique leaves it alone.

25.40

Length, on off, Abdullah Shafique blocks it back.

25.31

Back of a length, down leg, Shan Masood pulls it to backward square leg. The fielder dives to his right and makes a good stop. Just a single.

25.20

Short and wide, Shan Masood leaves it alone.

25.10

Short, on off, Shan Masood pulls it to the fielder at short mid-wicket.

We are back for the second session of Day 1. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique will resume their innings. Brydon Carse will start with the ball. Let's play...

... DAY1, SESSION 2...

Right then, England have been handed a taste of their own medicine with how Pakistan have batted in the first session and the home side will now look to consolidate after the break. The visitors will have to attack early and be smart in order to pick up some scalps and get back in the contest. There's still a long way to go on Day 1 but the second session could be crucial for either side. Join us at 7.40 am GMT for the post-Lunch session.

England on the other hand began with some control as Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson bowled tight lines and the latter picked up a wicket as well. However, they weren't consistent with their lengths and the change-up bowlers gave away some loose balls. Shoaib Bashir was on the receiving end of some attacking cricket from Masood and England will look to employ more of their senior spinner, Jack Leach after the break.

Pakistan walked out to bat on a pitch that looked quite flat but Saim Ayub got strangled down the leg side to hand the opposition an early wicket. However, skipper Shan Masood then walked in and showed positive intent right from the start. Abdullah Shafique too looked solid and the duo piled on runs for fun with both surpassing the fifty-run mark before the Lunch break.

A fine first session from Pakistan's point of view and they have done justice to the captain's decision to bat first. England are seemingly in for a long day in the outfield but as we have seen in Pakistan, wickets do tend to fall once the ball starts reversing.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 25 overs : 122/1

A Shafique53 (82)

S Masood61 (59)

J Leach1-0-1-0

24.60

Too full, on off, Abdullah Shafique leans forward and blocks it back. That will be LUNCH BREAK on Day 1.

24.50

Bowls it slower again, on off, Abdullah Shafique eases it to the mid on fielder again.

24.40

Slower, on middle, Abdullah Shafique knocks it to the mid on fielder.

24.30

Full, on middle, Abdullah Shafique leans forward to block it but miscues it to the square leg fielder.

24.20

Quicker, on middle and leg, Abdullah Shafique flicks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

24.11

Too full, on off, Shan Masood flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

Runs Scored 16 Runs

Score after 24 overs : 121/1

A Shafique53 (77)

S Masood60 (58)

S Bashir6-0-42-0

23.66

SIX! Fifty up for Abdullah Shafique now! Shoaib Bashir serves it in the slot. Full and around off. Abdullah Shafique brings his bottom hand into play and powers it over mid-wicket for a biggie.

23.54

FOUR! Shot! Lands it on middle and leg, Abdullah Shafique hangs back and cuts it magnificently through backward point as the ball races away.

23.41

Slower through the air, on off, Shan Masood tips it to point for one.

23.31

Too full, on off, Abdullah Shafique pushes it to point for one.

23.20

Lands it on off, Abdullah Shafique blokcs it to mid on.

23.14

FOUR! Whipped to the cow corner boundary. Fullish ball on middle and leg, Abdullah Shafique uses his feet and whips it through cow corner for a boundary.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 23 overs : 105/1

S Masood59 (57)

A Shafique38 (72)

G Atkinson7-2-32-1

22.60

Length, on off, Shan Masood eases it back towards the bowler.

22.61wd

Wide! A wayward bouncer, on middle, Shan Masood leaves.

22.50

On a length, on middle, Shan Masood stays in his crease and blocks it back.

22.41

Slower one, on middle, Abdullah Shafique flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

22.32

Lands it in middle, Abdullah Shafique tucks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

22.21

Bowls it on leg, Shan Masood turns it through backward square leg for one.

22.21nb

Sways it down leg, Shan Masood looks to flick it but misses. Oh, its a no ball for overstepping.

