PAK beat ENG by 9 wickets | England vs Pakistan, Highlights And Cricket Score 1st Test Match - Commentary
Pakistan in England, 2 Test Series, 2018
Date: May 24, 2018 Start Time: 15:30 IST | 10:00 GMT | 11:00 LocalVenue: Lord's, London
Match Commentary
That ends our coverage of the Lord's game. A rather lopsided affair, which was quite unexpected. England were bland in all aspects of the game and paid the price. However, we all know how potent they can be when they get their act right and will be hungry to bounce back. On the other hand, Pakistan were astute overall. They will look to capitalize on the dream start and continue their form. Join us for the second and final Test of the series from the 1st of June in Headingley, Leeds. Till then, cheers!
The Man of the Match has been awarded to Mohammad Abbas for his terrific performance with the ball. He was in his elements from the word go and took a 8-wicket haul to push the Englishmen on the back foot.
Trailing by 179, the pressure was immense on the batters of the English team and it further escalated as they lost Cook and Stoneman cheaply. Though, Root played a captain's innings and scored his 40th Test fifty but he failed to make it big. Buttler and Bess then delayed the inevitable with a big seventh wicket partnership (126 runs) and pushed the game into the fourth day. However, Pakistan came out with better plans today and the new ball helped them in a big way. Overall, it was a great team effort from the Asian team and they were the deserving winners.
After winning the toss, England decided to bat under overcast conditions, but the home team was rocked early as they lost three quick wickets. However, Cook tried to resurrect the innings with a half century but the hosts were bundled out for a paltry total of 184 in their first essay with the bat. In reply, Pakistan batted smartly, they assessed the conditions better than the hosts. Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam and Shadab Khan scored their respective fifties while the rest chipped in as they went on to post 363. Ben Stokes did give his heart out with the ball but it didn't prove enough to give his team the upper hand.
An emphatic win for Pakistan, they have cruised along without breaking a sweat in this run chase. 64 was never going to challenge the visitors, but the way their young batsmen handled it was noteworthy. Haris Sohail was the aggressor of the two, while Imam played the second fiddle in the 54-run unbeaten stand which saw them get over the line. However, the game was set up by their bowlers earlier in the session. Abbas and Amir wreaked havoc. The two complimented each other well and snared eight wickets combined in this innings. Abbas was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, the right-arm pacer took a 8-wicket haul and his efforts played a big role in Pakistan winning this game. This is also the second consecutive win for Pakistan at the Mecca of Cricket, Lord's.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. FOUR! That is that! Game, set and match! PAKISTAN WIN BY 9 WICKETS! They take a 1-0 lead in the series. A friendly delivery from Bess on the middle and leg stump line, the batsman whips it with absolute ease to the mid-wicket boundary.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Fuller length ball on off, Haris goes on the front foot and defends it on the off side.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Looks to defend that one, but misses it as that one keeps low.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. SIX! S-H-O-T! Haris tonks one into the stands. A low full toss, he goes down on one knee and slogs it over the mid-wicket boundary for a biggie. That's the 50-run stand between Sohail and Imam!
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Stays tall and gets behind the line to block it.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. The batsman picked the bouncer early and let it through to the keeper.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Consistent short bowling from the English bowlers. Imam gets another one into his body and punches the ball down to the mid off region for another couple.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. The batsman stays tall and keeps it down to the mid-wicket region. Another run added to the total.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Goes over the wicket, angles into the body of Imam who does well to stay tall and get behind the line. He punches it from the back foot through the vacant cover region and takes three.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Steps out and smashes it hard again, but this time only manages to find the man at mid off.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. FOUR! Drills it and no need to run for that! Too full from Bess, Haris comes on the front foot and powers the drive through the covers. Splits the gap to perfection between extra cover and mid off. No stopping that one. 50 up for Pakistan, they just need 14 more to win this game!
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Again too wide from Bess and the batsman is happy to leave those.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Quicker delivery outside off, left alone by the batsman.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. FOUR! Easy as you like. A loopy delivery on the stumps, Haris takes a step closer to it and makes contact on the full. Punches it with nice timing past his partner and beats the man at mid on. The ball races away for a boundary.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Faster one from Bess and flatter too. Haris hangs back and decides to leave it all alone.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Plays a drive on the rise to mid off. Fakhar Zaman is the sub on the field in place of Babar Azam.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Shortish delivery, dips in a little, the southpaw is late on it. He gets an inside edge on the back leg.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Pitched up delivery on the stumps, the batsman moves across and plays a drive down the track.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Bowls a fullish delivery on the stumps, nips in a little. Cook pushes it to the mid on region.
Mohammad Abbas will share the new ball.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Widish delivery outside off, Stoneman is happy to leave that one all alone.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. First run for England. Cook is off the mark with a quick single. Sits back and pushes it in the gap on the off side. They take a quick single.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Goes wide of the crease and angles it in. The ball hits the pitch and moves away a little. Well left by the batsman.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Shortish delivery outside off, Cook lifts his bat and shoulders arms to it.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Similar delivery in the channel outside off, Cook decides to leave it.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Amir starts with a length ball, moves away a little. Cook sits back and doesn't play at that one. A decent start from Amir.
That ends our coverage of the Lord's game. A rather lopsided affair, which was quite unexpected. England were bland in all aspects of the game and paid the price. However, we all know how potent they can be when they get their act right and will be hungry to bounce back. On the other hand, Pakistan were astute overall. They will look to capitalize on the dream start and continue their form. Join us for the second and final Test of the series from the 1st of June in Headingley, Leeds. Till then, cheers!
The Man of the Match has been awarded to Mohammad Abbas for his terrific performance with the ball. He was in his elements from the word go and took a 8-wicket haul to push the Englishmen on the back foot.
Trailing by 179, the pressure was immense on the batters of the English team and it further escalated as they lost Cook and Stoneman cheaply. Though, Root played a captain's innings and scored his 40th Test fifty but he failed to make it big. Buttler and Bess then delayed the inevitable with a big seventh wicket partnership (126 runs) and pushed the game into the fourth day. However, Pakistan came out with better plans today and the new ball helped them in a big way. Overall, it was a great team effort from the Asian team and they were the deserving winners.
After winning the toss, England decided to bat under overcast conditions, but the home team was rocked early as they lost three quick wickets. However, Cook tried to resurrect the innings with a half century but the hosts were bundled out for a paltry total of 184 in their first essay with the bat. In reply, Pakistan batted smartly, they assessed the conditions better than the hosts. Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam and Shadab Khan scored their respective fifties while the rest chipped in as they went on to post 363. Ben Stokes did give his heart out with the ball but it didn't prove enough to give his team the upper hand.
An emphatic win for Pakistan, they have cruised along without breaking a sweat in this run chase. 64 was never going to challenge the visitors, but the way their young batsmen handled it was noteworthy. Haris Sohail was the aggressor of the two, while Imam played the second fiddle in the 54-run unbeaten stand which saw them get over the line. However, the game was set up by their bowlers earlier in the session. Abbas and Amir wreaked havoc. The two complimented each other well and snared eight wickets combined in this innings. Abbas was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, the right-arm pacer took a 8-wicket haul and his efforts played a big role in Pakistan winning this game. This is also the second consecutive win for Pakistan at the Mecca of Cricket, Lord's.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. FOUR! That is that! Game, set and match! PAKISTAN WIN BY 9 WICKETS! They take a 1-0 lead in the series. A friendly delivery from Bess on the middle and leg stump line, the batsman whips it with absolute ease to the mid-wicket boundary.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Fuller length ball on off, Haris goes on the front foot and defends it on the off side.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Looks to defend that one, but misses it as that one keeps low.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. SIX! S-H-O-T! Haris tonks one into the stands. A low full toss, he goes down on one knee and slogs it over the mid-wicket boundary for a biggie. That's the 50-run stand between Sohail and Imam!
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Stays tall and gets behind the line to block it.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. The batsman picked the bouncer early and let it through to the keeper.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Consistent short bowling from the English bowlers. Imam gets another one into his body and punches the ball down to the mid off region for another couple.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. The batsman stays tall and keeps it down to the mid-wicket region. Another run added to the total.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Goes over the wicket, angles into the body of Imam who does well to stay tall and get behind the line. He punches it from the back foot through the vacant cover region and takes three.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Steps out and smashes it hard again, but this time only manages to find the man at mid off.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. FOUR! Drills it and no need to run for that! Too full from Bess, Haris comes on the front foot and powers the drive through the covers. Splits the gap to perfection between extra cover and mid off. No stopping that one. 50 up for Pakistan, they just need 14 more to win this game!
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Again too wide from Bess and the batsman is happy to leave those.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Quicker delivery outside off, left alone by the batsman.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. FOUR! Easy as you like. A loopy delivery on the stumps, Haris takes a step closer to it and makes contact on the full. Punches it with nice timing past his partner and beats the man at mid on. The ball races away for a boundary.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Faster one from Bess and flatter too. Haris hangs back and decides to leave it all alone.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Imam is leaving the short ball outside the off stump with ease.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Another short one and the batsman shoulders arms to it.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Repeat of the previous delivery from the batsman and the bowler.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Imam does well to get on his toes and plays the short ball down with soft hands.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Punches off the back foot to the mid-wicket region.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Short and touch close to the batsman's grille who does well to sway away from the line.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Stays tall and punches it back to the bowler with intent.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. FOUR! Touch short and Sohail punches this beautifully off the back foot through the covers and earns a boundary for the effort. Pakistan get closer to the target.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Comes on the front foot and presents the full face as he defends.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Flighted and spinning away from the rough. Sohail happily leaves it.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Driven off the front foot to mid off.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Flatter on the leg stump. The batsman flicks it to the mid-wicket region and takes two.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Gets closer to the batsman with the short one. Imam takes evasive action and keeps his bat away from the delivery while swaying away.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Around the wicket on the same length, touch closer to the off stump this time. Imam sways away and leaves it for the keeper.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. A bumper from Wood, angling into the batsman. Imam is happy to duck under it and lets it go.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Short of a length angling away from the batsman. Imam gets high on his toes and plays it down to the off side.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Pitched outside leg and angles on his pads. Sohail flicks it to square leg for a single.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Bangs the first one short and Sohail does well to duck underneath it. A quick one from Wood but Sohail plays it equally well.
Dual bowling change from England. Mark Wood comes into the attack. The hosts look bit desperate for the wickets, why not, they just have 29 runs to play with.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Sohail closes the face of the bat and works it square on the leg side for a single.
Dominic Bess to Imam-ul-Haq. Three Byes! Another one, turns away sharply and the batsman is beaten by it. Bairstow gets a glove on it but can't stop it cleanly. Stoneman from short third man chases it and pulls it inside the ropes to save a run for his side.
Dominic Bess to Imam-ul-Haq. FOUR! Follows it up with a poor delivery, sliding it down the leg side. Imam-ul-Haq manages to get some wood on it and the ball rolls away to the fine leg boundary.
Dominic Bess to Imam-ul-Haq. Prodigious spin for Bess. He gives more revs to the ball. Imam goes for the drive but misses it. Bairstow takes it over his shoulders.
Dominic Bess to Imam-ul-Haq. Loopy ball outside off, Imam plays a drive back to the bowler.
Dominic Bess to Imam-ul-Haq. Flatter ball outside off, the batsman doesn't play at that one.
Time for some spin. Dominic Bess gets the ball, can he do some magic with the cherry in his hand?
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Another harmless delivery from Broad, outside off and Haris ignores it.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Too wide from Broad and the batsman decides to leave it.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. FOUR! Overpitched delivery and Haris cashes on it. Fuller length ball on off, gets on the front foot and powers it between extra cover and mid off. A couple of boundaries in the over, Sohail is trying to stay positive.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Defends it down the track with a lot of ease.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. FOUR! Uppish... but well over Stokes. Fuller length ball outside off stump, seeing width, Haris throws his bat at it and gets a thick outside edge over the slip cordon. No one at third man to stop it.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Bowls from around the angle, a touch too wide, the batsman lets it go.
James Anderson to Imam-ul-Haq. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
James Anderson to Imam-ul-Haq. Fuller length ball on off, plays a drive by going on one knee. Hits it to the man at mid off.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Eases it on the off side and they take a quick single.
James Anderson to Imam-ul-Haq. Plays a drive on the up through the covers. They scamper back for the third run.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Imam is leaving the short ball outside the off stump with ease.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Another short one and the batsman shoulders arms to it.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Repeat of the previous delivery from the batsman and the bowler.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Imam does well to get on his toes and plays the short ball down with soft hands.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Punches off the back foot to the mid-wicket region.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Short and touch close to the batsman's grille who does well to sway away from the line.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Stays tall and punches it back to the bowler with intent.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. FOUR! Touch short and Sohail punches this beautifully off the back foot through the covers and earns a boundary for the effort. Pakistan get closer to the target.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Comes on the front foot and presents the full face as he defends.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Flighted and spinning away from the rough. Sohail happily leaves it.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Driven off the front foot to mid off.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Flatter on the leg stump. The batsman flicks it to the mid-wicket region and takes two.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Gets closer to the batsman with the short one. Imam takes evasive action and keeps his bat away from the delivery while swaying away.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Around the wicket on the same length, touch closer to the off stump this time. Imam sways away and leaves it for the keeper.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. A bumper from Wood, angling into the batsman. Imam is happy to duck under it and lets it go.
Mark Wood to Imam-ul-Haq. Short of a length angling away from the batsman. Imam gets high on his toes and plays it down to the off side.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Pitched outside leg and angles on his pads. Sohail flicks it to square leg for a single.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Bangs the first one short and Sohail does well to duck underneath it. A quick one from Wood but Sohail plays it equally well.
Dual bowling change from England. Mark Wood comes into the attack. The hosts look bit desperate for the wickets, why not, they just have 29 runs to play with.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Sohail closes the face of the bat and works it square on the leg side for a single.
Dominic Bess to Imam-ul-Haq. Three Byes! Another one, turns away sharply and the batsman is beaten by it. Bairstow gets a glove on it but can't stop it cleanly. Stoneman from short third man chases it and pulls it inside the ropes to save a run for his side.
Dominic Bess to Imam-ul-Haq. FOUR! Follows it up with a poor delivery, sliding it down the leg side. Imam-ul-Haq manages to get some wood on it and the ball rolls away to the fine leg boundary.
Dominic Bess to Imam-ul-Haq. Prodigious spin for Bess. He gives more revs to the ball. Imam goes for the drive but misses it. Bairstow takes it over his shoulders.
Dominic Bess to Imam-ul-Haq. Loopy ball outside off, Imam plays a drive back to the bowler.
Dominic Bess to Imam-ul-Haq. Flatter ball outside off, the batsman doesn't play at that one.
Time for some spin. Dominic Bess gets the ball, can he do some magic with the cherry in his hand?
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Another harmless delivery from Broad, outside off and Haris ignores it.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Too wide from Broad and the batsman decides to leave it.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. FOUR! Overpitched delivery and Haris cashes on it. Fuller length ball on off, gets on the front foot and powers it between extra cover and mid off. A couple of boundaries in the over, Sohail is trying to stay positive.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Defends it down the track with a lot of ease.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. FOUR! Uppish... but well over Stokes. Fuller length ball outside off stump, seeing width, Haris throws his bat at it and gets a thick outside edge over the slip cordon. No one at third man to stop it.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Bowls from around the angle, a touch too wide, the batsman lets it go.
James Anderson to Imam-ul-Haq. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
James Anderson to Imam-ul-Haq. Fuller length ball on off, plays a drive by going on one knee. Hits it to the man at mid off.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Eases it on the off side and they take a quick single.
James Anderson to Imam-ul-Haq. Plays a drive on the up through the covers. They scamper back for the third run.
James Anderson to Imam-ul-Haq. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Run out chance? No, the fielder fails to gather the ball cleanly. Defends it on the leg side and calls for a quick single. Makes it as there is a fumble.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Beaten! Lovely delivery to end the over. Broad angles it across the stumps, Imam plays down the wrong line and misses it.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Corrects his line and delivers it full on the off stump line, Imam drives it nicely off the front foot to the left of the bowler.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Slipping down the leg side. The youngster fails to put bat to ball. Need to put those away.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Fullish delivery from Broad, the batsman plays another defensive stroke.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. The left-hander shows the full face of the bat and defends it down the track.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Good length ball outside off, Imam doesn't offer a stroke to that one.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Poor end to the over, Anderson slips it down the leg side. Haris moves inside the line of it and glances to fine leg for a brace.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Good ball, angling across and lifts sharply, the batsman lifts his bat and decides to leave it.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone.
Haris Sohail strides out to bat.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. OUT! Cleaned him up! Hitting the top of off, a dream delivery for any fast bowler. Anderson produces a beauty which sends Azhar Ali packing. Bowls it seam up and it is shaping in initially. The batsman plays for the angle but he is beaten as the ball straightens a bit and hits the top half of the off peg. Ali hears the sound of the timber and starts walking straightaway without looking back. Is there still a twist in the tale? Or is it too late for England? We will find that out soon...
James Anderson to Imam-ul-Haq. Drop and run. This is brilliant from the left-hander. He drops it on the off side and calls for a quick single.
James Anderson to Imam-ul-Haq. Angling across the stumps, Imam doesn't offer a stroke to it.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Bowls it touch fuller than the previous one. Ali comes on the front foot and defends it to the point region.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Length ball in the channel outside off, Ali covers his stumps and leaves it all alone.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Fuller length ball from Broad, seams in a little, Ali goes to play the drive but gets a thick inside edge on the back leg.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Plays with the straight bat but the ball goes off the inner half to deep square leg for a single.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. FOUR! Brilliant straight drive from Imam-ul-Haq, that will get him going. Fullish delivery from Broad, he leans forward and powers it to the left of mid off for a boundary.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Tentatively played by Imam-ul-Haq. He gets a rising delivery, angling across him and he tries to play away from the body but gets beaten by the pace of Broad.
Stuart Broad will share the new ball.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. FOUR! Outside edge and it rolls wide of the third slip fielder. Four more for Pakistan. Ali hangs back and looks to defend that with hard hands. He gets a thick edge and the ball speeds away to the third man fence.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Good length ball outside off stump, Ali goes on the back foot and defends it on the off side.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Two Leg Byes! Slipping down leg, Ali goes across to glance that but misses it. And gets hit on the thigh pad. Pakistan get underway in this run chase with a couple of leg byes.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. In the channel outside off, Azhar Ali covers his off stump and leaves it all alone.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Goes fuller this time and attacks the stumps, Ali hangs back in his crease and defends it on the off side.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Anderson bowls a length ball outside off, Azhar goes back and plays away from the body as he defends it tentatively on the off side.
England vs Pakistan Highlights And Cricket Score 1st Match - Test Commentary
The visitors were brilliant in the field as well. A couple of sharp catches from Asad Shafiq in the slip region was a testimony to that. England need to come out and bowl with a lot of intensity and discipline if they are to trouble the visiting batsmen. They do have the firepower to run through any opposition in conducive conditions and will be backing themselves. In contrast, a cautious start is the need of the hour for Pakistan. Let's see who comes out on top at the fag end of the day.
What a start for Pakistan! On a helpful surface, they bowled with needle-like precision and got the rewards as well. Two young Pakistan bowlers, Mohammad Abbas and Hasan Ali blew the home side away, taking four wickets each. Apart from a couple of decent stands, England just catapulted. Only Alastair Cook played with composure and scored a well-made fifty but he failed to carry on.
Hasan Ali to Mark Wood. OUT! Ali finishes with a 4-fer as well! The young Pakistani sensation has proved his mettle. He hits the deck hard and catches Wood by surprise who goes for a pull but miscues it completely. The ball flies towards mid on. Amir backtracks and dives full length to take a great catch. ENGLAND ARE BOWLED OUT FOR 184!
Hasan Ali to Mark Wood. FOUR! Shot! On a fuller length around off, Wood punches it nicely off his back foot and gets it past the bowler. The fielder from mid off races after it. Amir looks to flick that inside the ropes but tumbles over it and the ball touches the rope.
Mohammad Abbas to James Anderson. In the channel outside off, Anderson lets it go.
James Anderson is the last man in.
Mohammad Abbas to Stuart Broad. OUT! Abbas is having a gala time, gets a 4-fer to his name, can he get one more and finish with a five-wicket haul? Great exhibition of pace bowling from him. He bowls a fuller length delivery outside off stump and gets it to angle in sharply from around the wicket. Broad is caught in the crease as he attempts to keep it out but gets hit on the pads. Pakistan appeal in unison and up goes the umpire's finger. Broad doesn't even think about challenging the decision, takes his gloves off and decides to walk.
Mohammad Abbas to Stuart Broad. On a length around off, kept out watchfully.
Stuart Broad is the new man in.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. OUT! Another one bites the dust! Abbas gets his man. He bowled last two balls into the batsman and deliberately throws this wide of the off stump, enticing the batsman to go for the expansive drive. Bess wanted to make full use of the loose ball and goes after it, only to get a thick outside edge to Shafiq at second slip. He moves quickly to his left and pouches it safely near his mate at first slip. What a start to this session by Pakistan. They are going through the lower order of England quickly.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. FOUR. Nicely done this. Got into good position to play the flick through mid wicket region. Welcome runs for the England team.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Good length and Bess lets it go.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Straying on the pads this time, tucked through square leg for a run.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Full delivery well outside off, Bess is not lured into a false stroke and makes a good leave.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. In the zone outside off, left alone.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. The batsman defends it from within the crease.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Similar length ball outside off, played with an open bat face towards third slip.
Hasan Ali to Mark Wood. On a length outside off, Wood taps it towards backward point for a brisk single.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. He swings his bat but misses the ball. Abbas is not allowing the batsmen to get any easy runs.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Wess was in two minds. He wasn't sure as to play it from the back foot or front foot and ends up poking at the wide delivery. No harm done in the end.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Straight delivery at the stumps and Bess flicks it to the square leg region.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Wess leaves the length ball.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Straighter one from Abbas and nicely defended by the batsman from the front foot.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Wood. Back foot punch from Bess. This is on a back of a length, outside the off stump and scampers for a single through the empty cover region.
Hasan Ali to Mark Wood. Streaky! Looks to turn it to the leg side but is early into his shot. A leading edge is induced and the ball rolls to mid off. A single taken.
Hasan Ali to Mark Wood. On a length outside off, left alone.
Hasan Ali to Mark Wood. Four Leg byes! Bonus runs. Back of a length ball, angling in, Wood tries to play it away but the ball brushes his pads and runs past the slip cordon and through to the third man fence
Hasan Ali to Mark Wood. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Hasan Ali to Mark Wood. Outside off, left alone.
Mark Wood comes out to bat.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. OUT! What a catch! Take a bow, Asad Shafiq. It was a poor shot from Buttler though. He seemed to be in the T20 mode and pays the price for it. On a driveable length wide outside off, Buttler throws his bat at it but only manages to get a thick outside edge. It is traveling at the speed of knots towards Shafiq at second slip. He is cool as a cucumber and stays really steady. Takes a sharp catch over his shoulders and then tumbles down. His teammates barge towards him and hug him in delight! England continue to slip downhill.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. On a length around off, kept out watchfully. A wicket maiden for Abbas, brilliant stuff.
Dominic Bess, the debutant, strides out to bat. He is a handy lower-order batsman. Can he make an impact with the bat?
Mohammad Abbas to Ben Stokes. OUT! Yes, the visitors have got this one right. Judicious use of the review from Pakistan. Abbas has been brilliant today and gets another one. He bowls a length ball around leg stump, Stokes tries to flick it across but misses to get pinged on the pads. Abbas roars in an appeal but the umpire stays put. Sarfraz has a chat with Abbas and decides to challenge the decision. Time for the replays. Well, well, well. It has pitched in line and is also crashing into the stumps. With all three reds, on-field decision is overturned. A successful review from the visitors.
Seems like this one pitched outside leg but Sarfraz has decided to take a review after a conversation with his bowler. Have the visitors got this one right?
Mohammad Abbas to Ben Stokes. Another confident defensive stroke from Stokes off the back foot.
Mohammad Abbas to Ben Stokes. Back of a length, Stokes defends it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Abbas to Ben Stokes. Another leave. This one was back of length from Abbas and Stokes had no intention of playing that either.
Mohammad Abbas to Ben Stokes. Goes down the pitch and leaves it to the keeper. Some intent from Stokes. However, he doesn't get the delivery to go hard at it.
Mohammad Abbas to bowl from the other end.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. Swinging in, cramping Stokes for space. He tucks it off the inner half of his bat through square leg and picks up a run.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Similar delivery, Buttler perhaps goes at this one with hard hands. Gets it towards extra cover where Azhar Ali moves to his left and stops it. A run taken.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Fuller in length around off, Buttler leans ahead and strokes it to mid off. Nice timing on that one.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. Angling in sharply, Stokes hops back and gets hurried a bit but does well in the end to work it to fine leg. A run taken.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. This one moves away a bit more and Stokes has nothing to do with it.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. Back of a length ball on off, punched off the back foot to covers.
We are back for the final session. Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes to resume their innings. Hasan Ali to bowl first up after Tea.
... Day 1, Session 3 ...
A wicket was followed by another decent stand, Cook joined hands with Stokes to add another 49 runs to the total. The opener continued on his merry way while Stokes looked confident. Sarfraz got Amir back into the attack to break the stand and the pacer didn't disappoint. He dished out a special delivery and got rid of the well-set opener. Buttler has looked positive so far in his short stay at the crease and it will be entertaining if the two Englishmen continue to do well post Tea. Join us back in a while.
Session stats - 26 overs, 93 runs scored for the loss of 2 wickets. A decent session for England, despite them losing a couple of important wickets. England were in a bit of a tricky position when they started after the lunch interval. However, a 57-run stand between Cook and Bairstow got them to a safer position. Both the batsmen were trying to stabilize things for the home team but a brute of a delivery from Faheem got the better of the latter.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Solid block from Buttler to end the over. That's Tea on Day 1!
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Good length ball on the stumps, Buttler stays back and defends it down the track.
Mohammad Amir to Ben Stokes. Smart thing from Stokes, he pushes it to mid on and gets off strike with a single.
Mohammad Amir to Ben Stokes. Amir rushes Stokes with a quick delivery which hits him on the thigh pad. He just has no answers to what Amir has to offer in this over.
Mohammad Amir to Ben Stokes. Slanting it down leg, Stokes advances and moves across his stumps. Looking to glance that but fails to make contact with the leather.
Mohammad Amir to Ben Stokes. Muted appeal for an LBW! Length ball, sliding down leg, Stokes misses on the flick shot and wears it on the front leg. Amir goes up quickly but aborts his appeal even quicker.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. Ends the over with a single, Stokes powers it to the left of the bowler and the ball rolls to long on.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. Dabs it to the mid-wicket region. That's another dot ball.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. Loopy leg break outside off, gets on the front foot and blocks it.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. Serves a quicker delivery on the stumps, Stokes defends it out.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. Pushes it through and Stokes dabs it to mid-wicket.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Flatter leg break outside off, Buttler powers it to the sweeper cover region for a single.
Mohammad Amir to Ben Stokes. Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Direct hit would have made things interesting! Buttler dabs it to square leg and calls for a quick single. Stokes responds but the fielder is quick to the ball and makes a clean pick up. Has a shy but misses.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Amir ensures he doesn't provide any room to Buttler. Bowls it full on middle, the batsman defends it on the off side.
Mohammad Amir to Ben Stokes. Closes the face of the bat and glances to fine leg. Single taken.
Mohammad Amir to Ben Stokes. Stokes dances down the track. He looks to flick that but is rushed there and gets hit on the thigh pad.
Mohammad Amir to Ben Stokes. Stokes sits back and defends it towards cover-point.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. FOUR! More runs from the bat of Buttler, he certainly looks in rich vein of form. He reaches out a little for that one and blasts it through the covers for a boundary.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Slider outside off, Buttler dabs it on the off side.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. FOUR! That's the shot of a man in prime form. Floated leg break on the stumps, Buttler gets to the pitch of it and whips it against the spin to the right of mid on. The ball races away to the fence.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Sits down on one knee and paddles it away to fine leg. A couple more added to the total.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Buttler defends it down the track with a straight bat.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. AHHH... almost gets another wicket. Smartly bowls a yorker closer to the off stump, Buttler is late on it and gets it off the inner half to fine leg. Buttler is off the mark with a single.
Jos Buttler walks out to bat. He was in some phenomenal form in the Indian T20 League and it will be interesting to see whether he can replicate similar kind of performances in the longest format of the game.
The on-air commentators speak about Stokes who has spent a lot of time with Shane Warne in the Indian T20 League which might be the key here. He will face Shadab with a lot of confidence which was evident in that big shot he played in the last over.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. OUT! Cracking nut from Amir, he gets the vital wicket. Cook was looking good to get a big one today, but he gets an unplayable delivery from the talented left-arm pacer. He bowls this one from wide of the crease and angles it into the batsman. Cook looks to play for the angle but he is deceived by the ball straightening a touch. The ball whizzes past the outside edge and smashes into the top of off. Cook departs after playing a fine knock and another partnership which was looking dangerous has been cut short. England have lost half their side before Tea.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Defends it to the cover region.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. FOUR! Punched off the back foot. Cook stays in his crease and forces it with nice timing through cover-point for a boundary.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Plays a square cut, only to find the man at backward point.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Angling into the pads, Cook stays back and pushes it gently to mid-wicket.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. Much quicker in pace from Shadab, the all-rounder blocks it down the track.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. Pushes it to the cover region, the fielder mops it and throws it back to the bowler.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. The batsman works it down the leg side.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. SIX! Bingo! Stokes breaks the shackles with a biggie. That's the first six of the innings. Loopy delivery on the stumps, he clears his front leg out of the way and slogs it over the mid-wicket boundary for a maximum.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. Turns in just a little, Stokes sits back and dabs it wide of the keeper.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. Slider on middle and leg, Stokes stays back and punches to mid-wicket. Good stop there by Babar Azam.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. No shot offered by Cook. Three runs from Stokes, followed by five leaves from his partner.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Third leave on the trot, but this one is slightly tighter. A nip backer from Amir, which threatens to kiss the off stump but misses it by a few inches. So, we can label it as a good leave in the end.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Bowls from wide of the crease, angling in, Cook sits back and watchfully leaves it alone.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Slightly wide from Amir and that's enough for Cook to make a leave.
Mohammad Amir to Ben Stokes. Short of a length ball outside off, Stokes stands tall and slaps it to the right of mid off. Azhar Ali hares after it and pulls it inside the ropes, saves a run for his side.
Mohammad Amir is back on. Can he break this 36-run stand?
Shadab Khan to Alastair Cook. FOUR! Boundary to end the over, Cook has played drives with precision in this innings. He gets a massive stride forward and drills it against the spin. The ball races away to the cover boundary.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. Uses his wrists and works it in front of square leg for a single.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. FOUR! Outside edge, rolls past the man at first slip! Loopy googly on the middle and off stump line, Stokes lunges forward and jabs at that one but he gets a thick outside edge. The ball strolls to the third man fence.
Shadab Khan to Alastair Cook. Works it with the spin to deep mid-wicket. Gets off strike with a single.
Shadab Khan to Alastair Cook. Flatter from Shadab and Cook hits it back to him.
Shadab Khan to Alastair Cook. Quicker ball on the stumps, Cook pushes it down the track.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. Short ball from Ali to end the over, Stokes lets it go. The keeper collects it with fingers pointing skywards.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. FOUR! Great shot from Stokes, this battle between Stokes and Hasan Ali is keeping everyone interested. Now, the left-hander takes a step down the track and whips it to the mid-wicket boundary.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. Huge shout for an LBW turned down! Bowls a fullish delivery, tailing into the batsman, who looks to flick that but gets hit on the front leg. Maybe, it is doing too much and would have missed the leg pole.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. Oh yes! He bowls a sharp bumper into the batsman. Stokes is using his feet regularly and to counter that, Ali comes up with the short ball. The southpaw ducks under it and lets it go.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. Serves a fullish delivery on off, Stokes sits back and dabs it on the off side.
Shadab Khan to Alastair Cook. Pushes it down the ground towards the fielder at mid off.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. On middle and leg, Stokes works it with the spin to deep mid-wicket. A single added to the total.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. Gets to the pitch of the delivery and punches it to long on. Rotates the strike with a single.
Shadab Khan to Alastair Cook. Driven through mid on by the batsman. One run added to the total.
Shadab Khan to Alastair Cook. Low full toss on the stumps, the batsman mistimes the drive to mid off.
Shadab Khan to Alastair Cook. Slider on the stumps, Cook pushes it to the cover region.
Shadab Khan is back into the attack.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. On a length outside off, angling away from the stumps, the southpaw decides to leave it.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. Pacy delivery from Ali, bowls a yorker on middle and off, Stokes jams his bat down and stops it.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. Stokes smashes it and Hasan Ali is in the firing line. He gets hit on the wrist and looks in some pain. However, recovers quickly and is ready to continue.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. Ali pulls his length back after being hit for a boundary, angling across and Stokes decides to leave it.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. FOUR! Firmly driven by Stokes. He gets a half volley from Hasan Ali and dispatches it past the mid off fielder. Gets on the front foot and plays the off drive with perfection.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. Bowls a fuller delivery on the stumps, Stokes gets right behind it and blocks it down the track.