22.10

Touch fuller, on off, Shan Masood blocks it to the cover fielder.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 22 overs : 99/1

A Shafique35 (70)

S Masood58 (52)

S Bashir5-0-26-0

21.60

Goes fuller again, this is defended towards the mid-wicket region.

21.50

Lands it on middle, Abdullah Shafique leans forward and blocks it back.

21.41

Slower through the air, on middle, Shan Masood flicks it to square leg for one.

21.30

Too full, on middle and leg, Shan Masood prods forward and eases it to mid on.

21.20

Full, on off, Shan Masood eases it to the right of the bowler.

21.10

Slower one, on leg, Shan Masood turns it to square leg for none.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 21 overs : 98/1

S Masood57 (48)

A Shafique35 (68)

G Atkinson6-2-26-1

20.61

Length, outside off, Shan Masood eases it to covers for one.

20.50

Back of a length, on off, Shan Masood hops a bit and blocks it back.

20.44

FOUR! Sweet shot! Length and just outside off, Shan Masood stays back and drives imperiously through the covers. He is playing some knock here.

20.32

Short and wide, Shan Masood slaps it through backward point for a brace. Good running between the wickets.

20.20

Length again, on off, Shan Masood blocks it back.

20.12

Fifty up for the Skipper! He is leading from the front! Length, on middle, Shan Masood tucks it through mid-wicket for a brace. His 11th half-century in tests.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 89/1

A Shafique35 (68)

S Masood48 (42)

S Bashir4-0-25-0

19.60

Flighted delivery, around middle and dipping as well, Shafique covers the line and blocks it out.

19.50

On a dragged length again around middle, Shafique pats it back on the deck.

19.40

Just drags the length back, floating it up on middle and leg, tucked away with soft hands past short leg.

19.30

Pushed through quicker on off, Shafique makes another block.

19.20

Flighted ball around off, getting a bit of dip, Shafique blocks it off the front foot.

19.13

Dropped short over middle, Shan Masood does well to rock back and flicks it firmly wide of mid-wicket. The fielder gives chase and the batters come back for three runs.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 86/1

A Shafique35 (63)

S Masood45 (41)

G Atkinson5-2-17-1

18.60

A proper bumper now, over the stumps and Shafique ducks under it.

18.50

Short of a length around off, Shafique with a bit of an agricultural hoick and he mistimes it straight to mid-wicket.

18.40

Just short of a length and angled into the batter, Shafique gets caught on the crease and takes a blow to the thigh pad.

18.30

Hard length around the top of off, slanting back in, Shafique plays it on the up but towards mid-wicket.

18.20

Good-length delivery, on the fifth stump line, Shafique blocks it solidly off the front foot.

18.10

Nice and full on middle, slanting back in, Shafique flicks it off the inner half of the bat and towards mid-wicket.

Gus Atkinson is brought back into the attack.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 86/1

S Masood45 (41)

A Shafique35 (57)

S Bashir3-0-22-0

17.64

FOUR! Shan Masood is being proactive here and is getting plenty of purchase. Tossed up around off, Shan skips down the track and lofts it with solid timing over wide mid off for another boundary. Bashir proving to be quite expensive here.

17.50

Nagging length, drifting into middle and leg, Shan dabs it down on the on side.

17.40

Fuller this time, on off, Shan Masood leans forward and blocks again.

17.30

Some turn and bounce, on off, Shan Masood blocks it back.

17.24

FOUR! Well played! Short, on off, slower too. Shan Masood hangs back and pulls it magnificently over short mid-wicket for a boundary.

17.10

Slower one, on middle, Shan Masood pushes it out towards covers.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 78/1

A Shafique35 (57)

S Masood37 (35)

B Carse5-1-21-0

16.60

Short and on off, Abdullah Shafique ducks underneath it.

16.50

Bowled back of a length and over the stumps, Shafique hops back to defend.

16.40

Short of a length and around off, Shafique looks to pull off the front foot but doesn't quite get on top of the bounce and mistimes it straight to mid-wicket.