Faheem Ashraf to Ben Stokes. Straighter from Faheem, Stokes moves across and clips it away to deep mid-wicket. Retains the strike with a single.
Faheem Ashraf to Ben Stokes. Stokes dances down the track and seeing that, Faheem drops it short outside off. The batsman decides to leave it.
Faheem Ashraf to Ben Stokes. Stokes leaves a wide delivery to the keeper.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Leg bye! Short of a length ball, on the leg stump line, Cook looks to flick that but misses it. The ball goes off the thigh pad on the leg side. A leg bye taken.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Angling across the stumps, Cook doesn't play at it.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. FOUR! Vintage Cook. Slightly overpitched by Faheem, Cook gets a nice stride forward towards the pitch of it and creams it through the covers. Timing is spot on and the ball races to the boundary.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. Excellent delivery from Ali to end the over, he spears in a yorker on middle and leg, tails in a little, Stokes just brings his bat down in time and digs it out.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. FOUR! Lovely straight drive from Stokes! Fuller length ball, touch too full from Ali, Stokes leans into the drive and gets his timing right. Beats the man at mid off and the ball speeds away to the boundary.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. No Ball! Stokes dabs it on the off side. Replays show Hasan Ali overstepped by some margin.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. Shout for an LBW but it dies pretty quickly! Tailing in sharply from outside off, Stokes moves across to flick that but he gets an inside edge on the pads. The umpire spots the inside edge and makes the correct decision.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. Offers the full face of the bat and blocks it right under his eyes. Three solid blocks from Stokes in a row.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. Bowls it full again and Stokes defends it out.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. Fuller length ball, angling in, Stokes gets a stride forward and pushes it to cover-point.
Drinks taken. Cook and Bairstow were playing well but Ashraf got rid of the latter with a beautiful delivery. Pakistan have continued to bowl well and are keeping the batsmen guessing. From England's point of view, the ex-English skipper holds the key. He has batted with a lot of composure and needs to continue with the same approach.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Similar delivery outside off, pushed off the front foot to covers. Another tidy over from Ashraf.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Fuller in length around off, Alastair presents a water-tight defense.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Full delivery but no swing on this occasion. Cook leans ahead and with a still head, defends it calmly.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Ashraf drags his length back, Cook stands tall and blocks it.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Pitched right up around off, tapped gently to the cover region.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. Another one outside off, Stokes is circumspect in his approach and doesn't fiddle with it.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. Length ball outside off, Ben lets it go.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. FOUR! First boundary for Stokes! He will feel good about that. Overpitched outside off, Stokes comes forward and strokes it through extra cover to find the fence.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. Length delivery outside off, Stokes plants his front foot across and allows it through.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. Coming in on a good length, Ben hangs back and defends it solidly.
Hasan Ali to Ben Stokes. Outside off, left alone.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Full length ball in line of the stumps, pushed off the front foot to mid on. Successful over for Ashraf.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Faheem Ashraf to Ben Stokes. Good thinking from Ashraf! He bowls a full delivery and it tails in considerably. Stokes tries to get it away on the leg side but gets an inside edge that rolls towards fine leg. Gets off the mark with a single.
Faheem Ashraf to Ben Stokes. Similar delivery, left alone.
Faheem Ashraf to Ben Stokes. Full length ball outside off, swinging away. Stokes points his bat skywards and lets it go.
Ben Stokes comes out to bat. Three slips and a gully waiting for the outside edge.
Faheem Ashraf to Jonny Bairstow. OUT! Ashraf makes an impact straightaway! He is a skiddy customer and gets rid of the dangerous Bairstow. He runs in with good rhythm and bowls a good length ball in the avenue of apprehension. It comes in naturally with the angle and straightens a touch after pitching. Bairstow attempts a drive straight down the ground. However, he ends up playing down the wrong line and the ball hits the top of off. End of the 57-run stand. The wicket-keeper batsman played some entertaining strokes but never looked quite settled in the middle. Pakistan continue to chip away at the wickets.
Faheem Ashraf returns for a burst.
Hasan Ali to Alastair Cook. Back of a length delivery and width on offer, Cook slaps it towards backward point. Imam-ul-Haq dives and takes some pace off the ball. Manages to chase it and keep the ball in play. A couple taken.
Hasan Ali to Alastair Cook. In the zone outside off, left alone.
Hasan Ali to Alastair Cook. FOUR! Poor delivery and duly punished! Straying on the hips, Cook rises on his toes and clips it away through square leg. Good timing on that one and the ball whistles away to the ropes.
Hasan Ali to Alastair Cook. Sits back to the short of a length ball and stonewalls it.
Hasan Ali to Alastair Cook. Tentative! Angling in initially and then straightening. Cook is opened up a bit in his stance and gets it off the outer half of the bat towards point.
Hasan Ali to Alastair Cook. Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
Hasan Ali is back on. He was terrific in his first spell and will be aiming to continue his rhythm.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. A polite inquiry for an LBW is turned down! Good bowling from Abbas. He angles in a good length ball sharply. Bairstow tries to block it but only manages to get an inside edge onto his pads which saves him.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. Leans ahead to the fullish ball and blocks it to the off side.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. Streaky runs! On a driveable length outside off, Jonny goes for an expansive drive but gets a thick outside edge towards third man. Imam-ul-Haq hares after it and keeps it down to a couple. That brings up the 50-run stand between the duo. They have played sensible cricket and have got the results as well. Need to carry on.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. On a length around off, defended solidly off the back foot.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. Brilliant fielding from Imam-ul-Haq! Length delivery around off, Bairstow runs it down with an open bat face towards backward point but the fielder intercepts it. He dives full length to his left and makes a good stop. Has a big smile on his face and his teammates pat him on the back. Pakistan need to maintain this kind of intensity.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Short of a length ball outside off, Alastair shuffles across and doesn't fiddle with it.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Amir loses his radar and slips this one down the leg side, Alastair tries to take advantage of it with a whip but misses.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. Drop and run from Bairstow, sensible stuff! He camps back and taps it towards covers to scurry across to the other end.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. That hurried Bairstow! Short of a length ball around the rib-cage area, Jonny hops and tucks it somehow through square leg. Vacant spaces there and the batsmen pick up a couple.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. Short delivery, Bairstow arches back and makes a good leave.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. In line of the stumps, Jonny covers the line and knocks it down to mid off.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Pitched up this time, tapped off the front foot to covers. Another maiden for Abbas, the sixth one to be precise.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Short of a length ball outside off, not deviating from its line. Alastair punches it off the back foot towards point.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. That one stayed a bit low! Good length ball around off, skidding after pitching. Cook adjusts in his crease to block it out.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Similar length ball, pretty harmless, Cook points his bat skywards to allow it through again.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Length delivery, leaving the southpaw. The opener watches it closely and lets it go.
Hasan Ali is stretching himself. Might come back into the attack soon.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. This one is way outside off, Alastair doesn't bother to play at it.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. Fuller in length this time, the English keeper comes forward and defends it calmly.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. Short of a length outside off, Jonny is early into his punch and mistimes it to mid off.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. FOUR! Stand and deliver! That shot was full of confidence. Length ball angling across Bairstow. He strokes it on the up over covers and gets the desired result.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. Good length ball outside off, Jonny punches it away off the back foot.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. This is testing stuff from Amir. He bowls a length ball around off stump and it swings in late. Good judgement from Bairstow as he plants his front foot across and makes a brave leave.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Good length ball outside off, Alastair doesn't flirt with it.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. Bye! The effort ball from Abbas. However, it is a bit wayward. It is too high as the batsman ducks under it. Ahmed leaps to his left but only manages to deflect it towards fine leg. A run taken. One bouncer for the over signaled by the umpire.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. Fullish delivery around off, patted gently to covers.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. On a length outside off, Jonny gets a bit low and pushes it off the back foot towards point.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. Similar length ball, shaping in, Jonny makes use of the depth of the crease and stonewalls it.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. Back of a length ball, angling in, Bairstow hangs back and punches it away.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Brilliant bowling! The surprise element is always needed no matter which format you are playing in. Slips in an inswinging yorker around off, Cook is alert to it and jams it out towards point.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Outside off, third leave in a row.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Full and wide outside off, Alastair doesn't bother to play at that one.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Amir generates a lot of swing on this one but hurls it way down the leg side. Cook tries to flick it but misses. Ahmed dives to his right and makes a good half stop.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Peach! On a good length and it straightens after pitching, Cook plays for the initial angle and gets foxed.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. In the zone outside off, Jonny lets it go.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. FOUR! Elegance and class written all over this shot. Slightly overpitched outside off, Bairstow allows his hands to flow through and caresses it through covers to find the fence. High elbow, steady head, everything was correct about that one.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. That ball has struck the batsman on the thigh pad.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. On a length, angling down. Bairstow fails to flick it away and gets hit on the thigh pad.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. Poor from Jonny! He is looking a bit shaky. On a driveable length outside off, Bairstow throws his bat at it but misses.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. Jaffa! Angling in initially on a good length around off and leaves Bairstow at the last moment to leave him clueless.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Similar delivery outside off and Cook remains circumspect in approach.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Outside off, left alone.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. FOUR! 56th Test fifty for Alastair Cook! He has stood tall in tough times and is playing an important knock. Full ball outside off, Cook pushes at it but gets an outside edge past gully. Raises his bat towards the Lord's crowd and sinks in all the applause.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. That's a peach! Amir goes wider of the crease and angles in a fuller length ball but after pitching it straightens, Cook pokes at it but is beaten all ends up.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Nice shape on that one! Full and swerving away, Cook doesn't fall for the bait and makes a good leave.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Fuller length ball around off, Cook shuffles a touch and dead-bats it.
Mohammad Amir to bowl from the other end.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. Length ball outside off, Bairstow doesn't fiddle with it.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. FOUR! Just wide of the gully fielder! That was a loose shot from Bairstow. Back of a length ball well outside off, the batsman goes for a punch but gets a thick outside edge that flies towards Shadab Khan. He dives full length to his right but the ball flies past him and through to the fence.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. Makes the batsman play this time with a good length ball on middle and leg. The wicket-keeper batsman hangs back and defends it stoutly.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. In the channel outside off, Jonny doesn't fiddle with it.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. Better from Abbas! He bowls a length ball around that off stump corridor, no swing this time though. Bairstow covers his off stump and makes an assured leave.
Mohammad Abbas to Jonny Bairstow. Starts off with a fullish delivery outside off, swinging away. Bairstow points his bat skywards and lets it go.
We are back for the afternoon session. The conditions are quite overcast and it will be another testing phase for the batsmen. Alastair Cook and Jonny Bairstow to resume their innings. It will be Mohammad Abbas who will bowl first up after Lunch. Here we go...
... Day 1, Session 2 ...
England fared much better in the second half of the session courtesy Alastair Cook. The opener was resolute in his approach and battled through the tough times along with good company from Jonny Bairstow. He is nearing a fifty and is driving his side towards safe harbors. However, the visitors will know that if they keep bowling well on this helpful surface, another wicket will be around the corner. Join us shortly for the afternoon session.
This has been a brilliant start for Pakistan. They have bowled with discipline and passion and have reaped the rewards as well. Mohammad Abbas bowled probing lines and lengths with the new cherry and didn't allow the batsmen to get into their comfort zone. Hasan Ali, the young sensation of Pakistan was in his elements as well. He took two wickets, getting the crucial one of Joe Root in the process.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Fuller length ball outside off, moving away. Cook plants his front foot across and makes an assured leave. THAT'S LUNCH ON DAY 1!
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. This one is well outside off, left alone.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Tentative! In that tight off stump channel, Cook pokes at it and gets beaten.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. Good play from Jonny! Taps this one to covers and pinches a single.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. Extravagant movement! On a length on middle and off, pitches and moves away prodigiously. Bairstow is on the move as he tries to clip it across the line but only manages to connect with thin air. That was a risky attempt from him to play against the line.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. On a length outside off, Bairstow points his bat skywards to allow it through.
Nasser Hussain makes a good point on air. He says that Mohammad Amir makes very good use of the crease and keeps the batsmen guessing with his subtle variations. He points out that Hasan Ali has been on the money in this game but he can use the crease to better effect to create even more trouble for the batsmen. Perhaps, take a leaf out of Amir's book.
Shadab Khan to Alastair Cook. On middle and leg, defended to the leg side.
Shadab Khan to Jonny Bairstow. The slider from Shadab, Bairstow goes deep in his crease and places it to the deep cover region. A single taken.
Shadab Khan to Alastair Cook. Shorter in length, helped away through mid-wicket for a run.
Shadab Khan to Alastair Cook. Slow through the air, Alastair prods forward in defense.
A slip and a short leg in place for Cook.
Shadab Khan to Jonny Bairstow. Slips in the googly around off, Bairstow probably picks it late off the pitch and eases it through covers. A run taken.
Shadab Khan to Alastair Cook. Starts off with a delivery down the leg side, Alastair tucks it gently towards square leg and takes a single.
As expected, Shadab Khan comes into the attack. Let's see what he has got up his sleeve.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. Outside off, left alone. A maiden for Amir.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. Poor from Bairstow! Gets carried away and almost gifts his wicket away. Fuller in length outside off, shaping away. Bairstow goes at it with minimal foot movement and is lucky not to edge it behind.
Shadab Khan is warming up.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. Very full delivery outside off, inviting Bairstow for an ambitious drive. He goes at it with hard hands and mistimes it to the cover region.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. Fuller in length this time, Bairstow prods forward and defends it.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. Similar delivery, Jonny has no trouble in keeping it out.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. Tight stump-to-stump line, Bairstow makes use of the depth of the crease and blocks it.
Mohammad Amir comes back for a bowl. Can he give his side a wicket before Lunch?
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. 8 runs from the over.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. FOUR! Sublime! He is flowing freely at the moment. The balance was the key in that stroke. Slightly overpitched outside off, Cook comes forward and caresses it through covers. Strong hands and a good base from the opener and the ball races to the fence.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. In the channel outside off, left alone.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. FOUR! That is right out of the textbook! For all the kids out there, this is how you play straight down the ground. Fuller length ball around off, Cook leans into it and offers the full face of the bat. Times his drive to perfection and the ball whistles across the turf to the long off fence.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Ashraf gets carried away and bowls a sharp away swinger. The line is not correct and it allows Alastair to see it through safely.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. On a length outside off, not much movement on this one. Cook doesn't fiddle with it.
Hasan Ali to Alastair Cook. Loses his radar a bit and strays it on the pads, Cook helps it down to fine leg for a single.
Hasan Ali to Alastair Cook. Once again it is almost a replica of the previous delivery and Cook is now assured in leaving it. An away moving delivery might be the way to go for Ali.
Hasan Ali to Alastair Cook. Prodigious movement again! Hasan Ali's wrist position is the key for him and enables him to shape the ball both ways. Coming in sharply, Cook covers his off stump and lets it go.
Hasan Ali to Alastair Cook. In the corridor of uncertainty, moving in sharply. Cook knows where his off stump is and makes a brave leave.
Hasan Ali to Alastair Cook. Similar length ball, Cook hangs back and stonewalls it.
Hasan Ali to Alastair Cook. Ali comes from around the wicket and bowls a good length ball outside off. It is intially coming in but at the last moment, it hits the seam and swirls away. Cook does well to keep his bat inside the line and evade it.
Faheem Ashraf to Jonny Bairstow. Brilliant! Angling in substantially, Bairstow tries to block it but gets late. Somehow, he manages to keep it away from the inner half of his bat.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Continues to pitch it up, Cook mistimes his drive past the right side of the bowler and gets across to the other end.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Good shot and equally well fielded! Full length ball outside off, Cook drives it elegantly towards Azam at extra cover who dives to his right and makes a great stop. Saves certain runs for his side.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. In the zone around off, Alastair lets it go.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. FOUR! A welcome boundary for Cook. The pressure was building up and this stroke will relieve it a bit. Slightly overpitched on off, Cook goes for a booming drive down the ground but the bat turns in his hands. He still gets enough on it and the ball is racing towards the long off fence. The fielder from mid on chases it but the ball wins the race.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Angling across the southpaw who doesn't flirt with it.
Hasan Ali to Jonny Bairstow. Angling in from a length around off, Bairstow stands tall and pushes it to covers. Two maidens in a row, good stuff from the visitors.
Hasan Ali to Jonny Bairstow. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Hasan Ali to Jonny Bairstow. This one comes back in to catch Bairstow off guard. He plays it tentatively towards the point region.
Hasan Ali to Jonny Bairstow. Right on target! Fuller in length in the corridor of uncertainty and moves away. Jonny plants his front foot across and lets it go.
Hasan Ali to Jonny Bairstow. A bit wider this time, Jonny doesn't fiddle with it.
Hasan Ali to Jonny Bairstow. Perfect Test match bowling! It is in the avenue of apprehension and moves away after landing. Bairstow is circumspect in approach and makes a good leave.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Foxed again! Ashraf is making the ball talk. Swinging away sharply and goes past Cook's exaggerated front foot defense.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Substantial away movement on this fuller length ball as Cook keeps his bat inside the line to let it be.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Beaten on the inside! Pakistan have been terrific from the word go. Ashraf bowls a skiddy length ball on middle and off, Cook prods forward to keep it out but the ball sneaks in between his bat and pad and goes over the off stump.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Ashraf keeps it full and Cook is up to it. Drives it nicely to the man at mid on.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Good length delivery on off, moving away from the southpaw. He points his bat skywards to let it be.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Pitched up delivery, played with soft hands to mid on.
Hasan Ali to Jonny Bairstow. Brilliant over from Ali, he has been right on the money. This one swings in prodigiously which induces an inside edge onto Bairstow's pads.
Hasan Ali to Jonny Bairstow. That's a peach! Ali is bowling with great rhythm and is keeping the batsmen on their toes. He steams in hard, goes wide of the crease and angles in a length ball. After pitching, the ball seams away and foxes Bairstow who fails in attempt to push it through covers.
Hasan Ali to Alastair Cook. Trying to tuck up Cook with a shortish ball. He hops and works it towards fine leg to rotate strike.
Hasan Ali to Alastair Cook. Ali drags his length back a touch and gets this one to shape back in. Alastair punches it towards the bowler who dives athletically to his left but fails to stop it. However, no run conceded.
Hasan Ali to Alastair Cook. Full length ball attacking the stumps, patted gently to the mid off region.
Hasan Ali to Jonny Bairstow. Nicely played! Fuller in length outside off, Bairstow leans ahead and caresses it through covers. The fielder chases it down and manages to save a run for his side.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Some extra bounce on this occasion! Takes off from a length and goes past the opener's defense to strike him on the thigh pad.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Streaky! Length delivery, going across Cook. He plays at it tentatively and gets a thick outside edge through the gap between third slip and gully. Gets a couple for doing so.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Wide outside off, Alastair is in no mood to flirt with it.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Back of a length ball outside off, Cook plays a mistimed cut shot to the point region.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. In the probing off stump channel, nipping away a shade after landing. Cook knows where his off stump is and makes an assured leave.
Hasan Ali to Jonny Bairstow. The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
Hasan Ali to Jonny Bairstow. FOUR! Down the leg side and Bairstow glances it to fine leg. The fielder in the deep tries to stop it with a slide but he fails as the ball touches the ropes.
Hasan Ali to Jonny Bairstow. Tight leave from Bairstow. The ball nearly kisses the top of off. It is an incoming delivery from Ali which the England wicket-keeper batsman fails to judge but luckily goes unscathed.
Hasan Ali to Jonny Bairstow. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Jonny Bairstow is the next batsman.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. OUT! Edged and taken! Brilliant delivery from Hasan Ali, he gets his 2nd wicket of the morning. So far, it has been a great spell from the pacer. He hits the good length closer to the off stump, Malan with minimal footwork tries to defend that but he gets a feather touch through to the keeper who accepts it gleefully. Pakistan have taken three already, can they get a few more before lunch? Why not? They definitely can with the way they are bowling.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. FOUR! Easy pickings for Malan, he gets a delivery on the pads and whips it away to the square leg boundary.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Goes on the back foot and defends it to end the over.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. FOUR! Short ball and Cook pulls it away with ease. He gets on top of the bounce and hits it away to the mid-wicket boundary.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Cook survives a close call. That was a 50-50 call and Pakistan could have got the wicket had they got the on-field decision in their favor. Length ball on the leg stump line, angling into the batsman who looks to defend that but the ball hits him below the knee roll. There is an appeal for LBW but turned down by the umpire. Pakistan decide to call for a review. Replays show wickets hitting is umpire's call. Pakistan won't lose a review though.
Review from Pakistan for an LBW appeal. Cook is the man in question. Pretty close than most anticipated, might be a narrow escape for Cook.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Cook defends it with the straight bat on the track.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. Malan whips it off his pads behind square leg for a brace. Malan is off the mark.
Dawid Malan is the next man in.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. OUT! Loose, very loose from the English skipper. He goes for just four and his side is in some trouble. England are 33/2 by the end of first hour. A passage that has belonged to the visitors. Hasan Ali dishes out a widish delivery which Root just can't resist it. Reaches out for it by playing a drive away from the body. He is in no control of that one and gets a thick edge as it shapes away late after pitching. Sarfraz takes the catch almost in front of the first slip fielder. Hasan Ali celebrates in his trademark fashion, punches the air in delight and then boom!
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Wide! Poor poor delivery from Hasan, he loses his radar completely. Bowls a short delivery well down the leg side. The keeper had to rush across to collect that one. Very rarely do we see a wide in a Test match but this one forced the umpire to make a call.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Drives it nicely but he fails to find the gap through the covers.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Ahhh... Hasan Ali thinks he nearly gets through the defenses of Root. Length ball, tailing in a little, the batsman looks to defend that but the ball goes off the inner half on the leg side.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Fuller length ball on the stumps, Root blocks it back to the bowler.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Bowls from over the wicket, full outside off and Root leaves it to the keeper.
Change of ends for Hasan Ali.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Much fuller from Faheem, Cook defends it right under his eyes off the front foot.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Angling away from the batsman who doesn't play at it.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. This is smart from the English pair, they are rotating strike regularly and not allowing Faheem to settle. Dabs it in the gap on the off side and they take a quick single.
Faheem Ashraf to Alastair Cook. Quick single, good running! There is no confusion whatsoever, just a look at each other and off they go. Dabs it wide of the man at point. They sneak a quick single.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. Uses his wrists and works it to mid-wicket. They take a single.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. Gets to the pitch of it and drives but fails to beat the man at covers.
Faheem Ashraf gets the ball.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. FOUR! Well played by Cook, he stands tall and plays with soft hands. Guides it right between third slip and gully. The ball speeds away to the third man fence.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. This is not working for Pakistan. Are they playing with the patience of Cook? If yes, then it will be a long vigil for them. Cook is not the player to run out of patience.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Comes round the wicket and serves another wide delivery. Cook lets it go.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Delivers a wide delivery and gives the batsman an easy delivery to leave.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Fullish delivery outside off, the batsman defensively pushes it on the off side.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Shoots through, that one kept low? Definitely. Going by the reaction of the batsman. Root hangs back and brings his bat down just in the nick of time and defends down the track.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Root lifts his bat and decides to leave another one.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. There he goes, bowls a delivery in line with the stumps and makes Root play at it. He defends off the back foot to mid on.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Touch too wide and Root is happy in leaving those. Hasan Ali needs to make him play against this semi new ball.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Angles it in from outside off, Root plants his front foot across the stumps and decides to leave it.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Some away movement for Ali but it is too wide and doesn't trouble the batsman who lets it go.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Offers the straight bat and blocks it down the track.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Cook covers the line of it and defends it solidly. Well-played, after a couple of misses, this defensive stroke will give him lots of confidence.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Similar delivery and similar end result. Play and a miss from Cook to an away going delivery from Abbas.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Nearly, another wicket! He has been excellent throughout this morning and almost gets rewarded once again. He dishes out a fullish delivery closer to the off peg, Cook lunges forward in a hope to defend that but he gets beaten by the away swing.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Pulls his length back a little and pushes Cook on the back foot, who defends it with ease.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Good delivery, fuller in length and in line with the stumps, Cook covers the line of it and defends it right under his eyes.
Hasan Ali to Alastair Cook. Pushes it gently to the left of the mid on fielder. Calls for a quick single and gets it safely. Cook retains the strike. Decent start from Hasan Ali!
Hasan Ali to Alastair Cook. Angling away from the stumps, Cook lets it through to the keeper.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Repeats the shot and this time he manages to hit it wide of the fielder at backward point. They steal a quick single.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Ohhh... that one nips back in sharply! Root just didn't expect that one to seam in so sharply, he goes back aiming to punch that but ends up getting an inside edge on the back leg.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Roots hops on the back foot and taps it on to the leg side.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Hits the deck hard and starts with a back of length ball, Root decides to let it go.
Hasan Ali comes into the attack. The young lad who has been really promising in limited overs cricket but he needs to cement his place in this format. Will this be his game?
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Short of a length ball on off, the southpaw opens the bat face and guides it square towards cover-point.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Slanting away from the stumps, Cook sits in his crease and decides to leave it.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Cook hangs back and defends it on the off side.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Tight leave from Cook, he trusted the bounce on that occasion! Good length ball on the stumps, he goes back and decides to leave it. The ball just bounces over the wickets and goes through to the keeper.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Fails to correct his line, dishes out a wide delivery outside off and Cook doesn't need to play at those.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Leg bye! Spraying it down the leg side, Root looks to glance that but misses it. The ball kisses the pads and rolls to square leg. There is an optimistic shout for an LBW but the umpire is unmoved. They steal a leg bye.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Runs in and delivers it on middle and leg, Cook moves across and pushes it to mid on.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Bowls from wide of the crease, angling it in, Cook covers the line of it and defends it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Amir bowls a good length ball outside off which goes straight on. Cook doesn't play at it.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Fullish delivery, Cook lunges on the front foot and guides it to gully with an open bat face.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Root gets off the mark with a single. He pushes it to the right of the fielder at point and gets off the mark.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Root stands tall and punches it to the man at point.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. That one kept a little low and Cook tries to punch that but the ball sneaks through and goes underneath the bat.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Pushes it down the track, the fielder from extra cover runs to his left and makes a good stop.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Another easy leave for Cook.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Cook covers the line of the delivery and defends it.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Fuller length ball on off, the batsman lets it through.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Bowls a delivery away from the off stump and Cook is happy to leave those.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Widish delivery and Root leaves it all alone to the keeper.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Root goes on the back foot and defends it down the track.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. The batsman defends it from within the crease.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Run Out chance missed! Badly judged single from Cook, he sold his skipper down the river. Defends it towards the man at short extra cover and calls for a suicidal single. Root obliges to the call and hares across to the other end. Luckily for England and their fans, Azam misses his shy at the striker's end. Direct hit would have given Pakistan another quick wicket. Will they rue this opportunity? Root is not the man you want to be handing too many chances to.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. FOUR! Outside edge rolls past the man at gully. Cook played with soft hands which is the key. The ball finds the gap between third slip and gully. Races away to the third man fence.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. FOUR! Good shot, Amir dishes out a half volley on the leg stump line and Cook flicks it nicely to the square leg fence.
Joe Root is the next man in. The skipper has to face the music now. He has pushed himself at number 3 and it would be interesting to see, how he goes about in his new role.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Stoneman. OUT! Jaffa from Abbas! He set him up with some away swinging deliveries and brought one in to catch the opener off guard. He deserves this wicket. Coming to the ball - he bowls it on a length on middle and off, swinging in just a little, Stoneman plays across the line but he fails to make contact with the ball. It brushes his back leg and hits the top of off stump. Credit to the bowler. An early breakthrough for the visitors, they need to pick a few more with the new ball and use the overcast conditions to the fullest.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Stoneman. And again, he bowls another away swinging delivery, Stoneman is beaten neck and crop as he looks to play the drive.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Stoneman. Lovely delivery, Abbas needs to be on that channel quite regularly. Bowls it fuller on the off stump line and makes the batsman play, who is beaten once again.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Stoneman. Fuller length ball on middle, swings away sharply, Mark looks to defend that but he plays down the wrong line. However, he doesn't go fishing at it and misses it by some distance.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Stoneman. Mark looks to punch that but the ball goes off the inner half and rolls to mid on.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Stoneman. Fuller length ball on middle and off, the batsman gets right behind it and defends it solidly.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. FOUR! Elegant cover drive from Cook. Overpitched delivery outside off, the veteran gets right to the pitch of it. Bends his front knee and caresses it through the covers. No stopping that one. Both the openers have looked assured so far.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Wide delivery and easily left alone by the batsman.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Bowls from wide of the crease, outside off. No shot offered.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Oh, nearly gets the outside edge! Good comeback from Amir, he bowls a good length ball closer to the off stump and makes the batsman play at that one, who tries to defend that but is beaten by the late away movement.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. FOUR! Wrong line and Cook says thank you very much. He gets off the mark with a neat deflection. Slipping it down the leg side and the batsman glances it away to the fine leg boundary.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Innocuous delivery outside off, the batsman doesn't play at it.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Stoneman. Pulls his length back a little and attacks the stumps, Stoneman goes back to flick but misses it to get hit on the back leg.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Stoneman. Slanting away from the stumps and left alone.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Stoneman. Well-judged by Stoneman, he covers his off stump and shoulders arms to it.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Stoneman. Bowls it in the channel outside off, Mark covers his stumps and decides to leave it.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Stoneman. FOUR! Opens the account with a lovely square drive. England are on their way. Fullish delivery outside off, the southpaw leans into the drive and drives it past backward point for a boundary. The fielder chases the ball only to come second.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Stoneman. Misjudgement from Stoneman! Superb start from Abbas, he gets his line right straightaway, bowls a seam up delivery which nips back in a little. The batsman tries to leave it but he gets hit on the back leg.
Mohammad Abbas to share the new ball. Three slips and a gully for him as well.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Spears in a delivery on the leg stump line, Cook pushes it to mid on. Good start from Amir, maiden over to start the Test match.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Uses the depth of the crease and defends it with a straight bat.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Play and a miss! Tentative poke from Cook! Good length ball, drifts in and moves away nicely after pitching, the batsman goes feeling for it and he nearly ends up edging it.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. The southpaw goes on the back foot and opens the bat face. Guides it straight to the fielder at gully.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Some shape for Amir, he bowls it touch fuller and it swings away every so slightly. The batsman covers the line of it and dabs it towards gully.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Amir starts with a short of a length delivery wide outside off, Cook doesn't offer a stroke to that one. Harmless delivery from the left-arm seamer. He failed to generate any swing.
We are all set to get rolling. The visiting team is out in the middle along with the two umpires. For England, Alastair Cook and Mark Stoneman walk out to open the innings. Mohammad Amir has the new red cherry and he will be hoping to make it talk early in the morning. Three slips and a gully in place. Here we go...
Pakistan team - Azhar Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed(wk/c), Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas.
England team - Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, Joe Root(c), Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow(wk), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, Dominic Bess, James Anderson.
TOSS - England win the toss and they have decided to bat first.
England, on the other hand, have always been a strong side playing at home and they will be heading into this series with the hopes of crushing the Asian side. News from the English camp - Dominic Bess, the right-arm off spinner from Somerset gets his Test cap and he is all set to make his debut. Do stay tuned as we bring you the toss and the other updates shortly.
Hello and a warm welcome for our coverage of the 1st Test between England and Pakistan to be played at Lord's. As it is just a two-match Test series, it is pretty important to start well and get that early advantage. The visitors will be having good memories of playing at this venue. They won here in 2016 but had an experienced side back then. Now, the pressure will be on the young guns to replicate a similar kind of performance and relive those moments.
Coming to the Pakistan innings, as many as four batsmen scored fifties and it was a combined team effort which lifted their score past 350. England had a disappointing innings with the ball and in the field. They dropped too many catches which came back to haunt them dearly. However, Ben Stokes and James Anderson bowled pretty well. It was the all-rounder who was particularly explosive and got the rewards as well. The track has eased out and the hosts will be eager to bat much better this time around. In contrast, the visitors will be hunting for wickets. Join us in a while for England's reply with the bat.
England will be relieved to have got the final wicket pretty quickly this morning. Pakistan, on the other hand, won't be all that disappointed. Abbas and Amir added 13 runs to their overnight total and have stretched the lead to 179 which is a massive one and the home team will have to bat really well to ensure they make Pakistan bat for the second time.
Mark Wood to Mohammad Abbas. OUT! Off the gloves and taken by Bairstow! Wood picks up the final wicket and with that, Pakistan are bundled out for 363. They lead by 179 runs. It is a venomous nut from Wood which gets rid of Abbas. A short ball, rises awkwardly into the right-hander, who stands tall hoping to fend that away but the ball kisses the gloves and goes behind the wickets. Bairstow initially moves on the leg side but he is quick to dive to his right and takes a good low catch.