16.30

Another steep bumper, over off and middle, Abdullah Shafique has enough time to duck under it.

16.21

Banged in well short and just down leg, Shan Masood gets inside the line and pulls it down to fine leg for a run.

16.11

Just back of a length around off, angling back in, Shafique just drops it into the leg side and starts running. Ollie Pope attacks the ball and misses the under-arm attempt at the bowler's end from a few yards out. Shafique wasn't even in the frame and that is certainly a chanced missed by the England skipper there.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 76/1

S Masood36 (34)

A Shafique34 (52)

S Bashir2-0-14-0

15.64

FOUR! That one did come off the meaty part of the bat. Tossed up again, on off, Shan Masood dances down the track and swats it firmly and uppishly past the bowler and straight down the ground for another boundary.

15.54

FOUR! Aggressive intent from Shan Masood but it's not off the middle of the bat. This is tossed up around middle, Shan advances in order to smother the spin and heaves it off the inner half of the blade in front of mid-wicket for a boundary.

15.40

The bowler likes it and goes up in appeal for LBW but the umpire says no. Tossed up around middle, angled in, Shan Masood leans on to flick but misses and gets struck on the pads. Not much support from the keeper and they opt against the review. The replays confirm it was sliding down leg anyway.

15.31

Drags the length back and angles it into the pads, Shafique flicks it away down to fine leg and rotates the strike.

15.20

Tossed up in line of the stumps now, Shafique gets on the front foot and eases it towards mid on.

15.10

Flighted ball on off, Shafique reaches forward and blocks it down the pitch.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 67/1

A Shafique33 (49)

S Masood28 (31)

B Carse4-1-19-0

14.61

Back of a length and around off, rising up high, Shafique does well to keep it down and pushes it through covers for a single.

14.50

Now, that is a proper short ball and it was bowled at almost 147 clicks. Brydon Carse bends his back a bit more and digs it in short over middle, Shafique watches it well and ducks under it.

14.41

Short of a length again and on the hips, hit away through square leg for a single by Shan.

14.30

Ouch, that must have hurt! Banged in short around middle and leg, Shan Masood is quick to duck and the ball just does not rise and hits Masood flush on the right shoulder.

14.20

Hard length over leg, Shan Masood gets across and looks to flick it away but gets hit on the thigh pad.

14.14

FOUR! Full and wide outside off, asking to be hit, Shan Masood plants his front foot across and drives it firmly through the cover region for a boundary.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 61/1

A Shafique32 (47)

S Masood23 (27)

S Bashir1-0-5-0

13.60

Much better length, not all that full and around off, Shafique leans ahead and blocks it off.

13.50

Tossed up around off, still a bit too full and Shafique drives it back to the bowler.

13.41

Darted in outside off, Shan Masood steps out and jams the ball away wide of covers and gets across for the single.

13.30

A bit flatter and angled into the pads, Masood leans on to flick but ends up wearing it on the pads.

13.21

Over the wicket to the right-hander, this is overpitched outside off, Shafique drives it wide of mid off for a single.

13.13

Begins with a loosener as he bowls a gentle full toss on the pads, Shan Masood flicks it away down to fine leg and Zak Crawley gives another long chase. The batters take three runs and the 50-run stand is up between these two.

Drinks break! Right then, the first hour's play has flown by and after losing Saim Ayub pretty cheaply early on, Pakistan have managed to steady the ship and score quick runs as well. The English pacers have varied their lengths throughout the first hour and would a bit more consistency and pick up a wicket or two before Lunch. Some spin right after the break as Shoaib Bashir has been tossed the ball.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 56/1

A Shafique31 (44)

S Masood19 (24)

B Carse3-1-13-0

12.60

Pitched-up delivery, on the fifth stump line, left alone by Shafique.

12.51

Good length again, sliding onto the pads, tucked away through the square leg region for a run.

12.40

Play and a miss! The in-between length around off, angling across, Shan Masood is a bit flat-footed and just throws his hands looking to cut but is beaten past the outside edge.