Mark Wood to Mohammad Abbas. Vicious delivery, short and zeroing into the batsman, who takes his eyes off it but manages to avoid it.
Mark Wood to Mohammad Abbas. Shortish delivery, the batsman keeps his hands low and sways away from the line of it.
Stuart Broad to Mohammad Amir. Short ball and Amir attempts a pull shot but misses it.
Stuart Broad to Mohammad Abbas. Pushes it to cover-point. Amir wants the run but his partner says no. Direct hit at the bowler's end and the ball rolls on the leg side. They get the single eventually.
Stuart Broad to Mohammad Amir. Amir jumps back and drops it on the leg side. They steal a quick single. Excellent running. Six runs from the over already.
Stuart Broad to Mohammad Amir. FOUR! SMASHED! Amir decides to cut loose. Fuller length ball on the stumps right in his arc and the left-hander slams it over Broad. The ball races away to the long on fence.
Stuart Broad to Mohammad Abbas. Leg bye! Spraying it down the leg side, Abbas misses it and the ball goes off the thigh pad to fine leg. They take a leg bye and Amir gets back on strike.
Stuart Broad to Mohammad Abbas. Broad bowls a length ball on the stumps, Abbas is compact in his defense.
Mark Wood to Mohammad Amir. Forces it wide of the cover fielder and looks for a quick single. But seeing Anderson rushing to his right from mid on, they decide to abort the idea.
Mark Wood to Mohammad Amir. Pitched up delivery from Wood, Amir stays back and punches it to mid on but can't beat the man inside the circle.
Mark Wood to Mohammad Amir. Replica of the previous ball. On the stumps and Amir blocks it.
Mark Wood to Mohammad Amir. Fuller length ball on the stumps, the left-hander goes back and defends another one. So, that's three defensive strokes out of three.
Mark Wood to Mohammad Amir. Amir sits on the back foot and defends it with a straight bat.
Mark Wood to Mohammad Amir. Angles in from outside off, Amir jumps back and defensively pushes it to mid on.
Stuart Broad to Mohammad Abbas. Fuller delivery on the stumps, Abbas squirts it wide of the man at backward point. A dot ball to end the over.
Stuart Broad to Mohammad Abbas. How did that not find the outside edge? A perfect delivery on the fifth stump channel and tails away a little, Abbas has a fiddle at that one and misses it.
Stuart Broad to Mohammad Abbas. Bowls a fullish delivery on off and that swings away a little. The right-hander had no answers to it.
Stuart Broad to Mohammad Abbas. Oh hellooo! Abbas backs away and tries to make room. He tries to heave that one across the line but gets an inside edge on the pads.
Stuart Broad to Mohammad Abbas. Play and a miss! Fuller length ball on off, moves away a little, Abbas plays down the wrong line and misses it.
Stuart Broad to Mohammad Abbas. Four and a No Ball! Welcome runs for Pakistan. Shortish delivery, Abbas backs away and smashes it over mid on for a boundary. Broad overstepped on that occasion and the umpire was sharp to spot that.
Stuart Broad to Mohammad Abbas. Loose start from Broad, short of a length ball wide outside off, the batsman reaches out for it and slices it behind point. The fielder runs to his left and makes a good stop.
Stuart Broad comes from the nursery end.
Mark Wood to Mohammad Amir. Slipping it well down the leg side, Amir looks to glance that but misses it. Bairstow rushes to his right and makes a good stop. Saves four runs for his side.
Mark Wood to Mohammad Abbas. Leg Bye! Errs in line, slipping it down the leg side, Abbas once again is late on it. He gets hit on the pads and the ball rolls wide of the man at short leg. They take a leg bye. First run of the morning.
Mark Wood to Mohammad Abbas. Fuller length ball, angling in from outside off, Abbas goes on the back foot and defends it down the track.
Mark Wood to Mohammad Abbas. Short of a length ball, angling in at pace, Abbas has no answers to it. He gets rapped on the thigh pad.
Mark Wood to Mohammad Abbas. Slightly fuller on this occasion from Wood, Abbas doesn't come forward enough and tries to drive that but ends up mistiming it to the cover region.
Mark Wood to Mohammad Abbas. Wood starts with a length ball on the stumps, Abbas is up to the challenge. The lower-order batsman stands tall and confidently defends it back to the bowler.
We are all set to get rolling... Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Abbas to resume their innings. For England, Mark Wood has the ball and will roll his arm over first up.
For England, it will be all about batting well in their second innings but first they will need to pick up the final wicket of Pakistan without giving away too many runs. A tough day awaits the hosts, do stay tuned as we bring you all the action.
Hello and welcome to Day 3 of the Test. It is said to be the moving day of the game but this contest has already moved rapidly in the favor of the visitors. Pakistan have a big first innings lead which they would look to capitalize on today. However, the traveling team has received a big jolt. Babar Azam has been ruled out of the remainder of the series. The scan revealed a fracture on the left hand of the middle-order batsman and he will need 4-6 weeks to recover.
... Day 3, Session 1 ...
Pakistan will look to extend their lead and try to get it close to 200. While for England, it will be all about picking up the remaining wickets quickly and then bat well in their second essay. Do join us back for Day 3 at 1100 Local (1000 GMT). Adios!
England though fought back hard late in the day. Anderson and Stokes bowled their hearts out and gave their side something to cheer in the final stages of play. The all-rounder was particularly impressive with the ball and he led the charge for his side in the final two sessions. The home team made a mini comeback but the broader picture shows that the visitors are miles ahead in the game. Earlier, it was Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and Babar Azam who scored their respective fifties and helped Pakistan get to a good total. Babar's innings though ended abruptly following the blow he took on the left wrist.
Another day that has gone in favor of the visiting team. Pakistan batted with a lot of grit and determination. A good batting effort has seen them take a lead of 166 runs and they still have a couple of wickets in hand, provided Babar Azam is fit to bat again. In the final session, Faheem Ashraf and Shadab Khan joined hands and added 72 runs. Both made useful contributions but the latter one's was more decisive. Shadab scored his second fifty in Test matches.
Dominic Bess to Mohammad Amir. Arm ball, sliding in from outside off, Amir sits back in his crease and defends it watchfully on the pitch. THAT'S STUMPS ON DAY 2!
Dominic Bess to Mohammad Amir. Floated off break on off, the left-hander pushes it on the off side.
Dominic Bess to Mohammad Amir. FOUR! Short and wide and it got the treatment it deserved! Flatter ball outside off from Bess, Amir hangs back and square cuts it past the man at point. 350 up for Pakistan.
Dominic Bess to Mohammad Amir. Pushes it quicker through the air, Amir blocks it down the track.
Dominic Bess to Mohammad Amir. Loopy off break outside off, Amir comes out and plays a drive to the cover region.
Dominic Bess to Mohammad Amir. Faster one outside off, Amir goes right back and cuts it to the man at backward point.
Last over of the day coming up. Dominic Bess has the ball in hand and he will be trying to pick up his first Test wicket.
Ben Stokes to Mohammad Abbas. Spears in a fuller length ball to end his day with the ball. Abbas gets right behind it and blocks it down the track.
Ben Stokes to Mohammad Abbas. Too good from Stokes! Almost a perfect delivery, bowls from wide of the crease, angling in and shaping away, as a batsman you can admire the ball and try to forget it.
Ben Stokes to Mohammad Amir. Shortish delivery outside off, Amir jumps back and steers it down to third man for a single.
Ben Stokes to Mohammad Amir. Shortish delivery outside off, Amir backs away and lets it go.
Ben Stokes to Mohammad Amir. Amir stays back and defends it to the cover region. Looks for a run, never there.
Ben Stokes to Mohammad Amir. Nasty nut from Stokes, Amir goes across aiming to fend that but the ball gets big on him and hits him on the gloves.
James Anderson to Mohammad Abbas. Good length ball on the fifth stump channel, Abbas stays in his crease and dabs it on the off side.
James Anderson to Mohammad Amir. Uppish... just manages to get it past the mid off fielder! Amir stays back and powers the drive past his partner. Good chase from the English skipper, he pulls it inside the ropes and saves a run.
James Anderson to Mohammad Amir. Amir jumps on the back foot and defends it back to the bowler.
James Anderson to Mohammad Amir. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
James Anderson to Mohammad Amir. FOUR! Useful runs for Pakistan! A rising delivery from Anderson, Amir looks to punch that but the ball goes off the outer half past the gully fielder. The ball races away to the third man fence.
James Anderson to Mohammad Amir. Fuller length ball, angling across, Amir throws his bat at it but fails to connect.
Ben Stokes to Mohammad Abbas. Hops across the stumps and taps it wide of the fielder at short leg.
Ben Stokes to Mohammad Abbas. Swing his bat but fails to make contact with the ball.
Ben Stokes to Mohammad Abbas. Shortish delivery on the leg stump line, Abbas goes back and fends it on the leg side.
Ben Stokes to Mohammad Abbas. Dishes out a yorker outside off, the batsman digs it out.
Ben Stokes to Mohammad Amir. Sits on the back foot and slaps it away to deep point for a single.
Ben Stokes to Mohammad Amir. The batsman fails to put bat on ball.
James Anderson to Mohammad Abbas. Lovely delivery, full and shaping away, Abbas looks to defend that but misses it.
Mohammad Abbas is the next batsman.
James Anderson to Hasan Ali. OUT! Caught by Buttler at gully. England have picked up another wicket. Hasan Ali goes for a blob! Pakistan have lost their last three wickets fairly cheaply. Coming to the delivery - It is a short of a length ball, rearing up sharply at pace, Ali tries to ride the bounce but the ball keeps gaining momentum and gets big on him. The balls hits him on the gloves and it balloons towards gully. Buttler leaps in the air, times his jump to perfection and takes a safe catch. Finally, they have managed to hold onto one.
James Anderson to Mohammad Amir. Bottom edge, goes on the bounce to the keeper! Good length ball on off, Amir looks to punch that but gets the bottom edge as it keeps low. Bairstow dives to his left but fails to stop it. Cook at first slip does well to take pace off it. A single taken.
James Anderson to Mohammad Amir. FOUR! Excellent shot from Amir! With that, the lead goes past 150. Drifting on the leg stump line, Amir hops across and flicks it with fine timing through square leg for a boundary.
James Anderson to Mohammad Amir. Pulls his length back a little and angles it away from the batsman, who fishes at that one and nearly gets an outside edge.
James Anderson to Mohammad Amir. Fullish delivery on the stumps, Amir goes for the drive but mistimes it back to Anderson.
Ben Stokes to Hasan Ali. Short ball, Ali ducks under it.
Hasan Ali comes out to bat.
Ben Stokes to Shadab Khan. OUT! Stokes delivers again! He has been a silver lining in the last couple of dark days for England. He bowls an effort ball and angles it towards the leg stump. It is rising on Shadab and he is aware of the three men in the deep on the leg side. Hence, he doesn't go for the hook. He tries to help it away towards fine leg but only manages to glove it behind. Bairstow moves to his left and accepts it gleefully. An enterprising knock from the young leggie comes to an end.
Ben Stokes to Shadab Khan. Shortish delivery outside off, Khan mistimes his punch towards covers.
Ben Stokes to Shadab Khan. The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. Two runs added to the total.
Ben Stokes to Shadab Khan. In the air... but safe! 2nd Test fifty for Shadab Khan! He also scored a half century against Ireland in his previous game and has once again impressed. He is a gutsy character. Short ball and it is well-directed, Khan goes for the pull shot by taking his eyes off the ball and ends up getting a top edge. Bairstow calls for it and is running towards his left. However, the ball lands in front of him and the batsmen take a couple. He was dropped earlier by Cook and has made good use of the opportunity.
Ben Stokes to Shadab Khan. Well bowled! Stokes goes wide of the crease and bowls a length ball on middle. It straightens a touch after pitching and that squares Shadab up. He adjusts in his crease and manages to block it.
James Anderson to Mohammad Amir. Almost, almost! Anderson bowls this one full and wide outside off, expecting the lower-order batsman to get carried away. He does so but the ball flies past the outside edge.
James Anderson to Mohammad Amir. Hangs back to this one and plays it with an angled blade to the point region.
James Anderson to Mohammad Amir. Full length ball attacking the stumps, pushed off the front foot to mid on.
James Anderson to Mohammad Amir. That was a highly optimistic shout! On a length around leg stump, hurries into Amir who tries to keep it out but fails to do so and is hit on the thigh pad. Anderson is excited but the umpire cuts down his excitement soon.
James Anderson to Shadab Khan. Good fielding! Back of a length delivery outside off, Khan places it towards point where Bess dives to his right to make a good stop. Only a run taken.
James Anderson to Shadab Khan. On a length outside off, Shadab pushes it off the back foot towards covers.
Ben Stokes to Mohammad Amir. Back of a length ball on middle and leg, Mohammad makes use of the depth of the crease and blocks it with authority.
Ben Stokes to Shadab Khan. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single.
Ben Stokes to Mohammad Amir. Stokes goes wide of the crease and angles this one towards the pads, worked away towards fine leg for a run.
Ben Stokes to Mohammad Amir. Full delivery on off, driven crisply to mid off.
Ben Stokes to Mohammad Amir. Similar delivery outside off, Amir doesn't fiddle with it.
Ben Stokes to Mohammad Amir. Harmless ball well outside off, left alone.
Ben Stokes is back on.
James Anderson to Shadab Khan. That's a ripper! Shaping in initially and straightening after hitting the seam. Khan pokes at it and is foxed.
James Anderson to Shadab Khan. On the hips, helped down to fine leg for a couple.
James Anderson to Shadab Khan. Shortish ball outside off as expected, Shadab rises with the bounce and taps it towards covers.
James Anderson to Shadab Khan. Ouch.. that must hurt! Angling in sharply, Khan tries to fend it off but gets an inside edge near the box region. He is down on his haunches and is taking a bit of a breather.
James Anderson to Shadab Khan. Much fuller this time, angling in, Khan presses forward and defends this one calmly.
James Anderson to Shadab Khan. Good length ball outside off, played with an angled bat to the point region.
Mark Wood to Mohammad Amir. Fuller length ball on the stumps, Amir sits back and defends it on the leg side.
Mark Wood to Mohammad Amir. Play and a miss! Amir once again looks to play the drive but is beaten by the pace of Wood.
Mark Wood to Mohammad Amir. Zipping through at pace, Amir is late on it. He aims to play the drive but fails to make contact.
Mark Wood to Mohammad Amir. Fuller length ball, angling in from outside off, Amir goes back and defends it out.
Mark Wood to Shadab Khan. Pulls it firmly away to deep square leg. Gets off strike with a single.
Mark Wood to Shadab Khan. FOUR! Wrong line from Wood and Shadab cashes on it. Slipping down leg and he glances it to fine leg. The fielder in the deep rushes to the ball, puts in the slide but fails to stop that cleanly. Poor effort from Stoneman.
James Anderson to Mohammad Amir. Amir throws his bat at a wide delivery. He goes too hard at that one and mistimes it on the off side.
James Anderson to Mohammad Amir. Fractionally high! Good delivery from Anderson. Good length ball, skids through at pace, Amir hangs back to defend that but gets an inside edge on the pads. Stifled appeal for an LBW but the umpire stays put.
Mohammad Amir is the next man in.
James Anderson to Faheem Ashraf. OUT! Chopped on! Anderson strikes and he is fired up! Finally, England have got the important breakthrough. Good length ball on off, nipping back in just a little. However, it does enough to induce the false stroke. Faheem hangs back in the crease as he looks to play that. A loose shot from the left-hander as he plays away from the body and gets a thick inside edge. The ball crashes into the wickets and the furniture is disturbed. Hang on! The umpire wants to check for the no-ball. Replays show, Anderson has just landed his boot inside the line by a small margin.
James Anderson to Faheem Ashraf. Plays with the angled bat and chops it to gully. Buttler dives to his left and makes another good stop.
James Anderson to Faheem Ashraf. That one straightened a bit, Faheem hangs back and pushes it on the off side.
James Anderson to Faheem Ashraf. Length ball, attacking the stumps, the batsman gets right behind it and blocks it.
Mark Wood to Shadab Khan. Well played in the end! Around the hips this time, Shadab at the last moment works it away towards fine leg for a couple.
Mark Wood to Shadab Khan. FOUR! Beautiful! Back of a length ball outside off, Khan stands tall and punches it crisply with the angle through covers. Has timed it to perfection and the ball whistles away to the fence.
Mark Wood to Shadab Khan. Wide! This is wayward from Wood! Goes for another bumper but it is down the leg side. Left alone by Khan.
Mark Wood to Shadab Khan. Wood hits the deck hard but it is too short, Khan evades it with ease.
Mark Wood to Shadab Khan. Trying to tuck the batsman with another short one but he is up to it. Pulls it away towards deep square leg for a couple.
Mark Wood to Shadab Khan. Good length ball angling across Shadab who stays composed and defends it calmly.
Mark Wood to Shadab Khan. That's a nasty one! Shortish ball aimed towards the body, Khan is caught in a tangle and somehow jams it out off the inner half of his bat and the ball falls in front of the short leg fielder. He needs to be careful.
James Anderson to Faheem Ashraf. Touch wide from Anderson and the batsman doesn't play at it.
James Anderson to Shadab Khan. Dabs it to the point region. Direct hit from the fielder and the ball rolls away to deep square leg. They get the single eventually.
James Anderson to Shadab Khan. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot.
James Anderson to Shadab Khan. Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman.
James Anderson to Shadab Khan. Dropped a dolly! Cook once again is the culprit! Shadab Khan is the beneficiary on this occasion! On a length from Anderson and it swings away quite nicely after pitching, the batsman hangs back and pokes at it and gets a thick edge to Cook at first slip. He stays low and gets both his hands to it but the ball pops out and hits the ground. It is a regulation chance which the southpaw has missed. England have missed a couple of opportunities in a span of four deliveries.
James Anderson to Shadab Khan. Shadab sits on the front foot and defends it solidly down the track.
Mark Wood to Faheem Ashraf. FOUR! That is rubbing salt to the wounds of the English players! Shortish delivery, Faheem Ashraf sits on the back foot and dispatches it with disdain to the mid-wicket boundary.
Mark Wood to Faheem Ashraf. FOUR! Oh boy! Confusion between the English fielders and a chance goes down! Length ball, angling in and shaping away after pitching, Faheem aimlessly jabs at that one, he gets a thick edge. The wicket-keeper doesn't got for the catch while Cook moves the other way initially. The latter is caught wrong-footed and in the end, he is late on the ball. Can't even get a hand to it. The ball races away to the third man fence.
Mark Wood to Faheem Ashraf. Fuller length ball, driven straight back to Wood by Faheem. The bowler bends down quickly in his followthrough and gets a hand to it.
Mark Wood to Shadab Khan. Shadab swivels across and pulls it away to deep square leg for a single. 300 up for Pakistan.
Mark Wood to Shadab Khan. That ball has taken the inside edge onto the pads.
Mark Wood to Shadab Khan. Jaffa! Too good to get a wicket! Hits the seam and moves away sharply, the batsman is squared up by that one.
James Anderson to Faheem Ashraf. Well stopped by Buttler! Fuller length ball, angling across, Faheem gets a thick edge to gully, where Buttler dives full length to his left and saves a few runs for his side.
James Anderson to Faheem Ashraf. Dishes out a wide delivery outside off, the batsman mistimes the drive to the cover region.
James Anderson to Shadab Khan. Leg bye! Slipping it down leg, Shadab fails to put bat to ball. The ball hits the pads and rolls on the leg side. They steal a leg bye.
James Anderson to Shadab Khan. Inward movement for Anderson, Shadab gets it off the inner half to mid-wicket.
James Anderson to Shadab Khan. Pushes it back to the bowler.
James Anderson to Shadab Khan. Dishes out a fullish delivery on the leg stump line, the batsman taps it on the leg side.
Mark Wood to Faheem Ashraf. FOUR! S-H-O-T! Pulled with extreme authority! Short ball with not a lot of venom on it. 86.4 mph. Faheem gets right on top of the bounce and pulls it away to the mid-wicket boundary. Brings up the 50-run stand in a grand style.
Mark Wood to Faheem Ashraf. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Mark Wood to Faheem Ashraf. Faheem goes on the front foot and looks to drive that but gets an inside edge on the pads.
Mark Wood to Shadab Khan. Shadab goes for the pull, but ends up toe ending the pull between mid-wicket and mid on. Three more added to the total.
Mark Wood to Shadab Khan. Massive appeal for caught behind but the umpire is unmoved! After a long chat with his players, Root decides not to challenge the decision. Short of a length ball, angling down leg, Shadab looks to glance that but he misses it. And the noise is of the ball brushing the thigh pad.
Mark Wood to Shadab Khan. Length ball, angling in from outside off, Shadab stays back and defends it right under his eyes.
Drinks break. Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf added useful runs against Ireland in the one-off Test. Once again, they are shaping up nicely. They have added 45 so far. England will be desperate to break this stand as quickly as possible.
James Anderson to Faheem Ashraf. Good length ball outside off, Faheem is shaping to cut that but decides to leave it at the last minute.
James Anderson to Faheem Ashraf. Angling across the stumps, the batsman is sure about his off stump and has no troubles leaving that one.
James Anderson to Shadab Khan. Too full from Anderson, Shadab walks across and flicks it to the right of Broad at mid on. A long chase for the lanky fast bowler who gives his best and keeps them down to three.
James Anderson to Shadab Khan. Fuller length ball outside off, a hint of away swing. Shadab defends it with the straight bat.
James Anderson to Faheem Ashraf. Knocks it on to the leg side and calls for a quick single. He gets a positive response from his partner and off they go.
James Anderson to Faheem Ashraf. Fuller length ball on off, the batsman presses on the front foot and pushes it gently on the off side.
Change of ends for James Anderson.
Mark Wood to Shadab Khan. Shadab aiming to work that but he gets a leading edge through the covers as the ball moves away a little. A couple more added to the total.
Mark Wood to Shadab Khan. Widish delivery from Wood, Shadab doesn't play at it.
Mark Wood to Shadab Khan. Played to the point region by the batsman.
Mark Wood to Shadab Khan. Did that stop on the batsman? It looks so from the reaction of Shadab Khan. He checks his shot and manages to hit it towards covers. Buttler takes it on the bounce.
Mark Wood to Shadab Khan. Short of a length ball on off, the right-hander plays it on the up and hits it to the man at short extra cover.
Mark Wood to Shadab Khan. Short ball from Wood and the batsman does well to avoid it.
Mark Wood is back into the attack. Root is having a word with his pacer regarding the field he wants.
Stuart Broad to Faheem Ashraf. FOUR! Gloves it, it isn't all that convincing from Ashraf, but a boundary nonetheless. Short ball, hurrying into the batsman who goes for the pull. Gloves it over the keeper for a boundary. With that, Pakistan's lead is now over 100.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. Incoming delivery from Broad, catches the inner half of Shadab's bat and rolls on to the leg side. They take a single.
The news coming in, is that Babar Azam has not gone to the hospital for an X-ray. He is trying to guts it out with the help of the physio.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. A defensive stroke from Shadab Khan.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. Shortish delivery, doesn't rise enough, Shadab goes for the pull but ends up mistiming it down the track.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. Shadab leans forward and crouches low as he dabs that one to the man at backward point.
James Anderson to Faheem Ashraf. On the up but finds the fielder at short extra cover. Fullish delivery and Faheem doesn't hold back. He plays a drive on the up. Can't find the gap.
James Anderson to Shadab Khan. Shortish delivery into the body, Shadab works it to deep square leg for another single.
James Anderson to Faheem Ashraf. Closes the face of the bat and knocks it on the leg side. They steal another quick single. So far, these two have added 33 runs for the 6th wicket.
James Anderson to Faheem Ashraf. Width outside off and Faheem chops it behind point to the deep for a brace.
James Anderson to Faheem Ashraf. Short ball, angling away from the batsman, who goes for the pull shot but the ball goes well over him.
James Anderson to Faheem Ashraf. Faheem reaches out and gently pushes it to the cover region.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. Rushes the batsman with a skiddy delivery, Shadab looks to defend that but it goes off the inner half on the leg side.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. Another pitched up delivery on off, the right-hander drives it down the track.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. Bowls a fullish delivery on the stumps and the batsman flicks it to mid on.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. FOUR! Widish delivery from Broad, Khan gets a massive stride forward but still doesn't get to the pitch of it. However, he goes through with the shot and drills it through cover-point for a boundary.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. Fullish in length from Broad, Shadab comes forward and defends it solidly.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. Good length ball on off, the batsman stands tall and pushes it to the left of the bowler.
James Anderson to Faheem Ashraf. No shot offered by the batsman.
James Anderson to Faheem Ashraf. Fuller length ball on the stumps, stays in the crease and defends it on the off side.
James Anderson to Faheem Ashraf. Widish delivery and Ashraf decides to leave it.
James Anderson to Faheem Ashraf. FOUR! Elegant cover drive! The left-handers are always a delight to watch! Faheem gets on the front foot, plays it through the line and on the up. Timing takes the ball to the cover boundary.
James Anderson to Faheem Ashraf. Slipping it well down the leg side, Faheem hopes to glance that but is unable to put bat to ball.
James Anderson to Faheem Ashraf. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
James Anderson comes back for another spell.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. Nipping back in sharply. Shadab is late on that one and gets hit on the pads.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. Another cracking nut from Broad, any other day with some more luck, he could have picked a handful of wickets. Length ball, jags away after pitching, Shadab had no answers to it.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. Driven through mid off by the batsman.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. Four Leg Byes! More agony for England. Drifting down the leg side, Shadab looks to flick that but misses it. The ball kisses the thigh pad and rolls away to the fine leg fence.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. Lovely delivery, you need some luck to survive those! Fuller length ball, threatening to angle in but moves away at the last moment. Shadab looks to drive that but he is beaten all ends up.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. Shadab moves across and taps it on the leg side.
Ben Stokes to Faheem Ashraf. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Ben Stokes to Faheem Ashraf. Chops it to backward point for a single. Oh dear! There is an overthrow. Stokes can't collect the throw cleanly and deflects it wide of the man at mid-wicket. They steal another run.
Ben Stokes to Faheem Ashraf. FOUR! Sits on the back foot and opens the face of the bat. He guides it using the pace of Stokes. The ball races past the diving Buttler at gully. Second boundary of the over.
Ben Stokes to Faheem Ashraf. Comes over the wicket and dishes out a fuller length ball on off, moves further away from the batsman, who plays a loose shot away from the body and misses it.
Ben Stokes to Faheem Ashraf. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Ben Stokes to Faheem Ashraf. FOUR! Short of a length ball outside off, Ashraf sits back and slices it behind point. The ball races away to the boundary. These runs from the lower order batsmen will hurt England.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. NOT OUT! Good review from Shadab Khan, now we know why he didn't have a word with his partner. He knew he got an inside edge. Good length ball, angling in from outside off, Shadab gets hit on the thigh pad. The players go up in unison and the umpire was quick to upheld the appeal. However, the review system comes to the rescue of Pakistan. The Ultra Edge confirms there is an inside edge. Successful review for the visitors.
Appeal for an LBW and Rod Tucker is quick to raise his finger. Shadab doesn't even bother having a word with his partner, calls for a review straightaway.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Floodlights have been switched on.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. Bowls it full in line of the off stump, Shadab gets right behind it and blocks it near his front leg.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. Fuller delivery, slanting in at pace, the batsman drives it back to the bowler.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. FOUR! That's sumptuous from Shadab! Fullish delivery, gets forward to the pitch of it and plays a drive between cover and mid off. Teasing chase for Root and the ball eventually makes it to the fence.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. Bowls it fuller outside off, the batsman lifts his bat and shoulders arms to it.
Ben Stokes to Faheem Ashraf. Ends the over with a wayward delivery, full down the leg side, the batsman looks to flick that but misses.
Ben Stokes to Faheem Ashraf. Another nasty delivery from Stokes, short and angling into the rib-cage. Faheem just manages to tap it on the leg side.
Ben Stokes to Shadab Khan. Shadab moves inside the line of the delivery and tickles it to fine leg. Gets off strike with a single. 250 up for Pakistan.
Ben Stokes to Faheem Ashraf. Away swinging delivery outside off, Faheem comes forward and powers it through the covers. Bess gives it a chase and pulls it inside the ropes, saves a run for his side.
Faheem Ashraf walks out to bat.
Babar is in some pain and the physio rushes out to the middle. An ice pack is being applied on his left wrist. Babar is not feeling right and he is going off the field. Oh dear! That's a big blow for Pakistan. The young lad was looking in ominous form but walks out retired hurt for 68. Pakistan would dearly want him to get fit quickly and bat again if needed.
Ben Stokes to Babar Azam. OUCH! Nasty delivery from Stokes, it rears up sharply and the batsman takes his eyes off it as he looks to duck under that. He completely misjudged the length and gets hit on the left wrist.
Ben Stokes to Shadab Khan. Stays on the back foot and slaps it to backward point. Single taken.
Ian Botham on air speaks about the wrist position of Broad. He says the pacer has improved a lot from 2017. Earlier, he used to end up angling it down the leg side. However, in this game Broad is getting it right and shaping the ball away regularly from the batsmen.
Stuart Broad to Babar Azam. High elbow, nice stride forward, gets to the pitch of it and drills to mid off. Everything good about that shot, just that Babar failed to find the gap.
Stuart Broad to Babar Azam. The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
Stuart Broad to Babar Azam. Pearl! That's a ripper of a delivery and deserved a wicket. Lady luck still not shining on England. Bowls a fuller length ball on the off stump line and makes the batsman play at it. The ball swings away late and goes past the outside edge.
Stuart Broad to Babar Azam. Fullish delivery on the stumps, gets right behind it and blocks it on the track. He is treating each ball on its merit.
Stuart Broad to Babar Azam. On a length outside off, watchfully left alone by Babar Azam.
Stuart Broad to Babar Azam. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Ben Stokes to Shadab Khan. Plays a drive, only to find the man at mid off.
Ben Stokes to Shadab Khan. FOUR! Even better from Shadab, he is gaining confidence! Drifting on the pads and he clips it nicely in front of square leg for another boundary. Back-to-back good shots from the leg spinner.
Ben Stokes to Shadab Khan. FOUR! Brilliant shot, played a poor shot off the last ball but comes up with a stunner next ball. Gets a full pitched delivery on off, strides forward and creams it through the covers for a boundary.
Ben Stokes to Shadab Khan. No,no,no! Not the shot you want to play at this stage! Shortish delivery outside off, moves away a little, Shadab goes feeling for it and nearly ends up edging it to the keeper.
Ben Stokes to Shadab Khan. Bowls it full on off, Shadab reluctantly comes on the front foot and guides it to point.
Ben Stokes to Shadab Khan. Fullish in length from Stokes, the batsman defensively pushes it to the cover region.
Stuart Broad to Babar Azam. FOUR! Streaky, but they all count! With that boundary, Pakistan's lead is now over 50. Good length ball on the off stump line, Babar goes at it with hard hands, gets a thick outside edge which flies wide of Stokes at third slip. No one at third man to stop that one.
Stuart Broad to Babar Azam. Did that kept low? Yes, it did. Babar did well to get his bat down in time and manages to put bat to ball. The ball hits the inside edge and rolls wide of the stumps.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. Safe run in the end! Shadab defends it wide of backward point and calls for a quick single. Bess is alert and he attacks the ball. Throws it off balance and misses the stumps at the striker's end. Single completed easily. The offie landed badly on his right shoulder and he seems to be in some pain.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. Much better from Shadab, he needs to play like this more often. Gets a fuller length delivery on the stumps, the batsman defends it solidly.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. Flashes and flashes hard but fails to connect. He has a smile on his face, Shadab knows it is a poor shot. Shortish delivery outside off, sits back to cut that but can't get wood on it.
Stuart Broad to Shadab Khan. Beaten! He is on the money straightaway. Fuller length ball, hits the seam and wobbles away a little, Shadab plays down the wrong line and misses it.
Stuart Broad will share the new ball.
Ben Stokes to Babar Azam. Ends the over with a straightish delivery, Babar gets right behind it and blocks it on the track.
Ben Stokes to Babar Azam. Fuller length ball on the leg stump line, the batsman moves across and taps to mid-wicket.
Ben Stokes to Babar Azam. FOUR! Ohhh... the new ball nearly does the trick! Stokes bowls from wide of the crease, angling in and it swings away late. Babar looks to flick that but the ball goes off the outer half past gully. The ball races away to the third man fence.
Ben Stokes to Babar Azam. Azam stands tall to that one and defends it solidly on the track.
Ben Stokes to Babar Azam. Good length ball outside off, Azam covers his off peg and decides to leave it.
Ben Stokes to Babar Azam. Short of a length ball on the stumps, Azam stands tall and fends it on the off side.
The second new ball is due, will England take it? Yes. The home team has called for it straightaway. Surprise, surprise! Stokes has the new ball instead of Anderson. He bowled an exceptional spell before the break which is the reason why he is having the first go with the hard new cherry.