12.31

Slants one in on the legs, quite full again and this is flicked away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

12.20

An aggressive short ball, around off and angling back in at a good pace, Shafique ducks under it well.

12.14

FOUR! A long chase for Zak Crawley but the ball beats him to the fence. Too full and wide at 143 clicks, Shafique gets well forward and drives it a bit uppishly and to the right of extra cover for a boundary.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 50/1

S Masood18 (22)

A Shafique26 (40)

C Woakes6-0-26-0

11.60

Good length, in and around the off stump line and nibbling away, Shan Masood gets a bit forward and just jams it out on the off side.

11.51

On a good length, too straight though and this is nudged away around the corner for a single. 50 is up for Pakistan, its been a brisk start for them.

11.40

Fractionally short around middle, straightening down the line, Shafique hops back and tucks it towards mid-wicket.

11.30

Pitches it further up, attacking the off stump, Shafique solidly blocks it off the front foot.

11.20

Hits the deck hard again, around middle and angles it back in, Abdullah Shafique looks to get forward but is beaten past the inside edge and gets hit high on the pads.

11.10

Good carry on that occasion. Hard length, in the channel and nibbling away, Abdullah Shafique watchfully leaves it alone.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 49/1

S Masood18 (21)

A Shafique25 (35)

B Carse2-1-7-0

10.60

Back of a length, on middle and shooting up off the deck, Shan Masood hops back to defend.

10.52

On the shorter side and angled across off, Shan Masood leans back and cuts it in between the cover fielders for a couple of runs.

10.40

Hard length around the top of off, Shan Masood gets slightly forward and pats it away wide of covers.

10.30

Quite full again and on the legs, tucked away neatly towards the man in front of square leg.

10.20

Good review! Not a very enthusiastic appeal but the finger goes up and Brydon Carse has his maiden Test wicket. Or does he? Shan Masood has reviewed it. Carse serves it full around leg and Masood gets squared up while looking to flick. He gets pinged on the pads but the third umpire checks Ball Tracking and finds that the ball is pitching outside leg. NOT OUT!

10.14

FOUR! Streaky! Good length, angling across from middle and leg, Shan Masood looks to flick it away but gets a leading edge that goes wide of the slip cordon and rolls away into the fence.

10.11wd

WIDE! Banged in short over middle, way too short though and this one flies over Masood's head.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 42/1

A Shafique25 (35)

S Masood12 (15)

C Woakes5-0-25-0

9.60

Oh! Length in the channel and this one shapes away late. Abdullah Shafique has a lazy waft at it but is beaten.

9.52

Lands it on middle, Abdullah Shafique turns it to square leg for one.

9.40

Length, sliding down leg, Abdullah Shafique looks to block it but wears it on his pads. A stifled appeal but turned down.

9.30

Full, on off, Abdullah Shafique blocks it to mid off.

9.20

Short, on off, Abdullah Shafique punches it to the point fielder.

9.14

FOUR! Perfectly timed stroke! Length, outside off, Abdullah Shafique opens the face of the bat and guides it elegantly behind the square on the off side for a boundary.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 36/1

S Masood12 (15)

A Shafique19 (29)

B Carse1-1-0-0

8.60

Length, on off, Shan Masood hangs back and blocks it solidly to the right of the bowler. Excellent start from Brydon Carse!

8.50

Oh, that's a beauty from Brydon Carse. On a length and on off, luring the batter to drive. The ball then decked away past the outside edge. So close to the breakthrough!

8.40

Fuller again, on middle, Shan Masood flicks it to mid on. A good start from the debutant! Four dots in a row now!

8.30

Bowls it on middle, Shan Masood flicks it but finds the fielder at short mid-wicket.

8.20

Fuller one, on off, Shan Masood eases it to the fielder at extra covers.

8.10

Short, just outside off, Shan Masood slaps it but finds the fielder at point.

The debutant, Brydon Carse comes into the attack now!

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 36/1

A Shafique19 (29)

S Masood12 (9)

G Atkinson4-1-17-1

7.60

Length, on off, Abdullah Shafique leans forward and blocks it.