Dominic Bess to Shadab Khan. Pushes it back to the bowler. End of the over, a quick one from Bess.
Dominic Bess to Shadab Khan. The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.
Dominic Bess to Shadab Khan. Offers no width to the batsman, who taps it wide of the man at short leg.
Dominic Bess to Shadab Khan. Slider outside off, stays in his crease and dabs it on the off side.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Babar closes the face of the bat and works it wide of the man at leg slip. They take a single.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Darts this delivery wide down the leg side, the batsman doesn't offer a stroke to that one.
We are back for the final session. Good signs for England as the second new ball is around the corner. 34 overs are still left in the day. Can England bowl out Pakistan or will we see a composed batting display from the visitors? Promises to be an exciting passage of play. Babar Azam has been joined by Shadab Khan in the middle. Dominic Bess to bowl first up after Tea.
... Day 2, Session 3 ...
The duo added 84 runs for the fourth wicket and kept Pakistan in the ascendancy. Shafiq was looking good to get a big score in his 100th Test innings but a brute from Stokes ended his knock. Sarfraz then tried to stay ultra-positive in his approach but paid the price for it and gifted his wicket away just before the interval. England need someone to support Stokes in order to wrap up the Pakistan innings quickly. While for Pakistan, it will be all about playing sensibly and extending their lead. Join us back in a while for the final session of the day.
So, Stokes has done enough in this session to keep England interested. He bowled a lethal spell before the Tea interval and got a couple of important wickets for the hosts. However, the visitors still have the upper hand in the game. They must thank, Babar Azam and Asad Shafiq for it. Both the batsmen scored their respective fifties and kept the visiting team ahead in the game.
Ben Stokes to Sarfraz Ahmed. OUT! The short ball ploy has worked again for England! A poor bit of cricket from the Pakistan skipper and he pays the price for it. With Tea around the corner, there was no need to go for an ambitious shot. Stokes runs in hard and bowls a bouncer on middle and leg. This time it is pretty well-directed. Ahmed gets a bit low and goes for the pull shot but only manages to top edge it towards fine leg. Mark Wood stays calm near the ropes and pouches it safely. Stokes gets his second wicket. He has bowled his heart out and reaps the rewards. THAT'S TEA ON DAY 2!
Ben Stokes to Sarfraz Ahmed. Drives off the front foot towards cover.
Ben Stokes to Sarfraz Ahmed. Another short delivery, on the leg side and Ahmed gets his hands up and lets it go.
Ben Stokes to Sarfraz Ahmed. On a good length, angling into the pads. The batsman flicks it towards the mid-wicket fielder.
Ben Stokes to Sarfraz Ahmed. Copy paste stuff from the batsman and the bowler.
Ben Stokes to Sarfraz Ahmed. Short, angled into the batsman. Ahmed ducks and lets it go.
There is an intense discussion going on between the Englishmen. Joe Root decides to come under the lid at short leg. There are three men in the deep on the leg side. There is a catching third man in place as well. Expect some chin music.
Dominic Bess to Sarfraz Ahmed. Punches the ball towards cover and takes a single.
Dominic Bess to Sarfraz Ahmed. Touch short and faster in pace from Bess. The batsman goes deep in his crease to carve it out but misses the ball.
Dominic Bess to Sarfraz Ahmed. Blocks the fuller ball off the front foot.
Dominic Bess to Sarfraz Ahmed. Pushes the flighted delivery back to the bowler.
Dominic Bess to Sarfraz Ahmed. Fuller length ball in line of the stumps, driven back to the bowler.
Dominic Bess to Sarfraz Ahmed. FOUR! Clever! Floated, on the middle stump by the bowler and Ahmed goes down the pitch. He guides it sweetly through the gap between the mid on and the mid-wicket fielder. It was nicely timed and placed by the skipper. A good start to the over.
Ben Stokes to Sarfraz Ahmed. Full delivery attacking the stumps, Ahmed flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Ben Stokes to Babar Azam. Stokes is getting the ball to tail in sharply. Induces another inside edge off the bat that rolls towards fine leg. A single taken.
Ben Stokes to Babar Azam. The batsman defends it from within the crease.
Ben Stokes to Babar Azam. FOUR! Poor delivery and duly punished! Short and there is a lot of room on offer, Azam stands tall and guides it elegantly past gully to find the fence.
Ben Stokes to Babar Azam. Fullish delivery on off, blocked with bat and pad close together.
Ben Stokes to Sarfraz Ahmed. Length delivery angling in sharply, Ahmed gets low and taps it beside the pitch on the leg side to pick up a brisk single.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Another delivery in the same area, the batsman flicks to the mid-wicket region.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Too full from Bess. Azam gets his bat down and defends it on the leg side.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Flighted on middle and leg, the batsman blocks it.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Touch short from Bess. Azam gets on his knee to play it towards the fine leg region and collects two.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Goes around the wicket, flights it around the leg stump. Azam defends it well.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Flighted, on the leg stump and Azam plays it down with soft hands.
Ben Stokes to Sarfraz Ahmed. Poor delivery to end the over. Maiden over from Stokes but a harmless over. Shortish delivery, sliding down leg, the batsman bends down a little and leaves it all alone.
Ben Stokes to Sarfraz Ahmed. Stays low in his stance as he dabs it on the off side. Another dot ball.
Ben Stokes to Sarfraz Ahmed. Sarfraz smashes the pull but finds the man at mid-wicket. Shortish delivery from Stokes, he spots it quickly and rocks on the back foot. Pulls it hard but can't find the gap.
Ben Stokes to Sarfraz Ahmed. Bangs it in short, angling down leg. That's too short from Stokes and it balloons over the batsman. That would have been a wide in limited overs cricket.
Ben Stokes to Sarfraz Ahmed. Another fullish delivery on middle and leg, the batsman moves across a little and flicks it but mistimes it to the mid-wicket region.
Ben Stokes to Sarfraz Ahmed. Fuller length ball, angling into the stumps, Ahmed crouches low and defends it solidly back to the bowler. Firm defensive push to start the over.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. FOUR! A touch short from Bess, outside the off stump and Azam makes full use of it. He goes back in his crease and square cuts it to the backward point boundary. This also brings up his half century, his 6th in Tests. He needs to convert this into a hundred for the sake of his team.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Uses his feet to get to the pitch of the ball and gets his bat behind.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. On the stumps and Azam turns it to the leg side.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Another delivery on the stumps and Azam gets forward and blocks it.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Comes on the front foot and blocks it to the off side.
Ben Stokes to Babar Azam. And this one comes in! Stokes has his hands on his head. This is bowled on the same length and into the stumps. The batsman gets his bat down in time and plays it to the leg side. Gets a single for doing so.
Ben Stokes to Babar Azam. Hint of reverse for Stokes. Bowls it full, outside the off and Azam goes for a booming drive but misses.
Ben Stokes to Babar Azam. Bowls on a fuller length, wide from the crease and Azam watches it closes as it goes past to the keeper.
Ben Stokes to Babar Azam. Outside off, left alone.
Ben Stokes to Babar Azam. Stokes hits the deck hard on this occasion and bowls a good length ball, Azam keeps it out tentatively.
Ben Stokes to Babar Azam. On a length outside off, holding its line. Azam is not interested in fiddling with it.
Dominic Bess to Sarfraz Ahmed. Slow through the air, defended solidly off the front foot.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Spinning in sharply, Azam tries to flick it but gets it off the inner half through square leg. A single taken.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Well bowled! The straighter one from Bess. Azam plays for the non-existent spin and an outside edge is induced which goes past the keeper towards third man. A couple taken.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Fuller this time, tapped to the man at silly mid on.
Dominic Bess to Sarfraz Ahmed. Around leg stump and this one bounces a touch more, Ahmed adjusts in his crease and works it towards fine leg for a single.
Dominic Bess to Sarfraz Ahmed. Floated around off, Ahmed takes a stride forward and strokes it towards mid on. He is a busy player and will be aiming to keep on rotating the strike.
Ben Stokes to Sarfraz Ahmed. Short of length, Ahmed punches to the cover region and sprints for a single.
The skipper, Sarfraz Ahmed, walks out to bat.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. OUT! Beauty! Stokes has pulled a rabbit out of the hat. This is the kind of impact he can have on the game. He steams in and bowls a sharp short delivery angling into the body of the batsman. It is identical to the previous one but this one has more zip on it. Shafiq tries to fend it off but he is caught in a tangle. The ball hits the splice of his bat and lobs towards Malan at second slip who takes an easy catch. Shafiq departs after a very good knock and the 84-run stand has been cut short. England need to maintain the same intensity to get back into the contest. Pakistan lead by 19 runs.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. That would have been a sensational catch! Full credit for the effort though. Stokes bowls this on a shortish length, around the off stump and Shafiq fends at the rising ball. It hits the outside edge and flies towards Buttler at gully. He leaps towards his left like a goalkeeper, manages to get a hand on it but fails to hold on. Malan from second slip spots that and tries to take it but is not able to do so. The big all-rounder is threatening to make an impact.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. Again comes on the front foot and lets the ball go.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. Shafiq ignores the wide ball.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. On a good length, touch fuller. The batsman gets a stride in and leaves the ball.
Ben Stokes returns for a burst.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Flatter and straighter, the batsman nudges the ball to the leg side.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Comes on the front foot and drive the full ball towards the long on fielder for another single.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Bess bowls it on the stumps with a flatter trajectory. Shafiq shuffles to the leg side but fails to make contact.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Stays back in his crease and pulls the shortish ball towards square leg get a single.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Comes to the front foot and defends it to the off side.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Flatter, full and on the leg stump. The batsman paddle sweeps it behind and gets three.
Mark Wood to Babar Azam. FOUR! Nicely done! Wood once again bowls this one short, Azam swivels across and pulls it with aplomb. Beats the man at fine leg and gets the desired result. The plan of hitting the deck hard backfired in this over.
Mark Wood to Babar Azam. Short ball outside off, Azam sways away from the line of the delivery and drops his wrists to let it go.
Stokes goes a bit squarer at the leg gully region.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. In the air... but in the gap as well! Tries to tuck him up with a shortish ball around the rib-cage area. Shafiq hops and works it through the gap between short leg and leg gully. A single taken.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. Another bumper, Shafiq ducks under it and evades it.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Mark Wood to Babar Azam. Short delivery on middle and leg, Azam was perhaps expecting it and pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Full on middle and leg, played defensively to the right side of the bowler.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. There is a big cheer for Broad! Outside off, driven nicely against the spin through covers. The pacer has a lot of work to do as he runs across to his right. Cuts it off and saves a run for his side. The spectators like it.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Tight off stump line, Babar presses forward in defense.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Azam is nimble on his feet and knocks it to mid on. The batsmen are interested in a run but eventually decide against it.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Tossed up around off, Azam leans ahead and blocks it with a straight bat.
Mark Wood to Babar Azam. The English bowlers are bowling according to a plan now. They are bowling it short and into the body of the batsmen. Azam gets on his toes and nudges it to fine leg for a single.
Mark Wood to Babar Azam. Back of a length, on his pads and Azam fails to make contact with the ball.
Mark Wood to Babar Azam. Closes the bat face too early and gets a leading edge but safe as the ball goes towards the cover region.
Mark Wood to Babar Azam. Down the leg side and Azam lets it go.
Mark Wood to Babar Azam. Back of a length, into Azam's body and he plays it down nicely.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. Wide from the crease, around the wicket, angled away from the right-hander and almost gets the desired result. Shafiq plays it with soft hands. The ball catches the outside edge and rolls to third man. Single taken.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Flatter this time from Bess, on the middle stump. Azam plays it with soft hands.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Flighted on the off stump and Azam gets forward and keeps it out.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. FOUR! Hammered! Hit that with a lot of authority. Floated outside off, Azam skips down the track and hammers it past the left side of the bowler to pick up a boundary. With that shot, Pakistan are into the lead.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Tossed up outside off, pushed off the front foot to covers.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Uses his feet and works it to the same region for a brisk single.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Fullish delivery, driven off the front foot to mid on.
Time for Drinks. Pakistan continue to play sensible cricket and are in pole position at the moment. They will be aiming to take game further away from the home side. From the perspective of England, they need quick wickets to make an impact.
Mark Wood to Babar Azam. Well bowled and equally well played. This was bowled into his rib cage and Azam keeps it down towards the short leg.
Mark Wood to Babar Azam. Goes around the wicket. Bowls it half way down the pitch and loses the line. The batsman leaves it.
Mark Wood to Babar Azam. Pushed it to the backward region from his crease, Azam wanted a single but his partner refused.
Mark Wood to Babar Azam. FOUR! Genius! Wood bowls it on a shortish length, just outside the off stump. Azam guides it between gully and slip cordon. This was nicely done by the batsman and the ball rushes to the boundary.
Mark Wood to Babar Azam. Hits the deck hard, gets extra bounce and hits Azam on his thigh pad.
Mark Wood to Babar Azam. On a good length, slightly fuller and Azam blocks it from the crease.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Bess bowls it full, just outside the off stump. The batsman drives firmly to mid on.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Comes down the wicket to defend the ball.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Slower, on the off stump and turned away to the leg side.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Loopy, on the off stump. The batsman gets across and drives it towards the cover region for one. Broad runs hard from the sweeper cover region and stops the second.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Flatter this time, kept out with a straight bat.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. What a ripper! Tossed up delivery around off and it drifts away after pitching. Azam is completely foxed and the ball flies past his edge.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. Fullish delivery, tapped to mid on.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. FOUR! 20th Test fifty for Asad Shafiq! He has played confidently from the word go and has made a substantial contribution. Smart shot from him. Shortish ball outside off, Shafiq hops and flashes hard at it and gets it well over the slip cordon for a boundary. Can he convert his half century into a big one?
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. Similar length delivery, shaping in, Shafiq covers the line and defends it stoutly.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. On a length this time, angling in initially but then straightens a bit after landing. Shafiq moves across in his crease and clips it towards mid-wicket.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. In the zone outside off, left alone.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Drifting in towards the pads, tapped gently beside the pitch on the leg side.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Bess continues to bowl short and Azam lines him up. He punches it to deep cover and picks up a couple of runs for doing so.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Similar delivery, Babar punches it to covers and shouts no regarding the single.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. On a flatter trajectory this time, defended solidly off the back foot.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Tossed up delivery, Azam puts a nice stride forward and blocks it confidently.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Quick and fullish on off, Azam presses forward and blocks it out.
Dominic Bess returns for a bowl.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. Wide of the off stump and Shafiq sways from the line of the delivery.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. Too straight from Wood. Shafiq drives it to the mid on region.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. Fuller on off stump and the batsman pushes it to the off side.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. Not Out! A review wasted by England! Short of a length, coming in with the angle and straightens just a little after pitching. Shafiq tries to gets his bat up to let the ball through but it seems to have kissed his elbow on its way to the keeper. The Englishmen appeal in unison but the umpire is not interested. The skipper has a discussion with Bairstow and his teammates and decides to take the review. Their body language is confident but the reaction of Shafiq seems to suggest something different. He has a bit of anguish on his face which indicates that he took a blow on the elbow. Well, the replays confirm that the ball deflected from the elbow and there was no bat involved.
The England players are convinced and feel that they have got their man. The decision is regarding a caught behind appeal. However, it seems that Shafiq did not get any bat on that one. Let us find out.
Mark Wood to Babar Azam. Bowls it outside the off, on a full length and Azam drive it nicely between the cover and mid off fielder to take one.
Mark Wood to Babar Azam. Back of a length, outside the off stump, Azam looks to play it from the crease. Gets an inside edge and the ball rolls to the leg side.
Mark Wood is back on.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Inswinger from Anderson, on a full length and the batsman drives it through covers. Two runs added to the total. That's the 50-run partnership between Asad Shafiq and Babar Azam for the fourth wicket
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Plays the ball with soft hands and guides it towards point.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Four! Nicely done by Shafiq. Anderson errs in line and bowls it down the leg side. Shafiq gets inside the line and tickles it fine. The ball races to the fine leg boundary.
James Anderson to Babar Azam. Anderson keeps it outside the off stump, just short of a length and Azam plays it to the third man fielder and scampers through for a single.
James Anderson to Babar Azam. Anderson goes fuller this time and bowls it on middle and leg, Babar covers the line and pushes it to mid on.
James Anderson to Babar Azam. Good length ball outside off, shaping away a touch. Babar plants his front foot across to let it go.
Stuart Broad to Asad Shafiq. Blocks it with soft hands as the ball rolls towards backward point.
Stuart Broad to Asad Shafiq. Gets behind the straighter ball and punches it down.
Stuart Broad to Babar Azam. OHHH!!! It's swinging in the air and off the pitch for Broad. He bowls it full and on the stumps. The batsman manages to get his bat down in time and plays it towards the mid-wicket region. A single taken.
Stuart Broad to Babar Azam. Down the leg side, Azam looks to clip it but misses.
Stuart Broad to Asad Shafiq. Close shave! Shafiq taps this one towards point and takes off. Bess attacks the ball, dives forward and has a shy at the striker's end but misses. Had that hit, it would have been a close call. The fielder was off balanced and as a result, he couldn't hit the target.
Stuart Broad to Asad Shafiq. A highly optimistic shout has been turned down! Length ball on middle and leg, Shafiq tries to clip it away but misses to get hit on the thigh pad. Bairstow is interested but it was too high.
James Anderson to Babar Azam. FOUR! Crisp! Everything was right about that shot. Back of a length ball outside off, Azam rises on his toes and punches it sweetly through the point region. Has stroked it nicely and gets the desired result. 9 from the over.
James Anderson to Babar Azam. In the channel outside off, left alone.
James Anderson to Babar Azam. Anderson has his tail up at the moment! He bowls a length ball on middle and leg and also generates a bit of inswing. Azam is opened up in his stance and tries to work it across but only manages to get a leading edge which falls down safely in the cover region.
James Anderson to Babar Azam. Anderson goes full again and allows the ball to swing away. Azam covers his off stump and makes a good leave.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Full delivery on middle, tucked in front of square leg for a single.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. FOUR! Streaky runs! Anderson steams in and hits the deck hard. The ball moves away a touch as well as Shafiq attempts a flashy cut shot with minimal foot movement. He ends up getting an outside edge that flies over the gully fielder and races to the fence.
Stuart Broad to Asad Shafiq. Erring in line on this occasion. On the pads, worked to long leg for a run.
Stuart Broad to Asad Shafiq. This time he goes fuller and is attacking the stumps as well, Asad stays well balanced and pushes it to mid on.
Stuart Broad to Asad Shafiq. Similar delivery, moving in, Shafiq keeps his bat and pad close to deal with it.
Stuart Broad to Asad Shafiq. Broad continues to bring the ball in. This time Shafiq shuffles a touch and dead-bats it.
Stuart Broad to Asad Shafiq. Tailing in substantially, Shafiq is caught in the crease a bit. He keeps it out with minimal foot movement.
Stuart Broad to Asad Shafiq. Fullish delivery, angling in, Shafiq presses forward and blocks it right under his eyes.
Alastair Cook is off the field. He might have hurt his finger. Let us hope it is nothing serious.
James Anderson to Babar Azam. Stays away from the wider balls and lets it go past.
James Anderson to Babar Azam. Azam leaves it for the keeper.
James Anderson to Babar Azam. Driven off the front foot by the batsman towards the mid on region.
James Anderson to Babar Azam. Bowls it bit shorter, just outside the off stump and Azam gets on his toes and punches it beautifully to the cover boundary. Beautifully timed by Azam, no point chasing that one.
James Anderson to Babar Azam. Gets behind the length delivery and punches it towards cover.
Nasser Hussain makes a good point on air. He is all praises for Asad Shafiq. He mentions that the middle-order batsman stays nicely balanced when he is defending as well as when he is attacking. Nice head position, high elbow, the front foot towards the ball, these all contribute to a batsman staying nicely balanced. Perhaps, England should take a leaf out of Shafiq's book. Yesterday, they did not apply themselves at all and were found wanting against the moving ball. They need to correct their mistakes when they come out to bat again.
James Anderson to Babar Azam. Dropped by Alastair Cook! Difficult chance but a chance nonetheless. Anderson goes wide of the crease, brings the ball into the batsman, on a fullish length and makes Babar play at it. He goes for the drive half-heartedly and edges the ball as it moves away nicely after hitting the seam. It flies to the right of the fielder at first slip, who stretches out and goes for it with one hand. However, only manages to deflect it to third man. The batsmen take two. Anderson is getting into his groove slowly but surely.
Stuart Broad to Asad Shafiq. Angling in substantially, Asad puts his head down and defends it calmly.
Stuart Broad to Asad Shafiq. The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads.
Stuart Broad to Asad Shafiq. Good game awareness! Straying on the pads, Shafiq plays it with soft hands through square leg and calls for a couple. There are open vacant spaces in that area. By the time the fielder from the deep comes in and throws it back, the batsmen take a couple. Aggressive running and nicely judged as well.
Stuart Broad to Babar Azam. Nicely played! Fullish delivery, tailing in, Babar is nicely balanced in his crease and tucks it to the leg side for a single.
Stuart Broad to Babar Azam. A touch fuller this time, trying to induce a false stroke. However, Azam is circumspect in his approach and doesn't flirt with danger.
Stuart Broad to Babar Azam. In the probing zone outside off, on a length, Azam points his bat skywards and sees it through safely.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Nope! Shafiq is intent on letting the wide balls go.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Gets his hands up and plays it safe with the wide delivery.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Bowls towards the fourth stump, on a length. Azam goes forward and towards the ball to block it.
James Anderson to Babar Azam. Azam taps it to the left of the bowler and calls for a quick single. He gets a positive response from his senior partner and off they go. Anderson heads to the ball but fails to prevent the single. Excellent running!
James Anderson to Babar Azam. Same kind of a delivery to Azam from Anderson. Solid defense from the batsman.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. On the stumps, tad fuller and Shafiq plays it with soft hands towards the square leg region to collect a single.
Stuart Broad to Babar Azam. Touch shorter and it straightens after pitching. Azam plays for the line but the ball goes past the edge.
Stuart Broad to Babar Azam. Goes forward and presents the full face of the bat.
Stuart Broad to Babar Azam. Keeping it in the corridor of uncertainty to Azam. Bowling it just outside the off stump, on a fullish length. Azam presents a solid defense.
Stuart Broad to Babar Azam. Azam shoulders the length ball for the keeper.
Stuart Broad to Babar Azam. Gets it a bit fuller and Azam is right behind it.
Stuart Broad to Babar Azam. Starts with a widish delivery. Azam lets it go.
Stuart Broad comes back for a bowl. Change of ends for him as well as it was for Anderson earlier.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. FOUR! Beautiful! Back of a length ball outside off, Shafiq waits for it and punches it sweetly with a straight bat. Gets it through the point region and the fielder hares after it but only comes second best. That stroke was pleasing to the eyes.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Similar ball outside off, Asad Shafiq allows it to go through.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Length delivery outside off, moving away, Shafiq plants his front foot across to allow it through.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. In the channel around off, Asad comes forward and blocks it stoutly.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Well bowled! Pitched right up in the probing channel around off, Shafiq is tentative in his foot movement and gets a thick outside edge which falls short of Malan at second slip.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Full length delivery attacking the stumps, Shafiq presses forward and blocks it.
We are back for the second session. Babar Azam and Asad Shafiq to continue their innings. James Anderson to bowl first up after Lunch. Here we go...
... Day 2, Session 2 ...
Azhar Ali though looked good at the other end and Asad Shafiq gave him good support. The former registered his 28th fifty in Test cricket but was soon removed by the wily old fox, James Anderson. However, Shafiq and Babar Azam ensured no further damage was inflicted before the interval. Pakistan trail by just 48 runs and they will be hoping to wipe it quickly in the next session. In contrast, England will be aiming to pick as many wickets as possible to comeback into the contest. Join us back in a while for the afternoon session.
Another session pocketed by the visitors. Pakistan have played with a lot of positivity in this session and have mustered 86 runs. Azhar Ali and Haris Sohail continued from where they left off yesterday. The duo scored runs at a good clip. However, England broke the 75-run union just before the drinks break. England did try to pull things back with some disciplined bowling.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Azam drives the fuller ball towards mid on. That's Lunch on Day 2!
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Tad short, on the same line and Azam blocks it off the back foot.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Loopy, on the off stump. The batsman drives it to mid on and takes a single.
Bess switches his angle to around the wicket.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Third flighted delivery in a row. He is not afraid to toss it up. Shafiq comes on the front foot and keeps it out.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Another flighted one, outside the off stump and the batsman punches it to the cover fielder.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. SIX! Bang! He is oozing with confidence at the moment. Tossed up delivery, on the off stump and Shafiq slog sweeps it over the mid-wicket boundary for a maximum.
Last over before Lunch.
James Anderson to Babar Azam. Anderson bowls it full, on the middle and leg stump and Azam presents a straight bat to keep it out.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Quick single! Gets on his toes and guides the short delivery to the point region for a single.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. He is not interested in playing the wide deliveries. Lets this one go as well.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Plants his foot down and defends it back.
James Anderson to Babar Azam. Short of a length, into his body and Azam plays it down with soft hands. The ball rolls towards mid-wicket and the batsmen scamper for a single.
James Anderson to Babar Azam. Pitches on a good length and doesn't change its direction. Azam gets his bat on to it.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Loopy delivery on middle, Shafiq presses forward and dead-bats it.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Controlled shot! Spinning in with some extra bounce, Azam adjusts in his crease and places it to the left of backward point. Wood chases it down and saves a run for his side.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Floated delivery, Azam comes forward and defends it calmly.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. FOUR! Nice way to get off the mark! Shortish delivery, spinning in, Azam rocks back and cuts it through backward point to find the fence.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Floated ball on middle, defended solidly off the front foot.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Getting close to Shafiq's edge but not the result he wants.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Shows the full face and defends it.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Sluggish from Shafiq. This was angled in and straightened after pitching. Shafiq gets a thick outside edge and ball rushes towards the fourth slip.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Punches it with straight bat to the off side.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Same length, gets closer to the stumps. The batsman plays the ball with bat and pad close to each other.
Stuart Broad to Babar Azam. Starts with a widish delivery. Azam lets it go.
Stuart Broad comes back for a bowl. Change of ends for him as well as it was for Anderson earlier.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. FOUR! Beautiful! Back of a length ball outside off, Shafiq waits for it and punches it sweetly with a straight bat. Gets it through the point region and the fielder hares after it but only comes second best. That stroke was pleasing to the eyes.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Similar ball outside off, Asad Shafiq allows it to go through.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Length delivery outside off, moving away, Shafiq plants his front foot across to allow it through.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. In the channel around off, Asad comes forward and blocks it stoutly.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Well bowled! Pitched right up in the probing channel around off, Shafiq is tentative in his foot movement and gets a thick outside edge which falls short of Malan at second slip.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Full length delivery attacking the stumps, Shafiq presses forward and blocks it.
We are back for the second session. Babar Azam and Asad Shafiq to continue their innings. James Anderson to bowl first up after Lunch. Here we go...
... Day 2, Session 2 ...
Azhar Ali though looked good at the other end and Asad Shafiq gave him good support. The former registered his 28th fifty in Test cricket but was soon removed by the wily old fox, James Anderson. However, Shafiq and Babar Azam ensured no further damage was inflicted before the interval. Pakistan trail by just 48 runs and they will be hoping to wipe it quickly in the next session. In contrast, England will be aiming to pick as many wickets as possible to comeback into the contest. Join us back in a while for the afternoon session.
Another session pocketed by the visitors. Pakistan have played with a lot of positivity in this session and have mustered 86 runs. Azhar Ali and Haris Sohail continued from where they left off yesterday. The duo scored runs at a good clip. However, England broke the 75-run union just before the drinks break. England did try to pull things back with some disciplined bowling.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Azam drives the fuller ball towards mid on. That's Lunch on Day 2!
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Tad short, on the same line and Azam blocks it off the back foot.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Loopy, on the off stump. The batsman drives it to mid on and takes a single.
Bess switches his angle to around the wicket.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Third flighted delivery in a row. He is not afraid to toss it up. Shafiq comes on the front foot and keeps it out.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Another flighted one, outside the off stump and the batsman punches it to the cover fielder.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. SIX! Bang! He is oozing with confidence at the moment. Tossed up delivery, on the off stump and Shafiq slog sweeps it over the mid-wicket boundary for a maximum.
Last over before Lunch.
James Anderson to Babar Azam. Anderson bowls it full, on the middle and leg stump and Azam presents a straight bat to keep it out.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Quick single! Gets on his toes and guides the short delivery to the point region for a single.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. He is not interested in playing the wide deliveries. Lets this one go as well.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Plants his foot down and defends it back.
James Anderson to Babar Azam. Short of a length, into his body and Azam plays it down with soft hands. The ball rolls towards mid-wicket and the batsmen scamper for a single.
James Anderson to Babar Azam. Pitches on a good length and doesn't change its direction. Azam gets his bat on to it.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Loopy delivery on middle, Shafiq presses forward and dead-bats it.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Controlled shot! Spinning in with some extra bounce, Azam adjusts in his crease and places it to the left of backward point. Wood chases it down and saves a run for his side.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Floated delivery, Azam comes forward and defends it calmly.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. FOUR! Nice way to get off the mark! Shortish delivery, spinning in, Azam rocks back and cuts it through backward point to find the fence.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Floated ball on middle, defended solidly off the front foot.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Getting close to Shafiq's edge but not the result he wants.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Shows the full face and defends it.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Sluggish from Shafiq. This was angled in and straightened after pitching. Shafiq gets a thick outside edge and ball rushes towards the fourth slip.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Punches it with straight bat to the off side.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Same length, gets closer to the stumps. The batsman plays the ball with bat and pad close to each other.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Fullish length from Anderson and Shafiq gets forward to dish it out.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Flatter delivery on leg stump, defended with the angle to short leg.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Flighted ball outside off, Azam plays it softly towards point.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
A fielder at point now.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Fullish delivery around off, stays a touch low. Azam gets low and defends it stoutly.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Shafiq is nimble on his feet and strokes it towards mid on for a brisk single.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Tossed up delivery around off, patted gently towards the bowler.
James Anderson to Babar Azam. Anderson runs in with an intent and bowls a full delivery attacking the stumps, Azam is alert and blocks it down towards mid on. Brilliant over from Anderson.
Babar Azam comes out to bat.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. OUT! Massive breakthrough for England! Azhar Ali is walking back. Huge blow for Pakistan. He was looking set to play a long innings but he is undone by the cleverness of the veteran. Change of ends has worked for Anderson. He uses all his experience, bowls it on a good length and the ball angles in sharply. Ali tries to keep it out but fails to do so and is struck just above the knee roll. Huge appeal from the Englishmen and Rod Tucker obliges. The opener has a chat with his partner but decides against the review. The Hawk Eye suggests that the ball would have clipped the top of middle. Can England open the floodgates now?
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Defends the straight, length ball.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Angling into the batsman and straightens after pitching. Shafiq goes for the square dive but gets a leading edge, just in front of empty point region.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Full, just outside the off stump and Shafiq plants his foot down and defends it with intent.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Very full, touch slow and Shafiq defends it.
Anderson is back on. Can England's premier bowler strike before Lunch?
Dominic Bess to Azhar Ali. Fuller and flighted by Bess and Ali pushes it to the mid-wicket region.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Flicks the ball using his wrists towards backward square leg and changes strike.
Dominic Bess to Azhar Ali. 28th Test fifty for Azhar Ali! He has shown grit and determination to stay in the middle, even after getting beaten so many times. He taps this one through backward point to collect a single. His teammates get up on their feet in the dressing room to applaud the effort...
Dominic Bess to Azhar Ali. Ali goes back and defends the ball right in front of his eyes.
Dominic Bess to Azhar Ali. Copy paste from the last one but touch fuller. Ali punches it back to the bowler.
Dominic Bess to Azhar Ali. Loopy, outside the off stump and getting the batsman forward. Defended by Ali.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. FOUR! Over correction from Stokes this time and gives a freebie down the leg side to Shafiq, who doesn't misses the opportunity and gets it fine for a boundary to the fine leg fence.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. Nice looking cover drive off the front foot but straight to the fielder. Good shot for no run.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. Shafiq gets forward and gets bat on a good length delivery.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. Comes in with the angle this time. Fullish ball and Shafiq gets behind the delivery nicely.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. On a length and wide, swinging further away from the batsman, who leaves it for the keeper.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Floated outside off, Asad plays it with an open bat face past the slip fielder. A run taken.
Dominic Bess to Azhar Ali. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single.
Dominic Bess to Azhar Ali. Things are happening at the moment! If Stokes did not anticipate and moved to his left, there was a chance for a catch at first slip. Tossed up generously around off, Ali goes for a half-hearted paddle sweep but only manages to get a top edge. The ball brushes his shoulder, lobs past the keeper and falls down safely. Shafiq sets off for a run and Ali is also interested for a while but the latter does well to get back to his crease and avoids the confusion.