7.53

Fuller this time, on off, Shan Masood looks to flick it but miscues it through point for three runs.

7.51wd

Wide! A wayward bouncer, Shan Masood leaves. Wided.

7.41

Back of a length, on off, Abdullah Shafique looks to block it but edges it to point for one.

7.30

Fuller again, on off, Abdullah Shafique blocks it solidly.

7.24

FOUR! Well played! Fuller one, on off, Abdullah Shafique makes a good connection and pumps it through mid off. The fielder chases it but the ball wins the race.

7.10

Short and wide, Abdullah Shafique leaves it alone.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 27/1

A Shafique14 (24)

S Masood9 (8)

C Woakes4-0-19-0

6.63

Three more! Running has been positive from both the batters here. Fuller this time, on middle, Abdullah Shafique flicks it in the gap through mid-wicket for three more runs.

6.53

Length, on middle, Shan Masood gives himself room and punches it magnificently through covers. The fielder chases it as the batters collect three again.

6.43

Shortish, straightening just outside off, Abdullah Shafique lets the ball come to him and punches it through covers for three runs.

6.30

Touch short and on middle and leg, Abdullah Shafique fends it back to the bowler.

6.20

Fuller one, on middle, Abdullah Shafique defends it solidly.

6.11

Length, on off, Shan Masood eases it to covers for one.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 17/1

A Shafique8 (20)

S Masood5 (6)

G Atkinson3-1-8-1

5.60

Slower one, outside off, Abdullah Shafique punches it to the fielder at point.

5.50

On a length, angling in, Abdullah Shafique covers his line and blocks it back to the bowler.

5.41

Goes full, on off, Shan Masood taps it to covers for one.

5.30

Short, down leg, Shan Masood leaves it alone.

5.22

Too full, on middle, Shan Masood picks it well and flicks it through square leg for a brace.

5.10

Short and wide, Shan Masood hangs back and leaves it alone.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 14/1

A Shafique8 (18)

S Masood2 (2)

C Woakes3-0-9-0

4.62

Shortish, straightening just outside off, Abdullah Shafique hops a bit and punches it through covers for two.

4.50

Fuller one, on middle, Abdullah Shafique eases it to the mid on fielder.

4.40

Short and wide, Abdullah Shafique leaves the harmless delivery.

4.30

Touch short again, sliding down leg, Abdullah Shafique looks to block it but gets rapped on his pads. An appeal but turned down.

4.22

Back of a length, on leg, Abdullah Shafique gives himself a touch of room and turns it through mid-wicket for a brace.

4.10

Fuller one, on off, Abdullah Shafique tips it to the fielder at covers.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 10/1

S Masood2 (2)

A Shafique4 (12)

G Atkinson2-1-5-1

3.60

Slower one, outside off, Shan Masood leaves it alone.

3.52

Shan Masood is away! Full, on off, Shan Masood moves forward and knocks it down the ground for a brace.

Shan Masood walks in at number 3.

3.4W

OUT! CAUGHT! That's a soft dismissal. Good length, angling away from the leg stump, Saim Ayub hops a bit and looks to flick it but the ball just catches his glove and carries behind towards Jamie Smith. He moves to his right and takes a good catch. An unlucky dismissal though and Saim Ayub will be distressed.

3.30

Touch short, on middle and off, Saim Ayub hops a bit and fends it to short covers.

3.20

Length, just outside off, Saim Ayub leaves it alone.

3.13

Goes fuller, on middle, Abdullah Shafique picks it well and drives it through covers. The fielder chases it as the batters collect three runs.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 5/0

S Ayub4 (7)

A Shafique1 (11)

C Woakes2-0-5-0

2.64

FOUR! What a way to get off the mark! Touch short and outside off, Saim Ayub rocks onto the back foot and cracks a drive through the covers.

2.50

Length, outside off, Saim Ayub hangs back and punches it to the gully fielder.