Dominic Bess to Azhar Ali. Stays within the crease this time and tucks it to mid-wicket.
Dominic Bess to Azhar Ali. Ooh! Slow through the air in line of the stumps, Ali uses his feet and tries to work it away but only manages to get a leading edge. The ball is in the air for a while but falls well short of the mid off fielder.
Dominic Bess to Azhar Ali. Tossed up delivery, spinning in, Ali leans forward and defends it solidly beside the pitch on the leg side.
Dominic Bess to roll his arm over for the first time this morning.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. Beaten again! The corridor of uncertainty is troubling Shafiq a bit. Bowls it on a go 47.1 0
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Fullish length from Anderson and Shafiq gets forward to dish it out.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Flatter delivery on leg stump, defended with the angle to short leg.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Flighted ball outside off, Azam plays it softly towards point.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
A fielder at point now.
Dominic Bess to Babar Azam. Fullish delivery around off, stays a touch low. Azam gets low and defends it stoutly.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Shafiq is nimble on his feet and strokes it towards mid on for a brisk single.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Tossed up delivery around off, patted gently towards the bowler.
James Anderson to Babar Azam. Anderson runs in with an intent and bowls a full delivery attacking the stumps, Azam is alert and blocks it down towards mid on. Brilliant over from Anderson.
Babar Azam comes out to bat.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. OUT! Massive breakthrough for England! Azhar Ali is walking back. Huge blow for Pakistan. He was looking set to play a long innings but he is undone by the cleverness of the veteran. Change of ends has worked for Anderson. He uses all his experience, bowls it on a good length and the ball angles in sharply. Ali tries to keep it out but fails to do so and is struck just above the knee roll. Huge appeal from the Englishmen and Rod Tucker obliges. The opener has a chat with his partner but decides against the review. The Hawk Eye suggests that the ball would have clipped the top of middle. Can England open the floodgates now?
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Defends the straight, length ball.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Angling into the batsman and straightens after pitching. Shafiq goes for the square dive but gets a leading edge, just in front of empty point region.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Full, just outside the off stump and Shafiq plants his foot down and defends it with intent.
James Anderson to Asad Shafiq. Very full, touch slow and Shafiq defends it.
Anderson is back on. Can England's premier bowler strike before Lunch?
Dominic Bess to Azhar Ali. Fuller and flighted by Bess and Ali pushes it to the mid-wicket region.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Flicks the ball using his wrists towards backward square leg and changes strike.
Dominic Bess to Azhar Ali. 28th Test fifty for Azhar Ali! He has shown grit and determination to stay in the middle, even after getting beaten so many times. He taps this one through backward point to collect a single. His teammates get up on their feet in the dressing room to applaud the effort...
Dominic Bess to Azhar Ali. Ali goes back and defends the ball right in front of his eyes.
Dominic Bess to Azhar Ali. Copy paste from the last one but touch fuller. Ali punches it back to the bowler.
Dominic Bess to Azhar Ali. Loopy, outside the off stump and getting the batsman forward. Defended by Ali.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. FOUR! Over correction from Stokes this time and gives a freebie down the leg side to Shafiq, who doesn't misses the opportunity and gets it fine for a boundary to the fine leg fence.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. Nice looking cover drive off the front foot but straight to the fielder. Good shot for no run.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. Shafiq gets forward and gets bat on a good length delivery.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. Comes in with the angle this time. Fullish ball and Shafiq gets behind the delivery nicely.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. On a length and wide, swinging further away from the batsman, who leaves it for the keeper.
Dominic Bess to Asad Shafiq. Floated outside off, Asad plays it with an open bat face past the slip fielder. A run taken.
Dominic Bess to Azhar Ali. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single.
Dominic Bess to Azhar Ali. Things are happening at the moment! If Stokes did not anticipate and moved to his left, there was a chance for a catch at first slip. Tossed up generously around off, Ali goes for a half-hearted paddle sweep but only manages to get a top edge. The ball brushes his shoulder, lobs past the keeper and falls down safely. Shafiq sets off for a run and Ali is also interested for a while but the latter does well to get back to his crease and avoids the confusion.
Dominic Bess to Azhar Ali. Stays within the crease this time and tucks it to mid-wicket.
Dominic Bess to Azhar Ali. Ooh! Slow through the air in line of the stumps, Ali uses his feet and tries to work it away but only manages to get a leading edge. The ball is in the air for a while but falls well short of the mid off fielder.
Dominic Bess to Azhar Ali. Tossed up delivery, spinning in, Ali leans forward and defends it solidly beside the pitch on the leg side.
Dominic Bess to roll his arm over for the first time this morning.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. Beaten again! The corridor of uncertainty is troubling Shafiq a bit. Bowls it on a good length, coming in with the angle and swinging away after pitching. Shafiq goes for the forward defense but misses.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. Down the leg side, the batsman tries to tickle it fine but doesn't get the connection.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. Close! This time Stokes bowls it closer to the batsman, angling it in and then seaming it away from the batsman. Shafiq tries to fend the ball but misses.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. Leaves the ball for the keeper.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Short ball again, the batsman stays tall to guide the ball towards mid on.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. FOUR! Short and wide and Ali gets on top of the bounce. He places it nicely through the backward point region to collect another boundary.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. Shafiq gets down the pitch, punches the full ball to the mid on region and gets a couple.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Same line, bit shorter than the previous one and Ali gets on his toes. Keeps it down on the off side. Single taken.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. On his hips and Ali plays the short ball down with soft hands between leg gully and short leg.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Around the wicket, angling away from the batsman. Ali pushes it to the short cover fielder.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. On the hips this time, Shafiq plays a nicely controlled flick through square leg. A run taken.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. Dug in short, Asad ducks under it.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Shafiq gets his bat up and watches it go past.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. Stokes bowls it full and just wide of the off stump, Shafiq gets on his knee, punches the ball through the covers off his front foot and scampers for three.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. WOW! Swing from Stokes on a goodish length. Shafiq tries to play but the swing takes it away from him.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. FOUR! Same length as the previous ball, the line is a bit wide this time. Shafiq guides it nicely through the gap between gully and slip cordon and collects a boundary to his name.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. Angling into the body of Shafiq, on a shortish length. He punches it down with intent.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. On a good length, swinging away from the batsman. Shafiq gets his bat up and lets it go.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. Close shave! That was poor judgement from the middle-order batsman. If Bess was able to hit the bull's eye, it would have been a brilliant run out. Back of a length ball, Shafiq taps it towards point and sets off. Bess attacks the ball, picks it up and releases an underarm throw as Ali dives to get in. The shy at the striker's end misses and a run is safely collected. The replays show that if that hit, Azhar was a goner.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Back of a length ball around the hips, Ali hops and tucks it to deep backward square leg for a run.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. Good running! Length ball around off, Asad taps it towards covers and scurries across to the other end.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. Trying to induce a false stroke from Shafiq but he doesn't flirt with it.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. Fuller in length outside off, Shafiq plants his front foot across and allows it through.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. In the channel outside off, the opener remains circumspect in approach.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. FOUR! Sublime! That was played with a lot of authority. Back of a length ball outside off, Azhar stands tall and punches it through point. The timing is spot on and the ball whistles away to the fence.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. In the corridor of uncertainty, shaping in a touch. Azhar has his off stump covered and lets it go safely.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. In the channel outside off, Azhar doesn't fiddle with that one.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. On a length outside off, Ali points his bat skywards to let it be.
Drinks break. Meanwhile, Asad Shafiq is the new man in.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. OUT! GONE! Important wicket for England, they have toiled really hard throughout this morning session and finally they get lucky. On numerous occasions, they went past the outside edge of the bat of both the batsmen but this time, Wood finds the outside edge and it is taken safely by the keeper. It is a special delivery from Wood, he slants it in from outside off and the batsman plays for the angle but the ball straightens a touch to catch him in a tangle. The edge is induced and Bairstow moves quickly to his left to take it few inches above the ground. End of a 75-run partnership, this is the time for the home team to press the button and push Pakistan on the back foot with a few more blows.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Shortish delivery, and the batsman does well to avoid that one.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Nearly a wicket! In the air... but it goes right between short leg and leg gully. It is a seam up delivery and hurries Ali. He goes across to flick it, but gets an inside edge on the thigh pad. Luckily for him and Pakistan, it balloons in the gap. Single taken.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Ali stands tall and punches it nicely through theod length, coming in with the angle and swinging away after pitching. Shafiq goes for the forward defense but misses.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. Down the leg side, the batsman tries to tickle it fine but doesn't get the connection.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. Close! This time Stokes bowls it closer to the batsman, angling it in and then seaming it away from the batsman. Shafiq tries to fend the ball but misses.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. Leaves the ball for the keeper.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Short ball again, the batsman stays tall to guide the ball towards mid on.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. FOUR! Short and wide and Ali gets on top of the bounce. He places it nicely through the backward point region to collect another boundary.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. Shafiq gets down the pitch, punches the full ball to the mid on region and gets a couple.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Same line, bit shorter than the previous one and Ali gets on his toes. Keeps it down on the off side. Single taken.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. On his hips and Ali plays the short ball down with soft hands between leg gully and short leg.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Around the wicket, angling away from the batsman. Ali pushes it to the short cover fielder.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. On the hips this time, Shafiq plays a nicely controlled flick through square leg. A run taken.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. Dug in short, Asad ducks under it.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Shafiq gets his bat up and watches it go past.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. Stokes bowls it full and just wide of the off stump, Shafiq gets on his knee, punches the ball through the covers off his front foot and scampers for three.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. WOW! Swing from Stokes on a goodish length. Shafiq tries to play but the swing takes it away from him.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. FOUR! Same length as the previous ball, the line is a bit wide this time. Shafiq guides it nicely through the gap between gully and slip cordon and collects a boundary to his name.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. Angling into the body of Shafiq, on a shortish length. He punches it down with intent.
Ben Stokes to Asad Shafiq. On a good length, swinging away from the batsman. Shafiq gets his bat up and lets it go.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. Close shave! That was poor judgement from the middle-order batsman. If Bess was able to hit the bull's eye, it would have been a brilliant run out. Back of a length ball, Shafiq taps it towards point and sets off. Bess attacks the ball, picks it up and releases an underarm throw as Ali dives to get in. The shy at the striker's end misses and a run is safely collected. The replays show that if that hit, Azhar was a goner.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Back of a length ball around the hips, Ali hops and tucks it to deep backward square leg for a run.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. Good running! Length ball around off, Asad taps it towards covers and scurries across to the other end.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. Trying to induce a false stroke from Shafiq but he doesn't flirt with it.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Mark Wood to Asad Shafiq. Fuller in length outside off, Shafiq plants his front foot across and allows it through.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. In the channel outside off, the opener remains circumspect in approach.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. FOUR! Sublime! That was played with a lot of authority. Back of a length ball outside off, Azhar stands tall and punches it through point. The timing is spot on and the ball whistles away to the fence.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. In the corridor of uncertainty, shaping in a touch. Azhar has his off stump covered and lets it go safely.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. In the channel outside off, Azhar doesn't fiddle with that one.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. On a length outside off, Ali points his bat skywards to let it be.
Drinks break. Meanwhile, Asad Shafiq is the new man in.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. OUT! GONE! Important wicket for England, they have toiled really hard throughout this morning session and finally they get lucky. On numerous occasions, they went past the outside edge of the bat of both the batsmen but this time, Wood finds the outside edge and it is taken safely by the keeper. It is a special delivery from Wood, he slants it in from outside off and the batsman plays for the angle but the ball straightens a touch to catch him in a tangle. The edge is induced and Bairstow moves quickly to his left to take it few inches above the ground. End of a 75-run partnership, this is the time for the home team to press the button and push Pakistan on the back foot with a few more blows.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Shortish delivery, and the batsman does well to avoid that one.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Nearly a wicket! In the air... but it goes right between short leg and leg gully. It is a seam up delivery and hurries Ali. He goes across to flick it, but gets an inside edge on the thigh pad. Luckily for him and Pakistan, it balloons in the gap. Single taken.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Ali stands tall and punches it nicely through the covers. He collects a couple more.
Wood decides to go over the wicket. So, is that it? No more short balls? Ali has won this little battle.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Short, angling across the batsman, who drops his hands and lets it go.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Slipping down the leg side, Ali moves across to flick that but fails to make contact.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. Dishes out a fullish delivery on off, nips in a little, Sohail plays away from his body and gets it off the inner half to mid-wicket.
Ali not happy with some movement over the sightscreen.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. Outside off and the batsman shoulders arms to it. This has been an exhibition of Test match batting from these two Pakistan batsmen.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. Good length ball on the off stump line, stays back and defends it back to Stokes.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. Another inswinger from Stokes, the left-hander is late on it and gets hit on the front leg.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. In the same channel, coming in slightly with the angle. Sohail lets it go. It isn't too far from the off peg, but eventually we will term it as a good leave.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. Closer to the off stump and an assured leave from Haris Sohail. The keeper collects the ball near his hips.
Ben Stokes comes into the attack. England still searching for their first wicket of the morning, will Stokes be the man?
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Ali hops across and fends it. He manages to keep it down and plays it towards the man at leg gully.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Nicely directed, short and into the ribcage, Ali jumps inside the line of it and decides to leave it. Bairstow misses another one, he just isn't having a neat day behind the wickets.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Bowls from around the wicket, short on the stumps, Ali stays back and defends it solidly down the track.
Wood wants a man under the lid. Joe Root calls for the helmet and walks to the forward short leg position. Expect some short stuff.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Delivers a fuller length ball, angling in, Ali goes across and drives it back to the bowler.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Good shot for no run. Fuller length ball in the zone and Ali drills it to cover-point. Buttler stationed there blocks it safely.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Slipping in from outside off, the batsman covers the line of it and defends it to the cover region.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Again, he ends up bowling a delivery slightly wide and the batsman is happy to leave those.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Broad makes him play this one, Sohail defends it with the straight bat.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Much closer to the off stump, well left by Sohail. He is pretty sure where his off stump is and leaves it with confidence.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Serves in a delivery outside off, easy leave for the left-hander. Bairstow collects the ball throws it to his mate at second slip.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Shortish delivery, Haris stands tall and gets on top of the bounce. Nicely fends it square on to the off side.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Wood jumps to the edge of the crease and delivers a fullish delivery outside off, Ali goes for the drive, but mistimes it to the left of the bowler.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Drop and run! Excellent running! Good length ball, defends it with soft hands on the off side. Calls for a quick single and he gets a positive response from his partner.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Short of a length ball outside off, no shot offered by Sohail.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Tests the pitch with a shortish delivery, the batsman ducks under it at the very last moment.
Once again, Rod Tucker is checking the shape of the ball. It passes the test and we will continue with the same cherry.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Sohail leaves it alone to the keeper.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Root has a word with his bowler. Before the start of his second over of the day.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Innocuous delivery outside off and Ali shoulders arms to it.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. On middle and leg, Ali moves across and pushes it to mid on.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Slipping it down the leg side, Ali hopes to glance that but he fails to make contact with the ball.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Intentionally played by Sohail, he opens the face of the bat a little and guides it through point. The fielder chases it and pulls it inside the ropes and saves a run for his side.
The umpires are looking at the ball, both of them check the shape of it. They are happy with it and we will continue with the same ball.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Well wide and this time left alone with ease.
Wood decides to go over the wicket. So, is that it? No more short balls? Ali has won this little battle.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Short, angling across the batsman, who drops his hands and lets it go.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Slipping down the leg side, Ali moves across to flick that but fails to make contact.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. Dishes out a fullish delivery on off, nips in a little, Sohail plays away from his body and gets it off the inner half to mid-wicket.
Ali not happy with some movement over the sightscreen.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. Outside off and the batsman shoulders arms to it. This has been an exhibition of Test match batting from these two Pakistan batsmen.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. Good length ball on the off stump line, stays back and defends it back to Stokes.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. Another inswinger from Stokes, the left-hander is late on it and gets hit on the front leg.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. In the same channel, coming in slightly with the angle. Sohail lets it go. It isn't too far from the off peg, but eventually we will term it as a good leave.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. Closer to the off stump and an assured leave from Haris Sohail. The keeper collects the ball near his hips.
Ben Stokes comes into the attack. England still searching for their first wicket of the morning, will Stokes be the man?
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Ali hops across and fends it. He manages to keep it down and plays it towards the man at leg gully.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Nicely directed, short and into the ribcage, Ali jumps inside the line of it and decides to leave it. Bairstow misses another one, he just isn't having a neat day behind the wickets.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Bowls from around the wicket, short on the stumps, Ali stays back and defends it solidly down the track.
Wood wants a man under the lid. Joe Root calls for the helmet and walks to the forward short leg position. Expect some short stuff.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Delivers a fuller length ball, angling in, Ali goes across and drives it back to the bowler.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Good shot for no run. Fuller length ball in the zone and Ali drills it to cover-point. Buttler stationed there blocks it safely.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Slipping in from outside off, the batsman covers the line of it and defends it to the cover region.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Again, he ends up bowling a delivery slightly wide and the batsman is happy to leave those.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Broad makes him play this one, Sohail defends it with the straight bat.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Much closer to the off stump, well left by Sohail. He is pretty sure where his off stump is and leaves it with confidence.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Serves in a delivery outside off, easy leave for the left-hander. Bairstow collects the ball throws it to his mate at second slip.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Shortish delivery, Haris stands tall and gets on top of the bounce. Nicely fends it square on to the off side.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Wood jumps to the edge of the crease and delivers a fullish delivery outside off, Ali goes for the drive, but mistimes it to the left of the bowler.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Drop and run! Excellent running! Good length ball, defends it with soft hands on the off side. Calls for a quick single and he gets a positive response from his partner.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Short of a length ball outside off, no shot offered by Sohail.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Tests the pitch with a shortish delivery, the batsman ducks under it at the very last moment.
Once again, Rod Tucker is checking the shape of the ball. It passes the test and we will continue with the same cherry.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Sohail leaves it alone to the keeper.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Root has a word with his bowler. Before the start of his second over of the day.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Innocuous delivery outside off and Ali shoulders arms to it.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. On middle and leg, Ali moves across and pushes it to mid on.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Slipping it down the leg side, Ali hopes to glance that but he fails to make contact with the ball.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Intentionally played by Sohail, he opens the face of the bat a little and guides it through point. The fielder chases it and pulls it inside the ropes and saves a run for his side.
The umpires are looking at the ball, both of them check the shape of it. They are happy with it and we will continue with the same ball.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Well wide and this time left alone with ease.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Another one goes past the outside edge, just no luck for the hosts at the moment. Length ball, angling in and moves away a bit, Haris plays down the wrong line and misses it.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. FOUR! Exquisite placement from Azhar Ali, timing isn't bad either. Fullish delivery outside off, he leans into the drive, gets to the pitch of it and creams it through the covers. Right from the coaching manuals.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Stays on the back foot and dabs it on the leg side.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. The batsman does well to stand tall and play that short delivery.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Beaten! There is an appeal for caught behind but the umpire is unmoved! Root at extra cover is pretty sure about that one but his bowler isn't convinced and doesn't even bother to appeal. Fuller length ball, nips away a little, whizzing past the outside edge of the bat.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Starts with a poor delivery on the pads, Haris flicks it to deep backward square leg for a single. These two have added 26 runs this morning without breaking a sweat.
Mark Wood comes into the attack. He bowled a frugal spell yesterday but today it will be all about breaking this partnership.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Jaffa! That is simply unplayable! Sometimes as a batsman you need to admire those and forget it quickly. It angles in from outside off, Ali looks to play for the initial angle but he is squared up by the late away movement. Bairstow too had troubles collecting that one.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Tries to lure him into playing a false shot with a half volley closer to the off stump. Ali doesn't get tempted and leaves another one.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Straightens a little and keeps low as well. Ali had no answers to it. He is beaten all ends up.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Angling in from outside off and zeroing in on the stumps, Ali gets right behind it and defends.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Overcorrection from Broad, attacks the pads and Ali flicks it through square leg for a couple.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. FOUR! Drilled! Fantastic square drive from Azhar Ali. Another pitched up delivery from Broad and the opener crashes it through cover-point for a boundary.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Moral victory for the bowler. He comes back strongly after getting hit for a couple of boundaries at the start of the over. Keeps it slightly short but still manages to extract some movement. Haris plays down the wrong line and he is beaten.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Sits on the back foot and pushes it gently to the cover region.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. This one is down the leg side and the batsman leaves it alone.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. OUCH... that should have hurt! A delivery from Anderson that climbs sharply into the batsman, who stands tall and tries to fend that but gets hit under the armpit.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. FOUR! 8 runs from 2 balls, Nasser Hussain on air feels Anderson will be one angry man on the field. He dishes out another half volley on the stumps, the southpaw drills it nicely past his partner. The ball races away to the long on fence. Back-to-back boundaries for Pakistan, they are quickly eating up the deficit.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. FOUR! Brings up the 50-run partnership with a lovely cover drive. Fuller length ball from Anderson, fractionally too full and Haris creams it through the covers. No point chasing that one as it has been timed really well by Sohail.
Ian Botham on air speaks about the importance of getting the seam position right. He says bowling with a stable wrist is very important. For the moment, he feels the English pacers are rolling it on the left side a little which is the way to bowl the leg cutters.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Offers a straight bat and defends it solidly.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. And again, Broad bowls a delivery outside off and left alone by Ali.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. This one is easily left by Azhar Ali.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Slightly shorter on this occasion. No shot offered by the batsman.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. In the corridor outside off, Ali covers his stumps and lets it through. Both the Pakistan batsmen have looked pretty assured this morning.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Bowls it full on middle and leg, the batsman shuffles across his stumps and flicks it to mid on.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Plays a drive but his bat turned at the point of contact. Mistimes it to the cover region.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Anderson trying to stay away from the pads of Haris after that boundary. Bowls a wide delivery and left alone by the batsman.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
The fielder is placed at the same position now where the boundary was hit.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. FOUR! Easy pickings for Sohail, he gets a freebie on the pads and makes the most of it. Fuller length ball on the leg stump line, whips it away to the mid-wicket boundary. The fielder in the deep had no chance of stopping it.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Another one goes past the outside edge, just no luck for the hosts at the moment. Length ball, angling in and moves away a bit, Haris plays down the wrong line and misses it.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. FOUR! Exquisite placement from Azhar Ali, timing isn't bad either. Fullish delivery outside off, he leans into the drive, gets to the pitch of it and creams it through the covers. Right from the coaching manuals.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Stays on the back foot and dabs it on the leg side.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. The batsman does well to stand tall and play that short delivery.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Beaten! There is an appeal for caught behind but the umpire is unmoved! Root at extra cover is pretty sure about that one but his bowler isn't convinced and doesn't even bother to appeal. Fuller length ball, nips away a little, whizzing past the outside edge of the bat.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Starts with a poor delivery on the pads, Haris flicks it to deep backward square leg for a single. These two have added 26 runs this morning without breaking a sweat.
Mark Wood comes into the attack. He bowled a frugal spell yesterday but today it will be all about breaking this partnership.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Jaffa! That is simply unplayable! Sometimes as a batsman you need to admire those and forget it quickly. It angles in from outside off, Ali looks to play for the initial angle but he is squared up by the late away movement. Bairstow too had troubles collecting that one.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Tries to lure him into playing a false shot with a half volley closer to the off stump. Ali doesn't get tempted and leaves another one.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Straightens a little and keeps low as well. Ali had no answers to it. He is beaten all ends up.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Angling in from outside off and zeroing in on the stumps, Ali gets right behind it and defends.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Overcorrection from Broad, attacks the pads and Ali flicks it through square leg for a couple.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. FOUR! Drilled! Fantastic square drive from Azhar Ali. Another pitched up delivery from Broad and the opener crashes it through cover-point for a boundary.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Moral victory for the bowler. He comes back strongly after getting hit for a couple of boundaries at the start of the over. Keeps it slightly short but still manages to extract some movement. Haris plays down the wrong line and he is beaten.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Sits on the back foot and pushes it gently to the cover region.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. This one is down the leg side and the batsman leaves it alone.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. OUCH... that should have hurt! A delivery from Anderson that climbs sharply into the batsman, who stands tall and tries to fend that but gets hit under the armpit.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. FOUR! 8 runs from 2 balls, Nasser Hussain on air feels Anderson will be one angry man on the field. He dishes out another half volley on the stumps, the southpaw drills it nicely past his partner. The ball races away to the long on fence. Back-to-back boundaries for Pakistan, they are quickly eating up the deficit.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. FOUR! Brings up the 50-run partnership with a lovely cover drive. Fuller length ball from Anderson, fractionally too full and Haris creams it through the covers. No point chasing that one as it has been timed really well by Sohail.
Ian Botham on air speaks about the importance of getting the seam position right. He says bowling with a stable wrist is very important. For the moment, he feels the English pacers are rolling it on the left side a little which is the way to bowl the leg cutters.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Offers a straight bat and defends it solidly.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. And again, Broad bowls a delivery outside off and left alone by Ali.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. This one is easily left by Azhar Ali.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Slightly shorter on this occasion. No shot offered by the batsman.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. In the corridor outside off, Ali covers his stumps and lets it through. Both the Pakistan batsmen have looked pretty assured this morning.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Bowls it full on middle and leg, the batsman shuffles across his stumps and flicks it to mid on.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Plays a drive but his bat turned at the point of contact. Mistimes it to the cover region.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Anderson trying to stay away from the pads of Haris after that boundary. Bowls a wide delivery and left alone by the batsman.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
The fielder is placed at the same position now where the boundary was hit.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. FOUR! Easy pickings for Sohail, he gets a freebie on the pads and makes the most of it. Fuller length ball on the leg stump line, whips it away to the mid-wicket boundary. The fielder in the deep had no chance of stopping it.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Extra bounce, Broad bowls a seam up delivery and it takes off nicely. Equally well played by Ali. He leaves it on a length.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Ali plays a drive through the line to the left of mid off. A couple more to Ali.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Ohhh... nearly goes through the defenses of Ali. Bowls from wide of the crease and slanting it at good pace. Ali hangs back and gets an inside edge on the back leg.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Flicks it to mid-wicket. Stoneman rushes to his left and mops it.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Outswinger from Broad outside off, well-judged by Ali.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Much fuller from Broad, Azhar defends it back to him.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Tentative poke from Haris! Maybe, a lapse in concentration for the southpaw! Short of a length ball outside off, swings ever so slightly, the batsman feels for it and nearly gets an outside edge.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Second leave on the trot from Haris Sohail. Anderson not making him play enough.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Angling in from outside off, still pretty wide and the batsman leaves it alone.
Change of angle. Anderson decides to go around the wicket to bowl the final three balls of this over.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Shortish delivery from Anderson, not sure why he pulled his length back after the first ball. Haris defends it with utmost ease.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Pulls his length back a little, gently patted to mid on by Sohail.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Fuller length ball on the leg stump line, swings away a little, the batsman judges it nicely and lets it through.
James Anderson gets the ball. England will need a big effort from the veteran.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. This one shapes away a little from the batsman, who plays inside the line of it and gets an outside edge which rolls past the gully fielder. A couple more added to the total. Five runs from the opening over of the day.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Attacks the stumps, the ball keeps a touch low. Ali looks to defend that but gets it off the inner half to square leg. They scamper back for the second run.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Squirts it in the gap on the off side and they steal a single. First run of the morning for Haris and Pakistan.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Play and a miss! Beauty from Broad, he decides to keep it full and it moves away late after pitching. The left-hander looks to play the drive but doesn't move his feet. The ball whizzes past the outside edge of the bat.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Fuller length ball and makes the batsman play. Haris drives but mistimes it to the right of mid off.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Bowls a length delivery from around the wicket. Haris covers his stumps and decides to leave that one all alone. Decent start from the bowler and the batsman.
We are all set to get rolling. Azhar Ali and Haris Sohail will resume their innings. For England, the experienced, Stuart Broad has the ball. He will start the proceedings. He has four slip in position and all will be waiting for that outside edge.
England, on the other hand, will be hoping to pick up a few wickets quickly to keep the traveling team in check. Their go-to bowlers, Anderson and Broad bowled well yesterday without any success but we all know how dangerous they can be in helpful conditions. The all-important morning session coming up in a while, stay tuned!
Welcome to Day 2 of the first Test at Lord's. Pakistan bossed the proceedings yesterday and they have their noses ahead at this juncture. However, they will have to bat well from here on to ensure they stay ahead in the game. The visitors trail by 134 runs and still have a lot of wickets in hand. They will look to keep the scoreboard ticking and play resolute cricket.
... Day 2, Session 1 ...
Earlier, the Pakistan bowlers picked wickets regularly. However, despite all the carnage at the other end, Cook produced a good innings under pressure. The southpaw scored his 56th Test fifty and stitched a couple of important partnerships. First with Bairstow and then with Stokes. All his efforts though went in vain as the lower order batsmen just failed to make any substantial contributions. That has pushed them on the back foot and Pakistan now only trail by 134 runs. England need to make early inroads tomorrow while the visitors will try to bat as sensibly as possible. The first hour will be important from the perspective of both the teams. Join us back tomorrow for all the action on Day 2 at 1100 Local (1000 GMT). Cheers!
In reply, Pakistan lost Imam-ul-Haq cheaply but despite that, they ended the day on a high. Thanks to a steady unbeaten 38-run partnership between Azhar Ali and Haris Sohail. Both the batsmen were troubled regularly by the English pacers but they kept their wickets intact and ensured Pakistan finished the day on top. England had an opportunity to break the stand but Stokes messed it up by dropping a catch of Sohail at the fag end of the day.
An excellent start to the Test series for Pakistan. The visitors dominated the proceedings for a major part of the day and the final session was no different. They snared the remaining five England wickets quite cheaply and ensured they restricted the home team to a small total. Mohammad Abbas and Hasan Ali were the destroyers-in-chief. Both picked four wickets apiece, while the rest of the pacers supported them really well.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Shortish delivery and it is well-directed as well, trying to induce a false stroke from Ali. However, he stays composed and keeps it out. THAT'S STUMPS ON DAY 1!
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Short of a length, angling in. Ali initially wants to play it across but at the last moment, he bails out. Gets hit around the thigh pad.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Ali lets the wide delivery go. He has been cautious about these kind of deliveries and leaves it nicely as he has been doing all through this evening.
Leg slip comes into position. England on the attack.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. On a good length and outside the off stump from Stokes. Ali tries to guide the ball through the gap between gully and the slip cordon but finds the fielder.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Ali leaves it alone for the keeper.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Short and into the body of Ali. He plays it down with soft hands.
Ben Stokes will bowl the last over of the day. He dropped a catch a few moments back. Can he provide a breakthrough for his side?
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Extra bounce, Broad bowls a seam up delivery and it takes off nicely. Equally well played by Ali. He leaves it on a length.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Ali plays a drive through the line to the left of mid off. A couple more to Ali.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Ohhh... nearly goes through the defenses of Ali. Bowls from wide of the crease and slanting it at good pace. Ali hangs back and gets an inside edge on the back leg.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Flicks it to mid-wicket. Stoneman rushes to his left and mops it.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Outswinger from Broad outside off, well-judged by Ali.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Much fuller from Broad, Azhar defends it back to him.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Tentative poke from Haris! Maybe, a lapse in concentration for the southpaw! Short of a length ball outside off, swings ever so slightly, the batsman feels for it and nearly gets an outside edge.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Second leave on the trot from Haris Sohail. Anderson not making him play enough.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Angling in from outside off, still pretty wide and the batsman leaves it alone.
Change of angle. Anderson decides to go around the wicket to bowl the final three balls of this over.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Shortish delivery from Anderson, not sure why he pulled his length back after the first ball. Haris defends it with utmost ease.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Pulls his length back a little, gently patted to mid on by Sohail.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Fuller length ball on the leg stump line, swings away a little, the batsman judges it nicely and lets it through.
James Anderson gets the ball. England will need a big effort from the veteran.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. This one shapes away a little from the batsman, who plays inside the line of it and gets an outside edge which rolls past the gully fielder. A couple more added to the total. Five runs from the opening over of the day.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Attacks the stumps, the ball keeps a touch low. Ali looks to defend that but gets it off the inner half to square leg. They scamper back for the second run.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Squirts it in the gap on the off side and they steal a single. First run of the morning for Haris and Pakistan.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Play and a miss! Beauty from Broad, he decides to keep it full and it moves away late after pitching. The left-hander looks to play the drive but doesn't move his feet. The ball whizzes past the outside edge of the bat.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Fuller length ball and makes the batsman play. Haris drives but mistimes it to the right of mid off.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Bowls a length delivery from around the wicket. Haris covers his stumps and decides to leave that one all alone. Decent start from the bowler and the batsman.
We are all set to get rolling. Azhar Ali and Haris Sohail will resume their innings. For England, the experienced, Stuart Broad has the ball. He will start the proceedings. He has four slip in position and all will be waiting for that outside edge.
England, on the other hand, will be hoping to pick up a few wickets quickly to keep the traveling team in check. Their go-to bowlers, Anderson and Broad bowled well yesterday without any success but we all know how dangerous they can be in helpful conditions. The all-important morning session coming up in a while, stay tuned!
Welcome to Day 2 of the first Test at Lord's. Pakistan bossed the proceedings yesterday and they have their noses ahead at this juncture. However, they will have to bat well from here on to ensure they stay ahead in the game. The visitors trail by 134 runs and still have a lot of wickets in hand. They will look to keep the scoreboard ticking and play resolute cricket.
... Day 2, Session 1 ...
Earlier, the Pakistan bowlers picked wickets regularly. However, despite all the carnage at the other end, Cook produced a good innings under pressure. The southpaw scored his 56th Test fifty and stitched a couple of important partnerships. First with Bairstow and then with Stokes. All his efforts though went in vain as the lower order batsmen just failed to make any substantial contributions. That has pushed them on the back foot and Pakistan now only trail by 134 runs. England need to make early inroads tomorrow while the visitors will try to bat as sensibly as possible. The first hour will be important from the perspective of both the teams. Join us back tomorrow for all the action on Day 2 at 1100 Local (1000 GMT). Cheers!
In reply, Pakistan lost Imam-ul-Haq cheaply but despite that, they ended the day on a high. Thanks to a steady unbeaten 38-run partnership between Azhar Ali and Haris Sohail. Both the batsmen were troubled regularly by the English pacers but they kept their wickets intact and ensured Pakistan finished the day on top. England had an opportunity to break the stand but Stokes messed it up by dropping a catch of Sohail at the fag end of the day.
An excellent start to the Test series for Pakistan. The visitors dominated the proceedings for a major part of the day and the final session was no different. They snared the remaining five England wickets quite cheaply and ensured they restricted the home team to a small total. Mohammad Abbas and Hasan Ali were the destroyers-in-chief. Both picked four wickets apiece, while the rest of the pacers supported them really well.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Shortish delivery and it is well-directed as well, trying to induce a false stroke from Ali. However, he stays composed and keeps it out. THAT'S STUMPS ON DAY 1!
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Short of a length, angling in. Ali initially wants to play it across but at the last moment, he bails out. Gets hit around the thigh pad.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Ali lets the wide delivery go. He has been cautious about these kind of deliveries and leaves it nicely as he has been doing all through this evening.
Leg slip comes into position. England on the attack.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. On a good length and outside the off stump from Stokes. Ali tries to guide the ball through the gap between gully and the slip cordon but finds the fielder.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Ali leaves it alone for the keeper.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Short and into the body of Ali. He plays it down with soft hands.
Ben Stokes will bowl the last over of the day. He dropped a catch a few moments back. Can he provide a breakthrough for his side?
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. FOUR! Good shot! A bit short this time, spinning away. Sohail rocks back and cuts it through covers. He has hit that well and gets the desired result. A decent start for Bess though.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Tossed up generously outside off, driven hard towards covers where the fielder makes a good stop.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Fuller in length outside off, played with an open bat face towards the same region.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Bess has found a good rhythm. Bowls a quicker one and gets it to turn away, cut towards backward point.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Gives this one more air, Sohail prods forward in defense.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Good start from the debutant! Bowls this on a flat trajectory around off, coming in with the arm. Sohail is a bit late but does well to block it.
The debutant, Dominic Bess, to roll his arm over now. He is a promising off spinner. Let's see how he fares at the biggest stage.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Brilliant fielding! Saved a certain boundary there. Overpitched outside off, Ali drills it towards covers where Broad dives to his left to make a great stop.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Fuller length ball, Ali taps it past the point fielder and comes back for a couple.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Back of a length delivery, defended solidly off the back foot.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. That is nasty! Shortish delivery, climbing on Ali. He gets into an uncomfortable position as he tries to work it away but is hit on the bottom hand. Shakes his hand in pain and takes some time to gather himself. Seems to be alright.
Short leg is in again.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Short of a length ball around leg stump, tucked past square leg for a single.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Back of a length outside off, dealt from the back foot nicely.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. In the air... but safe! Stokes hits the deck hard and angles it on middle and leg. Ali hops and is early into his clip shot. Ends up getting an edge which falls short of the bowler.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. The batsman drives this through the covers.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Dug in short, Ali ducks underneath it.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Length ball this time, Azhar covers the line and pushes it to covers.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Fullish delivery, angling in, Ali clips it towards square leg.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Put down! Stokes has spilled an opportunity, what otherwise would have been an easy catch for the second slip. Wood squared up the batsman, with a nice outswinger, from around the wicket. Sohail gets a leading edge and the ball is going straight into the hands of Dawid Malan, standing at second slip but Stokes dives to his right and goes at it with one hand and drops it. How costly will that prove?
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Angled in, on a goodish length and crashes on to the back foot of Sohail. He tries to defend it from the crease but misses the ball. Appeal from the bowler and the fielders but the umpire doesn't agree. The replay also suggests that the ball is going over the stumps.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Touch short, in the corridor of uncertainty for the batsman. Ali gets behind it nicely and defends it with hard hands towards the short cover fielder.
Joe Root is coming under the lid at short leg. Expect some short stuff from Wood.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Touch fuller and on to his pads and Sohail flicks it in front of square leg for a single.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Same length, just outside the off stump and Sohail puts down his front foot and punches the ball towards mid on.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Defends the good length delivery nicely as the ball rolls to the gully fielder.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. In the avenue of apprehension, no real movement on this occasion. The opener lets it through.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. FOUR! Well played! Full length ball outside off, Ali crouches a bit and squirts it away past the slip region to find the third man fence. it is important for the opener to score runs as well. Going into a shell can prove to be fatal at times.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. This one is well outside off, Ali is in no mood to go for any expansive strokes and leaves it alone.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Stokes runs in hard and bowls an effort ball. Ali makes use of the depth of the crease to stonewall it.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. Straying on the hips, tucked through square leg for a single.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Shortish delivery, Azhar sits under the bumper.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Peach! Angling in initially and then shaping away late to induce a false stroke from Ali and he gets foxed. His teammates clap for Wood. He is looking in good rhythm.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Nervy! Wood goes wider of the crease and angles this in substantially on a fullish length. Hits Ali's bat hard and his bottom hand comes off in the process. Manages to block it somehow.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. FOUR! Good shot! A bit short this time, spinning away. Sohail rocks back and cuts it through covers. He has hit that well and gets the desired result. A decent start for Bess though.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Tossed up generously outside off, driven hard towards covers where the fielder makes a good stop.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Fuller in length outside off, played with an open bat face towards the same region.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Bess has found a good rhythm. Bowls a quicker one and gets it to turn away, cut towards backward point.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Gives this one more air, Sohail prods forward in defense.
Dominic Bess to Haris Sohail. Good start from the debutant! Bowls this on a flat trajectory around off, coming in with the arm. Sohail is a bit late but does well to block it.
The debutant, Dominic Bess, to roll his arm over now. He is a promising off spinner. Let's see how he fares at the biggest stage.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Brilliant fielding! Saved a certain boundary there. Overpitched outside off, Ali drills it towards covers where Broad dives to his left to make a great stop.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Fuller length ball, Ali taps it past the point fielder and comes back for a couple.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Back of a length delivery, defended solidly off the back foot.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. That is nasty! Shortish delivery, climbing on Ali. He gets into an uncomfortable position as he tries to work it away but is hit on the bottom hand. Shakes his hand in pain and takes some time to gather himself. Seems to be alright.
Short leg is in again.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Short of a length ball around leg stump, tucked past square leg for a single.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Back of a length outside off, dealt from the back foot nicely.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. In the air... but safe! Stokes hits the deck hard and angles it on middle and leg. Ali hops and is early into his clip shot. Ends up getting an edge which falls short of the bowler.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. The batsman drives this through the covers.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Dug in short, Ali ducks underneath it.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Length ball this time, Azhar covers the line and pushes it to covers.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Fullish delivery, angling in, Ali clips it towards square leg.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Put down! Stokes has spilled an opportunity, what otherwise would have been an easy catch for the second slip. Wood squared up the batsman, with a nice outswinger, from around the wicket. Sohail gets a leading edge and the ball is going straight into the hands of Dawid Malan, standing at second slip but Stokes dives to his right and goes at it with one hand and drops it. How costly will that prove?
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Angled in, on a goodish length and crashes on to the back foot of Sohail. He tries to defend it from the crease but misses the ball. Appeal from the bowler and the fielders but the umpire doesn't agree. The replay also suggests that the ball is going over the stumps.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Touch short, in the corridor of uncertainty for the batsman. Ali gets behind it nicely and defends it with hard hands towards the short cover fielder.
Joe Root is coming under the lid at short leg. Expect some short stuff from Wood.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Touch fuller and on to his pads and Sohail flicks it in front of square leg for a single.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Same length, just outside the off stump and Sohail puts down his front foot and punches the ball towards mid on.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Defends the good length delivery nicely as the ball rolls to the gully fielder.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. In the avenue of apprehension, no real movement on this occasion. The opener lets it through.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. FOUR! Well played! Full length ball outside off, Ali crouches a bit and squirts it away past the slip region to find the third man fence. it is important for the opener to score runs as well. Going into a shell can prove to be fatal at times.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. This one is well outside off, Ali is in no mood to go for any expansive strokes and leaves it alone.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Stokes runs in hard and bowls an effort ball. Ali makes use of the depth of the crease to stonewall it.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. Straying on the hips, tucked through square leg for a single.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Shortish delivery, Azhar sits under the bumper.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Peach! Angling in initially and then shaping away late to induce a false stroke from Ali and he gets foxed. His teammates clap for Wood. He is looking in good rhythm.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Nervy! Wood goes wider of the crease and angles this in substantially on a fullish length. Hits Ali's bat hard and his bottom hand comes off in the process. Manages to block it somehow.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. In the corridor of uncertainty, holding its line. Azhar remains circumspect in his approach.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Hangs back to the good length ball and punches it to the off side.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Nicely bowled! Shortish delivery around off, rising on Ali. He gets into an awkward position and fends it off towards point.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Flicks the ball off his pads towards square leg and keeps the strike for the next over.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. Gets the outside half of the bat, the ball rolls towards the extra cover region and they scamper across for a single.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. Squares him up a little with a full length delivery, on the leg stump, with the seam angling towards the first slip. Haris somehow blocks it.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. Full, outside the off stump and the batsman tries to play it from his crease but misses. This has been the pattern from Sohail.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. Full and on the leg stump, Sohail clips it towards deep mid-wicket for two.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. Stokes goes around the wicket straightaway. He brings the first one in, on a goodish length and the ball thuds into Sohail's pads.
Ben Stokes is introduced into the attack. Can he strike before the end of today's play?
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Similar delivery, Ali leaves it for the fifth time in a row. Another maiden for Wood.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Wood needs to make him play which he is not doing at the moment. Wide outside off and Azhar lets it go.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Once again this one is well outside off, Azhar watches it sail through to the keeper.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Outside off, left alone.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. On a length this time but the line is way outside off. Ali plants his front foot across and allows it through.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Back of a length ball around off, Ali hops and defends it with a straight bat.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Once again, short of a length and too wide to interest Sohail.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Sohail is not going for the wider balls. Leaves it for the keeper.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Four Leg Byes! Over correction from the bowler this time. Bowls it back of a length, angling into the body but the angle takes it down the leg side. Clips Sohail's thigh pad and rushes to the fine leg boundary.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Beautifully done by Broad. Angles the ball in and takes it away from Sohail. This is full and just outside off stump and Sohail is lucky not to get anything on it.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Too wide for the batsman and he shoulders it to the keeper.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Broad goes around the wicket to get the ball into the batsman and make him play. Sohail plays the ball down with soft hands and guides it between the gully and slip fielder for two.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Jaffa! That one took off like a plane. Shortish delivery around off, climbing on Ali. He hops and fends at it but the ball just whizzes past his gloves. Good over from Wood.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. In the channel outside off, Azhar doesn't fiddle with it.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. This is testing stuff from Wood. Bowls a well-directed bouncer around off stump, Ali ducks under it.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Full delivery outside off, patted gently to the cover region.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Well bowled! Length delivery, angling in prodigiously. Ali is opened up in his stance and ends up getting a leading edge which falls short of the cover fielder.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Fuller length ball around off stump, kept out with a straight bat.
Rod Tucker is feeling cold and calls for the jacket. He puts it on and is ready to go again.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Full length ball in line of the stumps, Haris gets low and dead-bats it.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. That'a a peach! David Lloyd on air discusses the importance of the presentation of the seam. If you can land the ball on the seam, it can always play tricks. This ball lands straight and then seams away after pitching. Sohail tries to block it but is beaten all ends up.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Broad steams in and bowls it on a stump-to-stump line, Sohail hangs back and blocks it.
Broad switches his angle to round the wicket.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Angling across Sohail who watches it sail through to the keeper.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Bowls a good length ball in that probing off stump channel, Haris has his stumps covered and makes an assured leave.
Five slips in place for Broad.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. In the corridor of uncertainty, holding its line. Azhar remains circumspect in his approach.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Hangs back to the good length ball and punches it to the off side.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Nicely bowled! Shortish delivery around off, rising on Ali. He gets into an awkward position and fends it off towards point.
Ben Stokes to Azhar Ali. Flicks the ball off his pads towards square leg and keeps the strike for the next over.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. Gets the outside half of the bat, the ball rolls towards the extra cover region and they scamper across for a single.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. Squares him up a little with a full length delivery, on the leg stump, with the seam angling towards the first slip. Haris somehow blocks it.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. Full, outside the off stump and the batsman tries to play it from his crease but misses. This has been the pattern from Sohail.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. Full and on the leg stump, Sohail clips it towards deep mid-wicket for two.
Ben Stokes to Haris Sohail. Stokes goes around the wicket straightaway. He brings the first one in, on a goodish length and the ball thuds into Sohail's pads.
Ben Stokes is introduced into the attack. Can he strike before the end of today's play?
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Similar delivery, Ali leaves it for the fifth time in a row. Another maiden for Wood.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Wood needs to make him play which he is not doing at the moment. Wide outside off and Azhar lets it go.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Once again this one is well outside off, Azhar watches it sail through to the keeper.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Outside off, left alone.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. On a length this time but the line is way outside off. Ali plants his front foot across and allows it through.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Back of a length ball around off, Ali hops and defends it with a straight bat.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Once again, short of a length and too wide to interest Sohail.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Sohail is not going for the wider balls. Leaves it for the keeper.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Four Leg Byes! Over correction from the bowler this time. Bowls it back of a length, angling into the body but the angle takes it down the leg side. Clips Sohail's thigh pad and rushes to the fine leg boundary.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Beautifully done by Broad. Angles the ball in and takes it away from Sohail. This is full and just outside off stump and Sohail is lucky not to get anything on it.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Too wide for the batsman and he shoulders it to the keeper.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Broad goes around the wicket to get the ball into the batsman and make him play. Sohail plays the ball down with soft hands and guides it between the gully and slip fielder for two.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Jaffa! That one took off like a plane. Shortish delivery around off, climbing on Ali. He hops and fends at it but the ball just whizzes past his gloves. Good over from Wood.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. In the channel outside off, Azhar doesn't fiddle with it.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. This is testing stuff from Wood. Bowls a well-directed bouncer around off stump, Ali ducks under it.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Full delivery outside off, patted gently to the cover region.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Well bowled! Length delivery, angling in prodigiously. Ali is opened up in his stance and ends up getting a leading edge which falls short of the cover fielder.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Fuller length ball around off stump, kept out with a straight bat.
Rod Tucker is feeling cold and calls for the jacket. He puts it on and is ready to go again.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Full length ball in line of the stumps, Haris gets low and dead-bats it.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. That'a a peach! David Lloyd on air discusses the importance of the presentation of the seam. If you can land the ball on the seam, it can always play tricks. This ball lands straight and then seams away after pitching. Sohail tries to block it but is beaten all ends up.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Broad steams in and bowls it on a stump-to-stump line, Sohail hangs back and blocks it.
Broad switches his angle to round the wicket.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Angling across Sohail who watches it sail through to the keeper.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Bowls a good length ball in that probing off stump channel, Haris has his stumps covered and makes an assured leave.
Five slips in place for Broad.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Wood is bowling in the good length area and on the stumps. Ali gets inside the line of the delivery and flicks it past the mid wicket fielder for two.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. OHHH!!! Inside edge from Sohail rolls to the backward square fielder for a single. He is trying to drive the ball but gets it from the inside half of the bat.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Short of a length and into the stumps. Sohail defends it with a straight bat.
Deep square leg in place now.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Fullish length this time, outside the off stump and Ali comes forward and pushes the ball towards the cover fielder. Takes a single and changes strike.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Down the leg side. Some more pace from Wood. Ali is trying to get his bat on the ball but misses it.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Short of a length, some extra bounce and hurrying Ali. He get his bats on it and plays it with soft hands into the pitch.
Mark Wood comes into the attack. The umpires are having a look at the ball. Out comes the scissor and the leather which was coming out from the seam has been trimmed.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. This one is again wide outside off, left on its way. Third maiden for Broad.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Good length ball around leg stump, coming in. Sohail tries to work it away but seems to have got an inside edge onto his pads. Broad is appealing and the batsman tries to sneak in a run. However, the fielder from covers attacks the ball and denies him.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Well-directed bouncer on middle, Haris sits under it in a jiffy.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Length ball, seaming away, Sohail doesn't fiddle with it.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Dug in short, Sohail ducks under it and evades it.
The artificial lights have taken full effect now. Good time to bowl with the clouds looming around.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Good length ball, shaping in, Azhar tries to clip it away with a closed bat face but gets a safe leading edge down the track.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Good shot! Full length ball, Haris drives it down the ground. Root from mid off and Broad from mid on hare after it. It is the skipper who reaches the ball first and cuts it off. Three runs taken.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Fuller in length, angling away from the southpaw. He plants his front foot across and makes a watchful leave.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. On a length, angling in, tucked with a closed bat face towards square leg. A run taken.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Very full delivery, swerving in. Sohail jams it out and gets across to the other end.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. No intent to play that one. Ali watches it go past him.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Down the leg side from Broad and Bairstow goes to his left to collect it.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Back of a length delivery, coming into the batsman and Ali leaves it.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Aimed at the stumps, Ali gets behind the delivery and defends it well.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Another full one from Broad. Ali lunges on the front foot to defend it but gets rapped on the pads. Huge appeal from the bowler and the fielders but they get no response from the umpire.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. OHHH!!! Inside edge saves him. Ali is living dangerously in the middle. Coming to the ball, Broad bowls it full, around the off stump and almost had his man. Ali comes on the front foot and looks to play with bat and pad close to each other. However, he gets an inside edge on to his pads.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Good length ball in line of the stumps, Haris blocks it towards mid off.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Anderson switches his angle and comes from over the wicket. Bowls a good length ball on middle and off and gets it to seam away after landing. Sohail pokes at it and gets beaten.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Fullish delivery attacking the stumps, Sohail gets a bit low and defends it calmly.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Similar delivery, Haris hangs back and keeps it out.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. On a length in line of the stumps, tucked with a closed bat face to the leg side.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. A big appeal for an LBW denied! This is on a goodish length, tailing into the batsman, who wants to clip it towards the square leg region but misses to get hit on the pads. Huge appeal form the bowler and the fielders but the umpire isn't convinced. Anderson has a discussion with his skipper and they have chosen against the review. The Hawk Eye shows that the ball would have missed the leg stump. Good call from the hosts.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Angling across Haris who remains circumspect in approach.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. FOUR! Easy pickings! Fullish delivery on leg stump, Sohail clips it through square leg and the ball whistles away to the fence.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. On a
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Wood is bowling in the good length area and on the stumps. Ali gets inside the line of the delivery and flicks it past the mid wicket fielder for two.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. OHHH!!! Inside edge from Sohail rolls to the backward square fielder for a single. He is trying to drive the ball but gets it from the inside half of the bat.
Mark Wood to Haris Sohail. Short of a length and into the stumps. Sohail defends it with a straight bat.
Deep square leg in place now.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Fullish length this time, outside the off stump and Ali comes forward and pushes the ball towards the cover fielder. Takes a single and changes strike.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Down the leg side. Some more pace from Wood. Ali is trying to get his bat on the ball but misses it.
Mark Wood to Azhar Ali. Short of a length, some extra bounce and hurrying Ali. He get his bats on it and plays it with soft hands into the pitch.
Mark Wood comes into the attack. The umpires are having a look at the ball. Out comes the scissor and the leather which was coming out from the seam has been trimmed.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. This one is again wide outside off, left on its way. Third maiden for Broad.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Good length ball around leg stump, coming in. Sohail tries to work it away but seems to have got an inside edge onto his pads. Broad is appealing and the batsman tries to sneak in a run. However, the fielder from covers attacks the ball and denies him.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Well-directed bouncer on middle, Haris sits under it in a jiffy.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Length ball, seaming away, Sohail doesn't fiddle with it.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Dug in short, Sohail ducks under it and evades it.
The artificial lights have taken full effect now. Good time to bowl with the clouds looming around.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Good length ball, shaping in, Azhar tries to clip it away with a closed bat face but gets a safe leading edge down the track.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Good shot! Full length ball, Haris drives it down the ground. Root from mid off and Broad from mid on hare after it. It is the skipper who reaches the ball first and cuts it off. Three runs taken.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Fuller in length, angling away from the southpaw. He plants his front foot across and makes a watchful leave.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. On a length, angling in, tucked with a closed bat face towards square leg. A run taken.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Very full delivery, swerving in. Sohail jams it out and gets across to the other end.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. No intent to play that one. Ali watches it go past him.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Down the leg side from Broad and Bairstow goes to his left to collect it.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Back of a length delivery, coming into the batsman and Ali leaves it.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Aimed at the stumps, Ali gets behind the delivery and defends it well.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Another full one from Broad. Ali lunges on the front foot to defend it but gets rapped on the pads. Huge appeal from the bowler and the fielders but they get no response from the umpire.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. OHHH!!! Inside edge saves him. Ali is living dangerously in the middle. Coming to the ball, Broad bowls it full, around the off stump and almost had his man. Ali comes on the front foot and looks to play with bat and pad close to each other. However, he gets an inside edge on to his pads.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Good length ball in line of the stumps, Haris blocks it towards mid off.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Anderson switches his angle and comes from over the wicket. Bowls a good length ball on middle and off and gets it to seam away after landing. Sohail pokes at it and gets beaten.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Fullish delivery attacking the stumps, Sohail gets a bit low and defends it calmly.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. Similar delivery, Haris hangs back and keeps it out.
James Anderson to Haris Sohail. On a length in line of the stumps, tucked with a closed bat face to the leg side.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. A big appeal for an LBW denied! This is on a goodish length, tailing into the batsman, who wants to clip it towards the square leg region but misses to get hit on the pads. Huge appeal form the bowler and the fielders but the umpire isn't convinced. Anderson has a discussion with his skipper and they have chosen against the review. The Hawk Eye shows that the ball would have missed the leg stump. Good call from the hosts.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. Angling across Haris who remains circumspect in approach.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. FOUR! Easy pickings! Fullish delivery on leg stump, Sohail clips it through square leg and the ball whistles away to the fence.
Stuart Broad to Haris Sohail. On a length outside off, Sohail lets it go.
Haris Sohail comes out to bat.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. OUT! Gone! Broad strikes! Good use of the DRS by England and Imam has to make his way back. Broad bowls a length ball around leg stump, the southpaw hangs back and tries to play it defensively to the leg side but misses to get pinged on the pads. The bowler is confident and so is the skipper, Joe Root. Their teammates also join in and the decision is challenged. The replays roll in. It has pitched in line and that puts the argument to bed. Hawk Eye shows three reds and Imam-ul-Haq is a dead duck. The on-field call has been reversed. Just the start the hosts needed.
Review time! The question is that if the ball has pitched in line of the stumps. Looks close to the naked eye. Is Imam-ul-Haq safe?
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Short of length, on the leg side and clicks Ali's thigh pad. He was looking to shuffle across once again, to play it fine but misses the ball.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Full and on to his pads, Ali tries to flick it past the short mid wicket fielder but the connection wasn't there.
James Anderson to Imam-ul-Haq. In the channel outside off, the southpaw doesn't flirt with it.
James Anderson to Imam-ul-Haq. Beaten! Short of a length ball on middle and off, moves away after landing. Imam hops and tries to covers the line but the ball flies past his outside edge.
James Anderson to Imam-ul-Haq. Slips this one down the leg side, Imam tries to glance it away but only manages to connect with thin air.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Sensible cricket! The right-hander taps it towards covers and takes off. Gets a good response from his partner and makes his crease comfortably.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Angling in this time, Azhar camps back and defends it stoutly.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Fuller in length outside off, Azhar plants his front foot across to let it go.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Flashes hard to the full ball. It is just outside the off stump, coming into the left-hander. He gets his cover drive out, only to get a thick outside edge. The ball rushes through the gully and slip region for a boundary.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Leaving on length and paying price for it. The ball hits Imam-ul-Haq on the chest guard. That looks a nasty blow but the Pakistan opener doesn't show any pain.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Short of a length, into Imam-ul-Haq's body, who gets behind to defend it straight.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Action repeat from the batsman. Broad is keeping this in a channel here. Keeping the batsman on his toes.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Wide of the of stump, tad short and Imam-ul-Haq lets it go.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Back of a length, angling across the batsman. Ali shuffles back and across and tries to defend it but the ball thuds into his thigh pad for a leg bye towards fine leg.
James Anderson to Imam-ul-Haq. What a take from Bairstow! Down the leg side, Imam-ul-Haq tries to clip it away but the ball brushes his thigh pad and goes behind. The keeper dives to his right and takes it one-handed. An appeal from the Englishmen but the umpire is not interested. No bat involved there.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. That flew off his bat! On the hips, tucked sweetly to deep backward square leg. A run taken.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. FOUR! Classic! Fuller in length around off stump, Ali leans ahead and presents the full face of the bat. It has been timed nicely and the ball goes past mid off to reach the fence.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Brave leave from Ali! Length delivery well outside off, shaping in substantially. Ali knows where his off stump is and lets it go. That went over the stumps, good judgement.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Good length ball outside off, Azhar doesn't fiddle with it.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Pinpoint yorker around off, it is moving in the air as well. Ali does well to cover the line and jams it off the outer half of the bat towards the point region.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Leg side from Broad. Imam-ul-Haq is looking to get something on the ball but it's too far away. Bairstow scampers to his right to get the rising ball and does well to collect it cleanly.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Gets his bat out of the way. Similar length delivery, Stuart Broad's comfort zone.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Back of a length again and Imam-ul-Haq leaves it alone.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Copy paste stuff. Another leave of the same length.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Back of a length again and Imam-ul-Haq gets his bat up and lets it go.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Short of a length, angling away from the batsman. He flashes and misses the ball. Tentative start.
Stuart Broad to share the new ball from the other end.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Good length ball outside off, Ali leaves it alone. Good start from Anderson, a maiden.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. That's a ripper! Unplayable. Good length ball, angling in initially and then shaping away after pitching. Ali has no option but to play at it and gets foxed.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. In the channel outside off, fourth leave in a row.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Back of a length this time in the same zone, Ali is in no mood to flirt with it.
James length outside off, Sohail lets it go.
Haris Sohail comes out to bat.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. OUT! Gone! Broad strikes! Good use of the DRS by England and Imam has to make his way back. Broad bowls a length ball around leg stump, the southpaw hangs back and tries to play it defensively to the leg side but misses to get pinged on the pads. The bowler is confident and so is the skipper, Joe Root. Their teammates also join in and the decision is challenged. The replays roll in. It has pitched in line and that puts the argument to bed. Hawk Eye shows three reds and Imam-ul-Haq is a dead duck. The on-field call has been reversed. Just the start the hosts needed.
Review time! The question is that if the ball has pitched in line of the stumps. Looks close to the naked eye. Is Imam-ul-Haq safe?
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Short of length, on the leg side and clicks Ali's thigh pad. He was looking to shuffle across once again, to play it fine but misses the ball.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Full and on to his pads, Ali tries to flick it past the short mid wicket fielder but the connection wasn't there.
James Anderson to Imam-ul-Haq. In the channel outside off, the southpaw doesn't flirt with it.
James Anderson to Imam-ul-Haq. Beaten! Short of a length ball on middle and off, moves away after landing. Imam hops and tries to covers the line but the ball flies past his outside edge.
James Anderson to Imam-ul-Haq. Slips this one down the leg side, Imam tries to glance it away but only manages to connect with thin air.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Sensible cricket! The right-hander taps it towards covers and takes off. Gets a good response from his partner and makes his crease comfortably.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Angling in this time, Azhar camps back and defends it stoutly.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Fuller in length outside off, Azhar plants his front foot across to let it go.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Flashes hard to the full ball. It is just outside the off stump, coming into the left-hander. He gets his cover drive out, only to get a thick outside edge. The ball rushes through the gully and slip region for a boundary.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Leaving on length and paying price for it. The ball hits Imam-ul-Haq on the chest guard. That looks a nasty blow but the Pakistan opener doesn't show any pain.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Short of a length, into Imam-ul-Haq's body, who gets behind to defend it straight.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Action repeat from the batsman. Broad is keeping this in a channel here. Keeping the batsman on his toes.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Wide of the of stump, tad short and Imam-ul-Haq lets it go.
Stuart Broad to Azhar Ali. Back of a length, angling across the batsman. Ali shuffles back and across and tries to defend it but the ball thuds into his thigh pad for a leg bye towards fine leg.
James Anderson to Imam-ul-Haq. What a take from Bairstow! Down the leg side, Imam-ul-Haq tries to clip it away but the ball brushes his thigh pad and goes behind. The keeper dives to his right and takes it one-handed. An appeal from the Englishmen but the umpire is not interested. No bat involved there.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. That flew off his bat! On the hips, tucked sweetly to deep backward square leg. A run taken.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. FOUR! Classic! Fuller in length around off stump, Ali leans ahead and presents the full face of the bat. It has been timed nicely and the ball goes past mid off to reach the fence.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Brave leave from Ali! Length delivery well outside off, shaping in substantially. Ali knows where his off stump is and lets it go. That went over the stumps, good judgement.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Good length ball outside off, Azhar doesn't fiddle with it.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Pinpoint yorker around off, it is moving in the air as well. Ali does well to cover the line and jams it off the outer half of the bat towards the point region.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Leg side from Broad. Imam-ul-Haq is looking to get something on the ball but it's too far away. Bairstow scampers to his right to get the rising ball and does well to collect it cleanly.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Gets his bat out of the way. Similar length delivery, Stuart Broad's comfort zone.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Back of a length again and Imam-ul-Haq leaves it alone.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Copy paste stuff. Another leave of the same length.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Back of a length again and Imam-ul-Haq gets his bat up and lets it go.
Stuart Broad to Imam-ul-Haq. Short of a length, angling away from the batsman. He flashes and misses the ball. Tentative start.
Stuart Broad to share the new ball from the other end.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Good length ball outside off, Ali leaves it alone. Good start from Anderson, a maiden.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. That's a ripper! Unplayable. Good length ball, angling in initially and then shaping away after pitching. Ali has no option but to play at it and gets foxed.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. In the channel outside off, fourth leave in a row.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Back of a length this time in the same zone, Ali is in no mood to flirt with it.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. In the corridor of uncertainty, Ali remains circumspect in his approach and allows it to go through.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Good start from Anderson! Bowls a full length ball around off, a bit of nibble in the air as well. Azhar leans ahead and taps it to mid off.
Overall, it was a decent effort with the ball from the traveling team. They were excellent with the ball in the first innings and it was no different in the second one. They got the top order packing quickly. However, Root showed a stubborn resistance with his 40th Test fifty. A good innings from Root was followed by a gritty partnership between Buttler and Bess. Their effort ensured England make Pakistan bat for the second time in the game. Although, their efforts went down the drain this morning. Pakistan have a small target to overhaul and we can expect this game to finish quickly. However, will England show some sort of a fight and keep us interested? Join us back in a while for the run chase!
That was a quick wrap from Pakistan. They came out with good plans and executed them to perfection. Just 25 balls were bowled this morning and they snared the remaining four wickets in it. Abbas broke the 126-run stand between Buttler and Bess and what followed after that was simply outstanding. Amir and Abbas combined together and cleaned up the tail with the second new ball in the blink of an eye. Pakistan just need 64 runs to take an unassailable 1-0 lead in the series.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. OUT! Bowled 'em! That is it. Phew! What an amazing effort from Pakistan. It took them just 25 balls this morning to wrap the England innings. Bess stands there in disappointment after seeing his furniture getting disturbed. Amir bowls from wide of the crease and slants it into the stumps. The ball keeps a tad low as Bess tries to drive that one without covering the line of the delivery. Gets a bottom edge and the off stump is uprooted. The target for Pakistan is just 64.
Mohammad Abbas to James Anderson. The batsman defends it from within the crease.
Mohammad Abbas to James Anderson. Anderson goes on one knee and looks to play the drive. He gets an under edge on to the off side.
James Anderson is the last man in.