2.40

Sways it outside off, Saim Ayub covers his line and watches it go.

2.30

That was close! Back of a length outside off, Saim Ayub has a fiddle and cannot adjust with the bounce.

2.20

Length and on off, Saim Ayub blocks it to the mid on fielder.

2.10

Fuller one, wide outside off, Saim Ayub leaves it alone.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 1/0

A Shafique1 (11)

S Ayub0 (1)

G Atkinson1-1-0-0

1.60

Serves it on off, Abdullah Shafique hops a bit and eases it to short covers.

1.50

Touch short, on middle, Abdullah Shafique stays in his crease and fends it back to the bowler.

1.40

Similar to the last delivery, Abdullah Shafique again shoulders arms.

1.30

Back of a length, outside off, Abdullah Shafique shoulders arms at it.

1.20

Good length, angling into the batter, Abdullah Shafique trie to block it but miscues it to the point fielder.

1.10

Starts with a slower one, outside off, Abdullah Shafique leaves the harmless delivery.

Gus Atkinson to share the attack.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 1/0

S Ayub0 (1)

A Shafique1 (5)

C Woakes1-0-1-0

0.60

Length again, on off, Saim Ayub stays in his crease and blocks it back to the bowler.

0.51

First runs of the morning! Length, just outside off, Abdullah Shafique taps it to short covers and scampers across to the other end.

0.40

Length in the channel and this one shapes away late. Abdullah Shafique wafts at it and is beaten all ends up!

0.30

Another one on leg, Abdullah Shafique flicks it to the fielder at short mid-wicket.

0.20

Oh! Lands it on leg, shaping away further, Abdullah Shafique looks to block it but wears it on his pads. A stifled appeal but turned down. Perhaps sliding down leg.

0.10

Some movement straightaway! Back of a length, shaping away, outside off. Abdullah Shafique shoulders arms at it.

Right then, we are done with the pre-match formalities! The England players spread out in the middle and take their respective field positions. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique walk in with their blades for the Pakistan. Chris Woakes has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Three slips and a gully in place. Let's play...

We are just a few minutes away from the start of the 1st Test here in Multan. But first, the two sets of players walk out with their mascots and line up for their respective national anthems. It will be the national anthem of England first, followed by the national anthem of Pakistan.

England (Playing XI) - Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (C), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (WK), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (C), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.

TOSS - Pakistan have won the toss and ELECTED TO BAT FIRST.

With both teams already announcing their playing XI for this game, Brydon Carse was presented his Test cap a while earlier by Ben Stokes.

As we await the toss, stay tuned for the latest updates and insights as the teams finalize their strategies for this highly anticipated clash. Don’t miss any action as we bring you all the coverage from Multan!

On the other hand, England arrive with a blend of experienced and youthful talent, led by the ever-charismatic Ben Stokes. Although Stokes will miss the first match due to a hamstring injury, players like Joe Root, who is on the verge of breaking Alastair Cook’s record for the most Test runs for England, and the English spinners will play a pivotal role. With their aggressive Bazball approach, the English team looks set to challenge Pakistan’s bowling attack, aiming for quick runs and imposing totals.

Starting with Pakistan, the team will be led by Shan Masood, who has shown remarkable resilience as a captain, stepping up to lead a side packed with skilled players. Key figures like Babar Azam, who recently resigned from his white-ball captaincy to focus on his batting, will be crucial for Pakistan's success. His performance will be closely watched, especially after his struggles in the previous series against England. The bowling attack, spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi, returns stronger and fitter, promising to deliver early breakthroughs that can set the tone for the match

Hello and welcome to what promises to be an exciting day of cricket as Pakistan take on England in the first Test of their three-match series at the Multan Cricket Stadium. After a successful tour in 2022, where England clinched a 3-0 clean sweep, both teams are eager to make a strong statement in this series, which forms a crucial part of the ICC World Test Championship. With the stage set and anticipation in the air, fans can expect a thrilling contest between two sides rich in talent and competitive spirit.

... MATCH DAY ...