Mohammad Abbas to Stuart Broad. OUT! Broad goes for a duck! Pakistan are all over England like a rash. The hosts are capitulating quickly this morning. They have added just seven runs to the total and have lost three wickets in a jiffy! Abbas is the man for the traveling team, he gets his fourth wicket in this innings. He has been a revelation with the ball and rarely does his effort goes without being noticed. Coming to the ball - It is on a good length on off and middle, moves away from the left-handed batsman. Broad without much footwork tries to poke at it. The ball catches the thick outside edge to the keeper who takes a good low catch moving to his left.
The physio is out in the middle with the ice pack. Imam is still not feeling comfortable and he is leaving the field.
Mohammad Abbas to Stuart Broad. OUCH! Imam is down on the ground, but what happened there? It is a fullish delivery from Abbas which Broad drives to point. Abbas there gets an awkward bounce and the ball hits him on the soft spot.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Bess goes on the front foot and punches it to mid on. They take a quick single.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. That ball has taken the inside edge of the batsman and thudded into his pads.
Stuart Broad strides out to bat.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Wood. OUT! Is there a nick? You bet! Two wickets in quick succession for Pakistan and they are once again bossing this game. Both the front line bowlers are doing the job for their side. In the previous over, Abbas got the big fish and Amir follows the suit by picking up a wicket in his very first over of the day. England have a small lead of 62 and now they have just a couple of wickets in hand. It is a good delivery which deserves a wicket. It is on a wobbly seam and pitches on a length, closer to the off peg and angles across the batsman. Wood leans forward to defend that but gets a feather touch through to the keeper. Sarfraz takes a simple catch and roars in celebration.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Wood. Play and a miss! Wood looks to defend that off the back foot but he ends up playing well inside the line of it. Misses it by some distance.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Wood. Goes wide of the crease and tries to bring one into the batsman, Wood covers his off stump and leaves it all alone.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Wood. Straightaway some inward movement for Amir, it hits the good length area and jags in a little. Wood goes back and defends it on the off side.
The second new ball has been taken. Amir will be raring to go with it.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. First run this morning for Bess, he hangs back and pushes it past the backward point fielder for a single.
Deep mid-wicket in place now.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. OUCH! Shortish delivery on the stumps, Bess hops back to fend that but gets hit on the thigh pad.
Mohammad Amir comes into the attack. The second new ball is due but Pakistan haven't taken it yet and the reason for it is the wicket of Buttler in the last over.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Wood. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Wood. Good length ball outside off, the batsman goes back and leaves it all alone.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Wood. FOUR! Excellent shot from Wood, he is up and running. Fullish delivery on off, he gets on the front foot and creams it through the covers for a boundary.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Wood. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Mark Wood is the next man in.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. OUT! The ball is clipping the top of the middle and leg stump. So, the on-field decision stands! Buttler gets his marching orders, that's the end of the 126-run stand. Oh boy, this is a big big success for Pakistan. A perfect start for the visitors. It took Abbas just a couple of balls to provide an early breakthrough. The tourists will heave a sigh of relief to see the back of the dangerous Buttler. He played so well yesterday but could only add one run to his tally this morning. It is a special delivery from Abbas, on a length and seams in after pitching. Buttler plays outside the line of it and gets hit on the front leg below the knee roll. Huge shout from the Pakistan fielders and the umpire obliges. Buttler decides to challenge the decision as he is the last accomplished batsman for England. The ball is clipping the top of the stumps. England lose Buttler, however, they won't lose a review.
Review from Buttler. He has been adjudged leg before, it looked pretty adjacent to the naked eye and the umpire thinks likewise and raises his finger pretty quickly. Only an inside edge can save Buttler here.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Length ball outside off, Buttler takes a step down the track and decides to leave that one. That one too kept a little low!
Mohammad Abbas will bowl from the other end.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Fuller length ball, with a hint of away movement. Buttler plays with soft hands. The ball goes off the outer half past the second slip fielder, they take a run.
James Anderson to Azhar Ali. Good start from Anderson! Bowls a full length ball around off, a bit of nibble in the air as well. Azhar leans ahead and taps it to mid off.
Overall, it was a decent effort with the ball from the traveling team. They were excellent with the ball in the first innings and it was no different in the second one. They got the top order packing quickly. However, Root showed a stubborn resistance with his 40th Test fifty. A good innings from Root was followed by a gritty partnership between Buttler and Bess. Their effort ensured England make Pakistan bat for the second time in the game. Although, their efforts went down the drain this morning. Pakistan have a small target to overhaul and we can expect this game to finish quickly. However, will England show some sort of a fight and keep us interested? Join us back in a while for the run chase!
That was a quick wrap from Pakistan. They came out with good plans and executed them to perfection. Just 25 balls were bowled this morning and they snared the remaining four wickets in it. Abbas broke the 126-run stand between Buttler and Bess and what followed after that was simply outstanding. Amir and Abbas combined together and cleaned up the tail with the second new ball in the blink of an eye. Pakistan just need 64 runs to take an unassailable 1-0 lead in the series.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. OUT! Bowled 'em! That is it. Phew! What an amazing effort from Pakistan. It took them just 25 balls this morning to wrap the England innings. Bess stands there in disappointment after seeing his furniture getting disturbed. Amir bowls from wide of the crease and slants it into the stumps. The ball keeps a tad low as Bess tries to drive that one without covering the line of the delivery. Gets a bottom edge and the off stump is uprooted. The target for Pakistan is just 64.
Mohammad Abbas to James Anderson. The batsman defends it from within the crease.
Mohammad Abbas to James Anderson. Anderson goes on one knee and looks to play the drive. He gets an under edge on to the off side.
James Anderson is the last man in.
Mohammad Abbas to Stuart Broad. OUT! Broad goes for a duck! Pakistan are all over England like a rash. The hosts are capitulating quickly this morning. They have added just seven runs to the total and have lost three wickets in a jiffy! Abbas is the man for the traveling team, he gets his fourth wicket in this innings. He has been a revelation with the ball and rarely does his effort goes without being noticed. Coming to the ball - It is on a good length on off and middle, moves away from the left-handed batsman. Broad without much footwork tries to poke at it. The ball catches the thick outside edge to the keeper who takes a good low catch moving to his left.
The physio is out in the middle with the ice pack. Imam is still not feeling comfortable and he is leaving the field.
Mohammad Abbas to Stuart Broad. OUCH! Imam is down on the ground, but what happened there? It is a fullish delivery from Abbas which Broad drives to point. Abbas there gets an awkward bounce and the ball hits him on the soft spot.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Bess goes on the front foot and punches it to mid on. They take a quick single.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. That ball has taken the inside edge of the batsman and thudded into his pads.
Stuart Broad strides out to bat.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Wood. OUT! Is there a nick? You bet! Two wickets in quick succession for Pakistan and they are once again bossing this game. Both the front line bowlers are doing the job for their side. In the previous over, Abbas got the big fish and Amir follows the suit by picking up a wicket in his very first over of the day. England have a small lead of 62 and now they have just a couple of wickets in hand. It is a good delivery which deserves a wicket. It is on a wobbly seam and pitches on a length, closer to the off peg and angles across the batsman. Wood leans forward to defend that but gets a feather touch through to the keeper. Sarfraz takes a simple catch and roars in celebration.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Wood. Play and a miss! Wood looks to defend that off the back foot but he ends up playing well inside the line of it. Misses it by some distance.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Wood. Goes wide of the crease and tries to bring one into the batsman, Wood covers his off stump and leaves it all alone.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Wood. Straightaway some inward movement for Amir, it hits the good length area and jags in a little. Wood goes back and defends it on the off side.
The second new ball has been taken. Amir will be raring to go with it.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. First run this morning for Bess, he hangs back and pushes it past the backward point fielder for a single.
Deep mid-wicket in place now.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. OUCH! Shortish delivery on the stumps, Bess hops back to fend that but gets hit on the thigh pad.
Mohammad Amir comes into the attack. The second new ball is due but Pakistan haven't taken it yet and the reason for it is the wicket of Buttler in the last over.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Wood. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Wood. Good length ball outside off, the batsman goes back and leaves it all alone.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Wood. FOUR! Excellent shot from Wood, he is up and running. Fullish delivery on off, he gets on the front foot and creams it through the covers for a boundary.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Wood. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Mark Wood is the next man in.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. OUT! The ball is clipping the top of the middle and leg stump. So, the on-field decision stands! Buttler gets his marching orders, that's the end of the 126-run stand. Oh boy, this is a big big success for Pakistan. A perfect start for the visitors. It took Abbas just a couple of balls to provide an early breakthrough. The tourists will heave a sigh of relief to see the back of the dangerous Buttler. He played so well yesterday but could only add one run to his tally this morning. It is a special delivery from Abbas, on a length and seams in after pitching. Buttler plays outside the line of it and gets hit on the front leg below the knee roll. Huge shout from the Pakistan fielders and the umpire obliges. Buttler decides to challenge the decision as he is the last accomplished batsman for England. The ball is clipping the top of the stumps. England lose Buttler, however, they won't lose a review.
Review from Buttler. He has been adjudged leg before, it looked pretty adjacent to the naked eye and the umpire thinks likewise and raises his finger pretty quickly. Only an inside edge can save Buttler here.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Length ball outside off, Buttler takes a step down the track and decides to leave that one. That one too kept a little low!
Mohammad Abbas will bowl from the other end.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Fuller length ball, with a hint of away movement. Buttler plays with soft hands. The ball goes off the outer half past the second slip fielder, they take a run.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Serves in a delivery, angling in from outside off, Buttler blocks it with a lot of confidence.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Fuller length ball on off, Buttler gets partly forward and powers it to the man at mid off.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Signs of unevenness! Hits the seam and shoots through at pace. Luckily for Buttler, it is well wide of the off stump.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. This one straightens just a little, squares up Buttler a little, who manages to defend it back to the bowler.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Starts the day with a length ball on the stumps, no swing whatsoever. Buttler goes right back and defends it solidly down the track.
We are all set to go... Jos Buttler and Dominic Bess will resume their innings. For Pakistan, Hasan Ali has the ball, he will operate with a couple of slips.
Hello and welcome to Day 4. Pakistan were cruising along at one stage yesterday, but Buttler and Bess defied the odds to stage a comeback for England. They have already added 125 runs for the 7th wicket. Their stand has given England a small lead. Today, it will be about strengthening their position in the game. Whereas for Pakistan, they need to pick up wickets quickly this morning and the new ball will be their biggest weapon which will be due after a couple of overs. Do stay tuned as we bring you all the action.
... Day 4, Session 1 ...
The Pakistan bowlers tried everything they could but once the ball got soft, batting seemed very easy. Runs started to come thick and fast and both the batsmen brought up their half tons. However, the job is not yet done as the home side will want the two out there to bat as long as possible. The away side, on the other hand, will most probably take the second new ball tomorrow morning which is only two overs away. They will try and bundle out the rest of the batsmen quickly. Will the hosts continue their fight or will the visitors blow them away? Join us to find out on Day 4 at 1100 local (1000 GMT). Adios!
A brilliant fightback by England courtesy a magnificent partnership between Buttler and Bess, who walk off to a standing ovation from the crowd, has provided them with some hope. They entered the third session when the chips were down, trailing by another 68 runs with only 4 wickets in hand but now end the day with a lead of 56 and still have the same number of wickets remaining.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. FOUR! That shot from Bess sums up the session for England. Emphatic cover drive to end a fruitful session for England. He crouches a little and drills it through the covers for a boundary. THAT'S STUMPS ON DAY 3.
Change of angle from Amir. He goes around the wicket to bowl the final ball of the day.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Fractionally wide from Amir. At this stage of the day the batsman is happy to leave it.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Play and a miss! Calm down, calm down young lad. You have played so well all this while and just can't give it away in the last over of the day. A widish delivery from Amir and Bess goes after it. He nearly ends up getting an outside edge to the keeper.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Good length ball outside, the batsman is happy to leave that one.
Sarfraz wants some changes in the field. Brings in an extra fielder in the slip cordon and moves the cover fielder a little back.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Short of a length ball from Amir, angling across the stumps, Dominic doesn't offer a stroke to that one.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Shortish delivery into the body, Bess stays back and calmly defends it on to the leg side.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Beaten! Beauty from Faheem. Buttler is beaten neck and crop! Good length ball, drifts in and shapes away at the last moment, Buttler is beaten comprehensively.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Slanting in from outside off, Buttler hops across in a hope to glance that but he wears it on the pads.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Comes down the track and plays a drive on the up through the line. However, only manages to hit it to Shafiq at short extra cover. Three dots on the trot from Faheem in this over.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. In the same zone outside off, Buttler walks across his wickets and lets it through to the keeper.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Fuller length ball outside off, Buttler steps out and moves across his stumps. He lets it through in the end.
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. Faheem delivers on a length, angling in, Bess jabs at that one and gets a thick edge which rolls down to third man. He gets down to the other end with a single.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Good delivery to end the over, at 88.5 mph. Length ball, angling across the off stump, Buttler shoulders arms to it.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Shortish delivery from Amir, zips in at good pace, Buttler goes back to defend that but he ends up getting an inside edge on the thigh pad.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Huge grunt from Amir as he delivers this one. On a length and Buttler blocks it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. On a good length and Jos defends it with a lot of confidence to the cover region.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Buttler walks across his stumps and whips it away to deep mid-wicket. The fielder runs across to his left and picks it up. A couple more added to the total. England's lead has now crossed the 50-run mark.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Good length ball on the off stump, angling across, the batsman doesn't play at it.
Mohammad Amir is back for the one final burst.
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. Shaping into Bess who clips it towards square leg.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Similar kind of shot but this time the square leg fielder comes across to stop it from going further. One more run added to the lead.
Mickey Arthur in the dressing room is not happy with the tactics. Meanwhile, Mohammad Abbas has been moved to third man after that sloppy effort.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. FOUR! Short and pulled away. Buttler is not going to miss these scoring opportunities. He gets on top of the short ball and keeps it down. The fielder on the fine leg boundary runs to his left but fails to stop it. Power presentation from Buttler.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Serves in a delivery, angling in from outside off, Buttler blocks it with a lot of confidence.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Fuller length ball on off, Buttler gets partly forward and powers it to the man at mid off.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Signs of unevenness! Hits the seam and shoots through at pace. Luckily for Buttler, it is well wide of the off stump.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. This one straightens just a little, squares up Buttler a little, who manages to defend it back to the bowler.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Starts the day with a length ball on the stumps, no swing whatsoever. Buttler goes right back and defends it solidly down the track.
We are all set to go... Jos Buttler and Dominic Bess will resume their innings. For Pakistan, Hasan Ali has the ball, he will operate with a couple of slips.
Hello and welcome to Day 4. Pakistan were cruising along at one stage yesterday, but Buttler and Bess defied the odds to stage a comeback for England. They have already added 125 runs for the 7th wicket. Their stand has given England a small lead. Today, it will be about strengthening their position in the game. Whereas for Pakistan, they need to pick up wickets quickly this morning and the new ball will be their biggest weapon which will be due after a couple of overs. Do stay tuned as we bring you all the action.
... Day 4, Session 1 ...
The Pakistan bowlers tried everything they could but once the ball got soft, batting seemed very easy. Runs started to come thick and fast and both the batsmen brought up their half tons. However, the job is not yet done as the home side will want the two out there to bat as long as possible. The away side, on the other hand, will most probably take the second new ball tomorrow morning which is only two overs away. They will try and bundle out the rest of the batsmen quickly. Will the hosts continue their fight or will the visitors blow them away? Join us to find out on Day 4 at 1100 local (1000 GMT). Adios!
A brilliant fightback by England courtesy a magnificent partnership between Buttler and Bess, who walk off to a standing ovation from the crowd, has provided them with some hope. They entered the third session when the chips were down, trailing by another 68 runs with only 4 wickets in hand but now end the day with a lead of 56 and still have the same number of wickets remaining.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. FOUR! That shot from Bess sums up the session for England. Emphatic cover drive to end a fruitful session for England. He crouches a little and drills it through the covers for a boundary. THAT'S STUMPS ON DAY 3.
Change of angle from Amir. He goes around the wicket to bowl the final ball of the day.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Fractionally wide from Amir. At this stage of the day the batsman is happy to leave it.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Play and a miss! Calm down, calm down young lad. You have played so well all this while and just can't give it away in the last over of the day. A widish delivery from Amir and Bess goes after it. He nearly ends up getting an outside edge to the keeper.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Good length ball outside, the batsman is happy to leave that one.
Sarfraz wants some changes in the field. Brings in an extra fielder in the slip cordon and moves the cover fielder a little back.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Short of a length ball from Amir, angling across the stumps, Dominic doesn't offer a stroke to that one.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Shortish delivery into the body, Bess stays back and calmly defends it on to the leg side.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Beaten! Beauty from Faheem. Buttler is beaten neck and crop! Good length ball, drifts in and shapes away at the last moment, Buttler is beaten comprehensively.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Slanting in from outside off, Buttler hops across in a hope to glance that but he wears it on the pads.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Comes down the track and plays a drive on the up through the line. However, only manages to hit it to Shafiq at short extra cover. Three dots on the trot from Faheem in this over.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. In the same zone outside off, Buttler walks across his wickets and lets it through to the keeper.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Fuller length ball outside off, Buttler steps out and moves across his stumps. He lets it through in the end.
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. Faheem delivers on a length, angling in, Bess jabs at that one and gets a thick edge which rolls down to third man. He gets down to the other end with a single.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Good delivery to end the over, at 88.5 mph. Length ball, angling across the off stump, Buttler shoulders arms to it.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Shortish delivery from Amir, zips in at good pace, Buttler goes back to defend that but he ends up getting an inside edge on the thigh pad.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Huge grunt from Amir as he delivers this one. On a length and Buttler blocks it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. On a good length and Jos defends it with a lot of confidence to the cover region.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Buttler walks across his stumps and whips it away to deep mid-wicket. The fielder runs across to his left and picks it up. A couple more added to the total. England's lead has now crossed the 50-run mark.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Good length ball on the off stump, angling across, the batsman doesn't play at it.
Mohammad Amir is back for the one final burst.
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. Shaping into Bess who clips it towards square leg.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Similar kind of shot but this time the square leg fielder comes across to stop it from going further. One more run added to the lead.
Mickey Arthur in the dressing room is not happy with the tactics. Meanwhile, Mohammad Abbas has been moved to third man after that sloppy effort.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. FOUR! Short and pulled away. Buttler is not going to miss these scoring opportunities. He gets on top of the short ball and keeps it down. The fielder on the fine leg boundary runs to his left but fails to stop it. Power presentation from Buttler.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Gets inside the line of the delivery and clips it towards the vacant region behind square leg. The fielder from the deep takes time to reach the ball and this gives enough time to both the batsmen to run two.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Comes forward and gets his bat behind the delivery.
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. Maiden Test fifty for Dominic Bess! He has never ever played a game before at the Lord's and this is such a special moment for him, a half century on debut. The youngster has rose to the occasion. Coming to the delivery, it is short and on the pads, Bess guides it to the deep square leg fielder for an easy single.
Faheem Ashraf is back on for a burst.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Comes down the track and keeps the ball out.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Shuffles across, looking to clip it of his pads but couldn't get it past the square fielder.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Replica of the previous delivery from the bowler. Buttler again comes down and defends it.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Presents the full face of the bat and keeps it down.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Buttler shuffles across and comes down the track to a delivery which holds its line after pitching. It is not far away from his outside edge. Some excitement for the visitors.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. A front foot slap from Bess and the ball races to the mid-wicket fielder. Single taken.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Pitched on the leg stump line, Bess sweeps it towards deep square leg and gets a single.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Clips it to square leg for another single.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Buttler tries to glance it behind the keeper but misses the ball altogether.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Comes on the front foot and blocks it to the leg side.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Tries to play it fine but finds the fielder at short fine leg.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Good turn for Shadab. Loopy, on the middle stump and Bess plays it nicely towards the cover region and takes a single.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Walks inside the line and dabs it to mid-wicket.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Pushed to the cover region off the back foot.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Bit too straight from Abbas. Bess flicks towards deep backward square. A run added to the total.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Touch short this time and the batsman punches it off the back foot to the cover fielder.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Shuffles across and dabs it to the mid on region for another single.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. On a good length, hint of an inward movement. Bess gets his bat on the ball and plays it towards the left of the cover fielder for a single.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Pitching outside leg and seeing that, Buttler goes back and pads it away.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Bowls a loopy delivery outside leg, Buttler sits in his crease and defends it out.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Drags his length back by some distance. Bess guides it to the right of the first slip fielder. Single taken.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Tossed up delivery on the leg stump line, backs away and pushes it to mid on
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Similar delivery from Shadab and well negotiated by Bess.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Bowls from around the wicket, full on middle, Bess takes his front leg out of the way and blocks it.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Goodish length but credit to the batsman who opens the face of the bat and guides it to the third man region. He is going into T20 mode it seems and getting quick runs for his team. Two more runs added to the score.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Four Leg Byes. On a good length from Abbas and it hits Buttler on his pad. The ball runs behind the wicket on the leg side, Sarfraz fails to stop it and it runs away for a boundary. This also brings up the 100-run partnership between the two. Great going from the duo.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Same kind of delivery and Bess carves this one to the point region for a single.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. FOUR! Class from Bess! He is chasing in on the tired bowling attack of Pakistan. Coming to the delivery, it is touch short and outside the off stump. Bess gets on his toes and punches it through the cover-point region for a boundary.
Mohammad Abbas is back into the attack.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Drives it through mid on from the front foot.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Gets inside the line of the delivery and clips it towards the vacant region behind square leg. The fielder from the deep takes time to reach the ball and this gives enough time to both the batsmen to run two.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Comes forward and gets his bat behind the delivery.
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. Maiden Test fifty for Dominic Bess! He has never ever played a game before at the Lord's and this is such a special moment for him, a half century on debut. The youngster has rose to the occasion. Coming to the delivery, it is short and on the pads, Bess guides it to the deep square leg fielder for an easy single.
Faheem Ashraf is back on for a burst.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Comes down the track and keeps the ball out.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Shuffles across, looking to clip it of his pads but couldn't get it past the square fielder.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Replica of the previous delivery from the bowler. Buttler again comes down and defends it.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Presents the full face of the bat and keeps it down.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Buttler shuffles across and comes down the track to a delivery which holds its line after pitching. It is not far away from his outside edge. Some excitement for the visitors.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. A front foot slap from Bess and the ball races to the mid-wicket fielder. Single taken.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Pitched on the leg stump line, Bess sweeps it towards deep square leg and gets a single.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Clips it to square leg for another single.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Buttler tries to glance it behind the keeper but misses the ball altogether.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Comes on the front foot and blocks it to the leg side.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Tries to play it fine but finds the fielder at short fine leg.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Good turn for Shadab. Loopy, on the middle stump and Bess plays it nicely towards the cover region and takes a single.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Walks inside the line and dabs it to mid-wicket.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Pushed to the cover region off the back foot.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Bit too straight from Abbas. Bess flicks towards deep backward square. A run added to the total.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Touch short this time and the batsman punches it off the back foot to the cover fielder.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Shuffles across and dabs it to the mid on region for another single.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. On a good length, hint of an inward movement. Bess gets his bat on the ball and plays it towards the left of the cover fielder for a single.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Pitching outside leg and seeing that, Buttler goes back and pads it away.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Bowls a loopy delivery outside leg, Buttler sits in his crease and defends it out.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Drags his length back by some distance. Bess guides it to the right of the first slip fielder. Single taken.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Tossed up delivery on the leg stump line, backs away and pushes it to mid on
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Similar delivery from Shadab and well negotiated by Bess.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Bowls from around the wicket, full on middle, Bess takes his front leg out of the way and blocks it.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Goodish length but credit to the batsman who opens the face of the bat and guides it to the third man region. He is going into T20 mode it seems and getting quick runs for his team. Two more runs added to the score.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Four Leg Byes. On a good length from Abbas and it hits Buttler on his pad. The ball runs behind the wicket on the leg side, Sarfraz fails to stop it and it runs away for a boundary. This also brings up the 100-run partnership between the two. Great going from the duo.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Same kind of delivery and Bess carves this one to the point region for a single.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. FOUR! Class from Bess! He is chasing in on the tired bowling attack of Pakistan. Coming to the delivery, it is touch short and outside the off stump. Bess gets on his toes and punches it through the cover-point region for a boundary.
Mohammad Abbas is back into the attack.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Drives it through mid on from the front foot.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Close shave! That was an error in judgement from Bess. He times the fuller ball to the mid on region and scampers towards the other end. Abbas shies at the bowler's end but misses. If he was able to hit the bull's eye, things would have been interesting.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Played to the point region by the batsman.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Bess looks to defend that but the ball goes off the inner half on the leg side.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Flighted, on the off stump and Buttler powers the cover drive to the fielder. Another run added to the total. England reach 200.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Fullish delivery to end the over, Bess pushes it with ease down the track.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Bowls it full on the stumps, Dominic stays in the crease and mistimes the drive to mid on.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Plays a drive on the up to the left of the cover fielder. Shafiq puts in the dive and makes a good stop.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Another fullish delivery from Hasan, defended on the off side.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Fuller length ball on off, Bess presses on the front foot and defends it to the cover region.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Wide! Well, that was a marginal call. Shortish delivery on off, it isn't all that short but the umpire deems it wide.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Cries of catch it... but it lands safely! Shortish delivery from Hasan, Buttler goes for the pull but he gets a top edge which lands well in front of the man at deep mid-wicket. Single taken.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Comes on the front foot and blocks it out.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Steps back and punches the flatter delivery to the cover region. Another run added to the lead.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Comes forward and meets the full ball from the middle of his bat and punches it to the cover region. The cover fielder dives and saves a certain boundary for his team.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. On a fullish length and spinning away. Buttler fails to make contact with the delivery.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. FOUR! 7th Test fifty for Jos Buttler! He has answered the desperate calls of the England supporters and has played a vital knock. It is short and down the pitch from Shadab. Buttler gets his right leg out of the way and flicks it with nice timing towards deep mid-wicket. Hasan Ali runs to his left and dives full length to stop it but seems that the ball is in contact with his body when he touched the ropes. The replays confirm the same. The flamboyant right-hander gets a round of applause from the Lord's crowd.
Good effort in the deep from Hasan Ali. However, the umpire wants to check whether it's a clean effort.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Comes on the front foot and blocks it out.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Short and into the body once again but Buttler is up for the pull shot this time. Plays it along the ground and changes the strike.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. OOH! He looks to take the short ball on but chooses against it in the end. Nice leave by Buttler.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Short and into the body, Bess rides the bounce, plays it with soft hands and runs for a single. Good batting!
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Bouncer from Ali, angling into the body, the batsman bends down and lets it go.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Shortish delivery, doesn't rise enough and sits up nicely to be hit. Buttler dispatches it away to deep mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep mops it up and keeps it down to a single.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Lunging forward and blocks it back to the bowler.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Comes on the front foot and plays the loopy delivery underneath his eyes.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Now this one comes in. Nice mix up from the young leggie. However, the batsman is right behind it and defends.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Flighted, outside the off stump and it turns away after pitching. Bess goes for the poke and misses it.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. This one comes in after pitching and hits the batsman on his pads. Appeal from the bowler but it's going down leg.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Pushed in on the legs, Bess dabs it to the fielder at short fine.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Gentle length ball, the batsman hangs back and forces it through the covers for three more. Pakistan bowlers are dishing out loose ball quite regularly now.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Massive appeal for caught behind from the fielders but Hasan Ali turns back and indicates it goes of his ribs. Shortish delivery, Bess jumps inside the line of it and looks to leave that but the ball kisses his t-shirt and goes to the keeper.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. FOUR! Slapped, and that's another boundary. Bess is making batting look ridiculously easy. Shortish delivery outside off, he sits back and powers it behind point to find the ropes. Sarfraz runs to his bowler and gives him few words of wisdom.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Close shave! That was an error in judgement from Bess. He times the fuller ball to the mid on region and scampers towards the other end. Abbas shies at the bowler's end but misses. If he was able to hit the bull's eye, things would have been interesting.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Played to the point region by the batsman.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Bess looks to defend that but the ball goes off the inner half on the leg side.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Flighted, on the off stump and Buttler powers the cover drive to the fielder. Another run added to the total. England reach 200.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Fullish delivery to end the over, Bess pushes it with ease down the track.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Bowls it full on the stumps, Dominic stays in the crease and mistimes the drive to mid on.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Plays a drive on the up to the left of the cover fielder. Shafiq puts in the dive and makes a good stop.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Another fullish delivery from Hasan, defended on the off side.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Fuller length ball on off, Bess presses on the front foot and defends it to the cover region.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Wide! Well, that was a marginal call. Shortish delivery on off, it isn't all that short but the umpire deems it wide.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Cries of catch it... but it lands safely! Shortish delivery from Hasan, Buttler goes for the pull but he gets a top edge which lands well in front of the man at deep mid-wicket. Single taken.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Comes on the front foot and blocks it out.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Steps back and punches the flatter delivery to the cover region. Another run added to the lead.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Comes forward and meets the full ball from the middle of his bat and punches it to the cover region. The cover fielder dives and saves a certain boundary for his team.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. On a fullish length and spinning away. Buttler fails to make contact with the delivery.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. FOUR! 7th Test fifty for Jos Buttler! He has answered the desperate calls of the England supporters and has played a vital knock. It is short and down the pitch from Shadab. Buttler gets his right leg out of the way and flicks it with nice timing towards deep mid-wicket. Hasan Ali runs to his left and dives full length to stop it but seems that the ball is in contact with his body when he touched the ropes. The replays confirm the same. The flamboyant right-hander gets a round of applause from the Lord's crowd.
Good effort in the deep from Hasan Ali. However, the umpire wants to check whether it's a clean effort.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Comes on the front foot and blocks it out.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Short and into the body once again but Buttler is up for the pull shot this time. Plays it along the ground and changes the strike.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. OOH! He looks to take the short ball on but chooses against it in the end. Nice leave by Buttler.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Short and into the body, Bess rides the bounce, plays it with soft hands and runs for a single. Good batting!
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Bouncer from Ali, angling into the body, the batsman bends down and lets it go.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Shortish delivery, doesn't rise enough and sits up nicely to be hit. Buttler dispatches it away to deep mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep mops it up and keeps it down to a single.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Lunging forward and blocks it back to the bowler.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Comes on the front foot and plays the loopy delivery underneath his eyes.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Now this one comes in. Nice mix up from the young leggie. However, the batsman is right behind it and defends.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Flighted, outside the off stump and it turns away after pitching. Bess goes for the poke and misses it.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. This one comes in after pitching and hits the batsman on his pads. Appeal from the bowler but it's going down leg.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Pushed in on the legs, Bess dabs it to the fielder at short fine.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Gentle length ball, the batsman hangs back and forces it through the covers for three more. Pakistan bowlers are dishing out loose ball quite regularly now.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Massive appeal for caught behind from the fielders but Hasan Ali turns back and indicates it goes of his ribs. Shortish delivery, Bess jumps inside the line of it and looks to leave that but the ball kisses his t-shirt and goes to the keeper.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. FOUR! Slapped, and that's another boundary. Bess is making batting look ridiculously easy. Shortish delivery outside off, he sits back and powers it behind point to find the ropes. Sarfraz runs to his bowler and gives him few words of wisdom.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Shortish delivery outside off, Dominic stays back and dabs it on the off side.
Hasan Ali wants to change the angle, he takes his mark for around the wicket angle.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. FOUR! Another good looking shot from Bess and with that, England take the lead and Pakistan will have to bat again. Fuller length ball on off, plays a cover drive with precision for a boundary.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Jumps across his stumps and flicks it on the leg side for a single.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Drifts in from outside off and Bess happily blocks it away.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Flighted delivery and dips into Buttler, who flicks it to wide mid on for a single.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Flighted outside the off stump and Buttler drives it to covers.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Goes back in his crease and dishes the ball out.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Googly from Shadab. Bess gets down on his knee and plays it to the fine leg region and takes another single.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Too short from Shadab. Buttler missed out on a scoring opportunity but still gets a single.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Bess chooses to leave the wider ball for the keeper.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Touch short from Ali. Buttler tries to pull but mistimes it to the mid-wicket region. A run added to the total.
Pakistan fielders are not happy with the shape of the ball. The umpires are checking using the 8-shaped gauge. The ball doesn't pass the test and we will have a change of ball. Meanwhile, they have called for drinks.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. On a good length outside off and Buttler chooses to let it go.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Shuffles across and defends the ball down the track.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball to extra cover, where Imam makes a fumble and gives away a couple of runs. A rare mistake in the field from him, he is usually a gun player.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. On a good length outside off. Buttler gets behind the line of the delivery and defends it.
Double bowling change from Pakistan. Hasan Ali comes into the attack.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Drives the fuller length ball to mid on off the front foot.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. FOUR! Deft touch from Bess, he looks an accomplished player. Touch short, outside off. Bess goes back in his crease and dabs it fine to the third man region for a boundary. Deficit down to a single digit now.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Driven off the front foot but straight to the cover fielder.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Touch fuller from Shadab and Bess presents the full face of the bat.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Flighted on a good length and Buttler carves it towards the cover-point region and collects a single.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Loopy leg break, on the off stump and Buttler blocks it nicely.
Shadab Khan has the ball. All the cricketing experts wanted him into the attack and here he is. Let's see what he has got up his sleeve.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. FOUR! On the front foot, big stride in and Bess creams it. He drives it with authority. Amir bowls it full, closer to the batsman on a drivable length and the batsman makes full use of it. Bess is getting comfortable in the middle as well.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Bess has no interest in that one as he lets it go past.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Almost the same delivery as the last one and Bess guides it to point off the back foot.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Angling in but not enough from the batsman's point of view. Bess pokes at the ball but misses.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Back of a length, into the body of the batsman. Bess does well to play it down the track.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. On the shorter side and outside off, Bess gets his bat on the ball and plays it to the point region.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. FOUR! Shortish delivery on the stumps, Buttler gets on top of the bounce and pulls it away to deep backward square leg. Abbas in the deep runs to his left from fine leg but fails to stop it. That's the 50-run stand between Buttler and Bess. They have brought life back into the game.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Fuller length ball outside off, the batsman defends it on the off side.
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. Rising delivery outside off, stands tall and chops it wide of the man at gully. They take another single. Nothing happening at the moment for the pacers, we might see the leg spinner, Shadab, into the attack anytime.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Shortish delivery, the batsman steps out and moves inside the line of it. Gets on top of the bounce and mistimes the pull to deep backward square leg. Single taken.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Replica of the previous ball. Buttler dances down the track and blocks another one.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Fullish delivery, Buttler steps out and blocks it back to the bowler.
/span>Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Shortish delivery outside off, Dominic stays back and dabs it on the off side.
Hasan Ali wants to change the angle, he takes his mark for around the wicket angle.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. FOUR! Another good looking shot from Bess and with that, England take the lead and Pakistan will have to bat again. Fuller length ball on off, plays a cover drive with precision for a boundary.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Jumps across his stumps and flicks it on the leg side for a single.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Drifts in from outside off and Bess happily blocks it away.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Flighted delivery and dips into Buttler, who flicks it to wide mid on for a single.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Flighted outside the off stump and Buttler drives it to covers.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Goes back in his crease and dishes the ball out.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Googly from Shadab. Bess gets down on his knee and plays it to the fine leg region and takes another single.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Too short from Shadab. Buttler missed out on a scoring opportunity but still gets a single.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Bess chooses to leave the wider ball for the keeper.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Touch short from Ali. Buttler tries to pull but mistimes it to the mid-wicket region. A run added to the total.
Pakistan fielders are not happy with the shape of the ball. The umpires are checking using the 8-shaped gauge. The ball doesn't pass the test and we will have a change of ball. Meanwhile, they have called for drinks.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. On a good length outside off and Buttler chooses to let it go.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Shuffles across and defends the ball down the track.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball to extra cover, where Imam makes a fumble and gives away a couple of runs. A rare mistake in the field from him, he is usually a gun player.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. On a good length outside off. Buttler gets behind the line of the delivery and defends it.
Double bowling change from Pakistan. Hasan Ali comes into the attack.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Drives the fuller length ball to mid on off the front foot.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. FOUR! Deft touch from Bess, he looks an accomplished player. Touch short, outside off. Bess goes back in his crease and dabs it fine to the third man region for a boundary. Deficit down to a single digit now.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Driven off the front foot but straight to the cover fielder.
Shadab Khan to Dominic Bess. Touch fuller from Shadab and Bess presents the full face of the bat.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Flighted on a good length and Buttler carves it towards the cover-point region and collects a single.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Loopy leg break, on the off stump and Buttler blocks it nicely.
Shadab Khan has the ball. All the cricketing experts wanted him into the attack and here he is. Let's see what he has got up his sleeve.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. FOUR! On the front foot, big stride in and Bess creams it. He drives it with authority. Amir bowls it full, closer to the batsman on a drivable length and the batsman makes full use of it. Bess is getting comfortable in the middle as well.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Bess has no interest in that one as he lets it go past.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Almost the same delivery as the last one and Bess guides it to point off the back foot.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Angling in but not enough from the batsman's point of view. Bess pokes at the ball but misses.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Back of a length, into the body of the batsman. Bess does well to play it down the track.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. On the shorter side and outside off, Bess gets his bat on the ball and plays it to the point region.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. FOUR! Shortish delivery on the stumps, Buttler gets on top of the bounce and pulls it away to deep backward square leg. Abbas in the deep runs to his left from fine leg but fails to stop it. That's the 50-run stand between Buttler and Bess. They have brought life back into the game.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Fuller length ball outside off, the batsman defends it on the off side.
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. Rising delivery outside off, stands tall and chops it wide of the man at gully. They take another single. Nothing happening at the moment for the pacers, we might see the leg spinner, Shadab, into the attack anytime.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Shortish delivery, the batsman steps out and moves inside the line of it. Gets on top of the bounce and mistimes the pull to deep backward square leg. Single taken.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Replica of the previous ball. Buttler dances down the track and blocks another one.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Fullish delivery, Buttler steps out and blocks it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Gun barrel straight from Amir, outside off, Bess lets it through to the keeper.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Another one outside off stump, the batsman plays away from the body and dabs it to point.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Goes wide of the crease and bowls it full, Bess opens the face of the bat and guides it to backward point.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. In the channel outside off, Bess comfortably leaves it alone.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Touch too straight from Amir, Buttler gets inside the line of it and nudges it away to fine leg for a single.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Slanting in from outside off, Buttler sits back and defends it right under his eyes.
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. Length ball on the off stump line, Bess sits back and blocks it solidly.
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. FOUR! Uppish, but in the gap again! Back-to-back boundaries! England have reduced the deficit to 24. Fuller length ball on off, Bess checks his drive and hits it through the covers. Timing is spot on and it races away to the boundary.
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. FOUR! In the air... agonizingly close! So near, yet so far! Short and wide, Bess doesn't hold back and flashes hard at that one. He gets a thick edge right over the man at second slip. The ball races to the third man fence.
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. Harmless delivery from Faheem, full outside off and the batsman leaves it all alone.
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. Bowls another one full and the batsman plays it to the cover region.
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. Delivers a fuller length ball on the stumps, Bess gently pushes it to the mid on region.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Lets the ball go once again. Buttler looks in no hurry. He wants to stay in the middle for as long as possible and that's the reason he is not going for the wider deliveries.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. In the same corridor from Amir and Butler keeps his bat away from the ball.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Buttler stands tall and blocks the back of a length delivery to the point region.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Ignores the widish delivery from Amir.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Short of a length, just outside off and Buttler gets on his toes to block it.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Starts from around the wicket to Buttler who lets the goodish length delivery go.
Mohammad Amir is back on. Last time his skipper turned to him when they needed to break the partnership and the left-arm pacer obliged. Can he do it again?
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. Bess goes for the cut but he is beaten by the pace.
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. Drives the full ball to mid on. Bess is doing his part in this partnership.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Drives the good length delivery with intent and power towards the left of the mid off fielder. Calls for a quick run, his partner obliges and they scamper for it. It could have been tight had Azhar Ali hit the stumps, but he misses and Buttler survives.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Moves across his stumps and defends it with a straight bat
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. On a good length outside off and Buttler blocks it out.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Shoulders his arms and lets one through to the keeper.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Drives the full ball to the mid-off region.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Clipped off his hips to mid-wicket for a single.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Ohhh... nearly a wicket! Abbas bowls a good length ball which straightens a bit. Buttler misses it and the ball hits him on the back leg. Goes off the keeper's gloves towards first slip.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Abbas goes full and Buttler drives it down the pitch. The bowler gets his hand to it and stops it.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Gets behind the line and defends it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Just wide from Abbas. Buttler gets his bat on the ball and guides it past the point fielder. The fielder from the third man runs in and saves a couple for his team.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Carved to the third man region by Buttler for another single.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Gets behind the rising delivery and keeps it down off the back foot.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Fullish length outside off and the batsman drives it to mid off.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Outside off, on a good length and the batsman lets it go.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Bowl
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Gun barrel straight from Amir, outside off, Bess lets it through to the keeper.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Another one outside off stump, the batsman plays away from the body and dabs it to point.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. Goes wide of the crease and bowls it full, Bess opens the face of the bat and guides it to backward point.
Mohammad Amir to Dominic Bess. In the channel outside off, Bess comfortably leaves it alone.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Touch too straight from Amir, Buttler gets inside the line of it and nudges it away to fine leg for a single.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Slanting in from outside off, Buttler sits back and defends it right under his eyes.
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. Length ball on the off stump line, Bess sits back and blocks it solidly.
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. FOUR! Uppish, but in the gap again! Back-to-back boundaries! England have reduced the deficit to 24. Fuller length ball on off, Bess checks his drive and hits it through the covers. Timing is spot on and it races away to the boundary.
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. FOUR! In the air... agonizingly close! So near, yet so far! Short and wide, Bess doesn't hold back and flashes hard at that one. He gets a thick edge right over the man at second slip. The ball races to the third man fence.
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. Harmless delivery from Faheem, full outside off and the batsman leaves it all alone.
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. Bowls another one full and the batsman plays it to the cover region.
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. Delivers a fuller length ball on the stumps, Bess gently pushes it to the mid on region.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Lets the ball go once again. Buttler looks in no hurry. He wants to stay in the middle for as long as possible and that's the reason he is not going for the wider deliveries.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. In the same corridor from Amir and Butler keeps his bat away from the ball.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Buttler stands tall and blocks the back of a length delivery to the point region.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Ignores the widish delivery from Amir.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Short of a length, just outside off and Buttler gets on his toes to block it.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Starts from around the wicket to Buttler who lets the goodish length delivery go.
Mohammad Amir is back on. Last time his skipper turned to him when they needed to break the partnership and the left-arm pacer obliged. Can he do it again?
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. Bess goes for the cut but he is beaten by the pace.
Faheem Ashraf to Dominic Bess. Drives the full ball to mid on. Bess is doing his part in this partnership.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Drives the good length delivery with intent and power towards the left of the mid off fielder. Calls for a quick run, his partner obliges and they scamper for it. It could have been tight had Azhar Ali hit the stumps, but he misses and Buttler survives.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Moves across his stumps and defends it with a straight bat
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. On a good length outside off and Buttler blocks it out.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Shoulders his arms and lets one through to the keeper.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Drives the full ball to the mid-off region.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Clipped off his hips to mid-wicket for a single.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Ohhh... nearly a wicket! Abbas bowls a good length ball which straightens a bit. Buttler misses it and the ball hits him on the back leg. Goes off the keeper's gloves towards first slip.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Abbas goes full and Buttler drives it down the pitch. The bowler gets his hand to it and stops it.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Gets behind the line and defends it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Just wide from Abbas. Buttler gets his bat on the ball and guides it past the point fielder. The fielder from the third man runs in and saves a couple for his team.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Carved to the third man region by Buttler for another single.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Gets behind the rising delivery and keeps it down off the back foot.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Fullish length outside off and the batsman drives it to mid off.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Outside off, on a good length and the batsman lets it go.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Bowls it on the pads and the batsman clips it off his pads to fine leg for a couple.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Buttler gets right behind that one and defends it down the track.
Faheem Ashraf is back into the attack.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Attempted flick from Buttler, closes the face of the bat early and the ball goes uppishly to the cover region. Fakhar chases the ball and does well to save a run for his team.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. The batsman shoulders his arms to the wide delivery.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Uppish from Bess! He tries to carve it to the backward point region but gets an outside edge. The fielder from the third man region runs in and stops the batsmen from taking two.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Attempted square cut from Bess but he misses the ball. Execution is poor from the batsman.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. The keeper comes up to the stumps. On a good length from Abbas and Buttler tries to punch that. The ball takes the outside half of the bat and rolls to the fielder at third man. One run taken.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Good delivery. An effort ball from Hasan Ali, he serves in a yorker in line with the middle and off stump. Bess is up to the task, he jams his bat down in time and digs it out.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. This time he gets on top of the bounce and punches it off the back foot towards point.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Digs it short, angling into the batsman and Bess does well to sway away from the line of the delivery.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Driven through mid off by the batsman.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Fullish delivery from Hasan Ali, the batsman drives it to the cover region.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Touch short, on his hips and Bess flicks to square leg. They rush back for the second run.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Again shuffles to across his stumps and works the ball towards the mid-wicket region for another couple.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Bit too straight from Abbas and Bess gets bat on the ball to tickle it fine. The ball rolls to fine leg and they take a single.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Bess comes on the front foot and plays the drive to the cover fielder.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Shuffles across his stumps and pushes the ball to the wide of the mid on fielder. One run added to the total.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Stays tall to play the short of a length delivery and defends it down.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Presents the full face of his bat and blocks it back to the bowler.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Buttler is playing his shots. He middles the short ball with some power but straight to the fielder at deep mid-wicket for another run.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Gets on top of the bounce and plays it down to the point region.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Punched off the front foot straight to the cover fielder.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Bess lets the ball go outside his off stump.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Clipped off his pads to mid-wicket for a single.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Tries to fend at the wide delivery but misses.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Shuffles across the off stump and punches it to the cover fielder.
We might soon see Amir back into the attack. He is warming up.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Buttler comes on the front foot and presents the full face of the bat.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Bess is trying to leave the ball but it goes off the bottom half of the bat and runs away towards the third man region. Imam-ul-Haq gives the chase and stops the ball inside the boundary to save a run for his team. The offie is off the mark.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. FOUR! Even better this time. Buttler just didn't give any chance to the cover fielder to move. He spanks that one with utter disdain to the cover boundary.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Stays back and defends it nicely.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. FOUR! Two-in-two for Buttler. This is full, outside off and and Buttler comes down the track. He creams it through the cover region for another boundary. Aggressive stuff from Buttler.
Faheem Ashraf to Jos Buttler. Buttler gets right behind that one and defends it down the track.
Faheem Ashraf is back into the attack.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Attempted flick from Buttler, closes the face of the bat early and the ball goes uppishly to the cover region. Fakhar chases the ball and does well to save a run for his team.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. The batsman shoulders his arms to the wide delivery.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Uppish from Bess! He tries to carve it to the backward point region but gets an outside edge. The fielder from the third man region runs in and stops the batsmen from taking two.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Attempted square cut from Bess but he misses the ball. Execution is poor from the batsman.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. The keeper comes up to the stumps. On a good length from Abbas and Buttler tries to punch that. The ball takes the outside half of the bat and rolls to the fielder at third man. One run taken.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Good delivery. An effort ball from Hasan Ali, he serves in a yorker in line with the middle and off stump. Bess is up to the task, he jams his bat down in time and digs it out.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. This time he gets on top of the bounce and punches it off the back foot towards point.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Digs it short, angling into the batsman and Bess does well to sway away from the line of the delivery.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Driven through mid off by the batsman.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Fullish delivery from Hasan Ali, the batsman drives it to the cover region.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Touch short, on his hips and Bess flicks to square leg. They rush back for the second run.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Again shuffles to across his stumps and works the ball towards the mid-wicket region for another couple.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Bit too straight from Abbas and Bess gets bat on the ball to tickle it fine. The ball rolls to fine leg and they take a single.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Bess comes on the front foot and plays the drive to the cover fielder.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Shuffles across his stumps and pushes the ball to the wide of the mid on fielder. One run added to the total.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Stays tall to play the short of a length delivery and defends it down.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Presents the full face of his bat and blocks it back to the bowler.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Buttler is playing his shots. He middles the short ball with some power but straight to the fielder at deep mid-wicket for another run.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Gets on top of the bounce and plays it down to the point region.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Punched off the front foot straight to the cover fielder.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Bess lets the ball go outside his off stump.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Clipped off his pads to mid-wicket for a single.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Tries to fend at the wide delivery but misses.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Shuffles across the off stump and punches it to the cover fielder.
We might soon see Amir back into the attack. He is warming up.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Buttler comes on the front foot and presents the full face of the bat.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Bess is trying to leave the ball but it goes off the bottom half of the bat and runs away towards the third man region. Imam-ul-Haq gives the chase and stops the ball inside the boundary to save a run for his team. The offie is off the mark.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. FOUR! Even better this time. Buttler just didn't give any chance to the cover fielder to move. He spanks that one with utter disdain to the cover boundary.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Stays back and defends it nicely.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. FOUR! Two-in-two for Buttler. This is full, outside off and and Buttler comes down the track. He creams it through the cover region for another boundary. Aggressive stuff from Buttler.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. FOUR! Banged in short by Ali and Buttler pulls it powerfully to the right of the diving fielder at mid-wicket. Buttler getting a move on.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Some swing in the air. Ali keeps it outside off and Buttler ignores the wide delivery.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Abbas goes full and Bess punches it back to the bowler off the front foot.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Bess is standing out of his crease to counter swing. This is in the same corridor and the batsman lets it pass.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Outside off and Bess shoulders his arms.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Goes short, into the body of the shuffling Buttler who helps it down to fine leg for a single.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Similar kind of delivery from Abbas. Buttler stays away from the wider ball.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. On a good length outside the off stump. Buttler shuffles across and lets it go.
Welcome back. Jos Buttler and Dominic Bess will resume their innings. For Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas will start the proceedings.
... Day 3, Session 3 ...
A flurry of wickets after the drinks break sees Pakistan inching closer to a 1-0 lead in the series. England though fought back into the game after the Lunch interval courtesy a gritty partnership between Root and Malan. The English pair stitched a 60-run stand and they were looking good to get their side back on track. However, the Pakistan pacers had other ideas. Amir bowled an exceptional over in which he got rid of Malan and Bairstow. From there on, the England innings capitulated pretty quickly. Stokes played a loose shot while the skipper followed him soon to the pavilion. England still trail by 68 runs and they need healthy contributions from the lower-order batsmen. Whereas, Pakistan need just four more wickets to inflict an innings defeat on the home side. Do join us back in a while for what could well be the final session of the Test.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Touch short on the legs of the batsman. Bess defends it back from the middle of the bat. THAT'S TEA ON DAY 3!
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Full inswinger. Right on the money from Ali. Bess does well to get his bat on ball and keeps it out.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Short of a length on the pads of the batsman, who misses the delivery and it crashes into his thigh pad.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Copy paste stuff from the bowler and the batsman.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Goes back of a length outside off and the batsman gets his bat away from the line of the delivery.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. On a good length into the batsman outside off and Bess blocks it nicely.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Just straightens a bit, Buttler plays inside the line of it and gets a soft leading edge on the off side.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Length ball outside off, Buttler lets it go. The wicket-keeper is up to the stumps and he does well to collect that one.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Pitched up delivery outside off, the batsman doesn't play at it.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Buttler takes a couple of steps down the track and defends it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Hangs back and defends another one.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Fuller length ball outside off, Buttler gets on the front foot and defends it on the off side.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. The batsman was beaten and missed the line of the delivery.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Fuller length ball angling in from outside off, swings in as well. Bess goes for the drive but misses it. Huge shout for an LBW but turned down by the umpire. Pakistan think about a review but they decide against it. Replays show, there is an inside edge.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Touch wide and the batsman decides to leave that one alone.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Uses his wrists and flicks but it goes off the inner half to square leg for a single.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Driven through the covers by the batsman.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Bess keeps his bat away from the wide delivery.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Pushes the ball to the cover region from the outside half of his bat.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. On a length outside off, Bess pushes at it but misses.
Dominic Bess strides out to bat.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. OUT! No, there is no inside edge and the English skipper departs! Huge blow for the home team. Perhaps, the last ray of hope for England has died down. Mohammad Abbas delivers yet again for his side. He bowls it from wide of the crease and gets the ball to angle into the batsman sharply. Root tries to block it out but misses to get hit on the pads. Abbas roars in an appeal and the umpire obliges. However, Root goes for the DRS straightaway as it is a very important wicket in the context of the game. Time for the replays. The Ultra Edge doesn't detect anything. Now, the Hawk Eye rolls in and it shows three reds. The on-field decision stays and the hosts lose a review. The mainstay is walking back with a dejected face. Pakistan have been very dominant from the word go and they are still ahead by 69 runs. They are well and truly in the driver's seat. Lord's can once again prove to be a happy-hunting ground for them.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. FOUR! Banged in short by Ali and Buttler pulls it powerfully to the right of the diving fielder at mid-wicket. Buttler getting a move on.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Some swing in the air. Ali keeps it outside off and Buttler ignores the wide delivery.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Abbas goes full and Bess punches it back to the bowler off the front foot.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Bess is standing out of his crease to counter swing. This is in the same corridor and the batsman lets it pass.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Outside off and Bess shoulders his arms.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Goes short, into the body of the shuffling Buttler who helps it down to fine leg for a single.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Similar kind of delivery from Abbas. Buttler stays away from the wider ball.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. On a good length outside the off stump. Buttler shuffles across and lets it go.
Welcome back. Jos Buttler and Dominic Bess will resume their innings. For Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas will start the proceedings.
... Day 3, Session 3 ...
A flurry of wickets after the drinks break sees Pakistan inching closer to a 1-0 lead in the series. England though fought back into the game after the Lunch interval courtesy a gritty partnership between Root and Malan. The English pair stitched a 60-run stand and they were looking good to get their side back on track. However, the Pakistan pacers had other ideas. Amir bowled an exceptional over in which he got rid of Malan and Bairstow. From there on, the England innings capitulated pretty quickly. Stokes played a loose shot while the skipper followed him soon to the pavilion. England still trail by 68 runs and they need healthy contributions from the lower-order batsmen. Whereas, Pakistan need just four more wickets to inflict an innings defeat on the home side. Do join us back in a while for what could well be the final session of the Test.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Touch short on the legs of the batsman. Bess defends it back from the middle of the bat. THAT'S TEA ON DAY 3!
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Full inswinger. Right on the money from Ali. Bess does well to get his bat on ball and keeps it out.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Short of a length on the pads of the batsman, who misses the delivery and it crashes into his thigh pad.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Copy paste stuff from the bowler and the batsman.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Goes back of a length outside off and the batsman gets his bat away from the line of the delivery.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. On a good length into the batsman outside off and Bess blocks it nicely.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Just straightens a bit, Buttler plays inside the line of it and gets a soft leading edge on the off side.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Length ball outside off, Buttler lets it go. The wicket-keeper is up to the stumps and he does well to collect that one.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Pitched up delivery outside off, the batsman doesn't play at it.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Buttler takes a couple of steps down the track and defends it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Hangs back and defends another one.
Mohammad Abbas to Jos Buttler. Fuller length ball outside off, Buttler gets on the front foot and defends it on the off side.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. The batsman was beaten and missed the line of the delivery.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Fuller length ball angling in from outside off, swings in as well. Bess goes for the drive but misses it. Huge shout for an LBW but turned down by the umpire. Pakistan think about a review but they decide against it. Replays show, there is an inside edge.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. Touch wide and the batsman decides to leave that one alone.
Hasan Ali to Dominic Bess. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Uses his wrists and flicks but it goes off the inner half to square leg for a single.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Driven through the covers by the batsman.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Bess keeps his bat away from the wide delivery.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. Pushes the ball to the cover region from the outside half of his bat.
Mohammad Abbas to Dominic Bess. On a length outside off, Bess pushes at it but misses.
Dominic Bess strides out to bat.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. OUT! No, there is no inside edge and the English skipper departs! Huge blow for the home team. Perhaps, the last ray of hope for England has died down. Mohammad Abbas delivers yet again for his side. He bowls it from wide of the crease and gets the ball to angle into the batsman sharply. Root tries to block it out but misses to get hit on the pads. Abbas roars in an appeal and the umpire obliges. However, Root goes for the DRS straightaway as it is a very important wicket in the context of the game. Time for the replays. The Ultra Edge doesn't detect anything. Now, the Hawk Eye rolls in and it shows three reds. The on-field decision stays and the hosts lose a review. The mainstay is walking back with a dejected face. Pakistan have been very dominant from the word go and they are still ahead by 69 runs. They are well and truly in the driver's seat. Lord's can once again prove to be a happy-hunting ground for them.
Big moment in the game. Root has been adjudged LBW. He decides to challenge the on-field decision. Looks stone-dead to the naked eye, only an inside edge can save him there.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Stays tall and defends it down the pitch.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Shuffles to his off stump to play at it. The balls rolls towards the mid on region.
Mohammad Abbas is back into the attack.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. The batsman shoulders his arms to the delivery. The ball misses the off stump by a whisker. However, we will put it in the bracket of good leaves.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Buttler goes for the short-arm-jab but doesn't get the connection. The ball hits the inside half and rolls towards mid on.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Buttler flicks it off his pads towards mid-wicket.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Guides it to the third man region off the back foot. Another run added to the total.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. FOUR! CREAMED! Root has been away from the strike for a while now but his concentration is still intact. This is fuller outside the off stump and Root gets on one knee to meet the ball. He drives this with disdain and shows his class. The ball races away to the cover boundary. He is important for England's survival.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Root punches it from the back foot with authority but finds the man at cover-point.
Hasan Ali is back into the attack.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Beautiful ball! In the probing length again outside off stump. The ball pitches and straightens after pitching. Buttler goes for a drive from his crease but misses the ball.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Bowls a length delivery, just outside the off stump and Buttler gets behind the delivery to block it.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Angled across Buttler and he lets it go.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Defends it right behind the line.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Short of a length ball, angling across the stumps, Buttler doesn't offer a stroke to that one.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Buttler sits back and powers it through the covers for a single.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Buttler sits on the back foot and pushes it on the off side.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. The batsman has played it to the point region.
Jos Buttler walks out to bat.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. OUT! Another one bites the dust! Such a soft dismissal, Stokes is absolutely gutted with himself and he still can't believe what he has done. England needed him to deliver with the bat, but he disappoints. It is a nothing delivery from Shadab Khan and he is lucky to get a wicket with that one. Shortish delivery on middle and leg, spins into the batsman, who backs away and mistimes the pull towards mid-wicket. It goes uppishly and Fakhar Zaman (sub) takes it by moving to his right. Three quick wickets and England are staring down the barrel. Pakistan need just five more wickets, how quickly can they get it? Will England make them bat again? The hosts still trail by 75 runs.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Slider on the shorter side, Root goes back and powers it to deep cover for a single.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Loopy leg break, angling in from outside off, Root gets on the front foot and defends it right under his eyes.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Poor end to the over. Is he getting tired? Not sure. Dishes out a delivery on the pads. Root works it to deep mid-wicket for another easy single.
Mohammad Amir to Ben Stokes. Stokes moves right across his stumps and works it towards deep mid-wicket. Gets off strike with a single.
Mohammad Amir to Ben Stokes. Amir uses the angle, goes wide of the crease and slanting it in. Stokes goes on the back foot and defends it out.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Bye! That one shoots through at an ankle height, Root lets it go. The keeper gets an awkward bounce and fails to stop that one cleanly. A bye taken.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Good delivery, full and swinging in a little, Root manages to squirt it towards the cover-point region.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Fuller length ball on the off stump, doesn't move at all. Root covers the line of it and defends it solidly on to the off side.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. Leans into the shot and plays it down with a full face off the bat.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. Goes forward to the flighted ball and drives it to the mid on region.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. Shows the full face and blocks it.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. Safe! Flighted delivery, just outside the off stump and Stokes goes for another shot. He drives it towards Zaman at silly point and the ball ricochets off his boot towards Imam-ul-Haq at short leg who dives to his right to catch it. The visiting side is claiming the catch but the umpire is not sure. Refers it upstairs and the soft signal is not out. The replays roll in. Well, it bounced in front of the fielder.
There is an appeal for a catch. The soft signal from the umpire is not out. The Pakistan fielders are confident that the ball came off the boot of the man close in on the off side.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. Four! Beautiful! Full this time. Stokes flicks it beautifully through the mid-wicket region. Times it nicely and gets the desired result. Two boundaries in three deliveries for the lntary-row">
Big moment in the game. Root has been adjudged LBW. He decides to challenge the on-field decision. Looks stone-dead to the naked eye, only an inside edge can save him there.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Stays tall and defends it down the pitch.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Shuffles to his off stump to play at it. The balls rolls towards the mid on region.
Mohammad Abbas is back into the attack.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. The batsman shoulders his arms to the delivery. The ball misses the off stump by a whisker. However, we will put it in the bracket of good leaves.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Buttler goes for the short-arm-jab but doesn't get the connection. The ball hits the inside half and rolls towards mid on.
Hasan Ali to Jos Buttler. Buttler flicks it off his pads towards mid-wicket.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Guides it to the third man region off the back foot. Another run added to the total.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. FOUR! CREAMED! Root has been away from the strike for a while now but his concentration is still intact. This is fuller outside the off stump and Root gets on one knee to meet the ball. He drives this with disdain and shows his class. The ball races away to the cover boundary. He is important for England's survival.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Root punches it from the back foot with authority but finds the man at cover-point.
Hasan Ali is back into the attack.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Beautiful ball! In the probing length again outside off stump. The ball pitches and straightens after pitching. Buttler goes for a drive from his crease but misses the ball.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Bowls a length delivery, just outside the off stump and Buttler gets behind the delivery to block it.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Angled across Buttler and he lets it go.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Defends it right behind the line.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Mohammad Amir to Jos Buttler. Short of a length ball, angling across the stumps, Buttler doesn't offer a stroke to that one.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Buttler sits back and powers it through the covers for a single.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. Buttler sits on the back foot and pushes it on the off side.
Shadab Khan to Jos Buttler. The batsman has played it to the point region.
Jos Buttler walks out to bat.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. OUT! Another one bites the dust! Such a soft dismissal, Stokes is absolutely gutted with himself and he still can't believe what he has done. England needed him to deliver with the bat, but he disappoints. It is a nothing delivery from Shadab Khan and he is lucky to get a wicket with that one. Shortish delivery on middle and leg, spins into the batsman, who backs away and mistimes the pull towards mid-wicket. It goes uppishly and Fakhar Zaman (sub) takes it by moving to his right. Three quick wickets and England are staring down the barrel. Pakistan need just five more wickets, how quickly can they get it? Will England make them bat again? The hosts still trail by 75 runs.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Slider on the shorter side, Root goes back and powers it to deep cover for a single.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Loopy leg break, angling in from outside off, Root gets on the front foot and defends it right under his eyes.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Poor end to the over. Is he getting tired? Not sure. Dishes out a delivery on the pads. Root works it to deep mid-wicket for another easy single.
Mohammad Amir to Ben Stokes. Stokes moves right across his stumps and works it towards deep mid-wicket. Gets off strike with a single.
Mohammad Amir to Ben Stokes. Amir uses the angle, goes wide of the crease and slanting it in. Stokes goes on the back foot and defends it out.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Bye! That one shoots through at an ankle height, Root lets it go. The keeper gets an awkward bounce and fails to stop that one cleanly. A bye taken.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Good delivery, full and swinging in a little, Root manages to squirt it towards the cover-point region.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Fuller length ball on the off stump, doesn't move at all. Root covers the line of it and defends it solidly on to the off side.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. Leans into the shot and plays it down with a full face off the bat.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. Goes forward to the flighted ball and drives it to the mid on region.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. Shows the full face and blocks it.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. Safe! Flighted delivery, just outside the off stump and Stokes goes for another shot. He drives it towards Zaman at silly point and the ball ricochets off his boot towards Imam-ul-Haq at short leg who dives to his right to catch it. The visiting side is claiming the catch but the umpire is not sure. Refers it upstairs and the soft signal is not out. The replays roll in. Well, it bounced in front of the fielder.
There is an appeal for a catch. The soft signal from the umpire is not out. The Pakistan fielders are confident that the ball came off the boot of the man close in on the off side.
Shadab Khan to Ben Stokes. Four! Beautiful! Full this time. Stokes flicks it beautifully through the mid-wicket region. Times it nicely and gets the desired result. Two boundaries in three deliveries for the left-hander.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Flatter on middle and leg stump and Root flicks it the mid-wicket region for a single.
Mohammad Amir to Ben Stokes. Outside off, swinging away late as Stokes lets it go. What an over from Amir, two wickets and 4 runs from it.
Deep mid-wicket in place now.
Mohammad Amir to Ben Stokes. FOUR! Stokes get a loose ball to start his innings. Length ball, on his pads and he flicks it with power. The ball rushes to the square leg boundary.
Ben Stokes is the new man in.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. OUT! Timber! What a beauty! The sound of the ball hitting the wickets is like music to the ears of a fast bowler. Amir has another in the over. He set up Bairstow nicely. He bowled an outswinger in the previous delivery and has just caught the batsman off guard with his presence of mind. Coming back to the ball - It is on a fullish length on off. It doesn't go across with the natural angle but swings in prodigiously. Bairstow has no clue about it as evident from his footwork. Gets beaten all ends up and the ball goes between the gap between his bat and pad to hit the stumps. England are in deep trouble.
Wasim Akram makes a good point on air. He says that Malan was not lunging forward properly and hence, he paid the price for it. A batsman needs to adjust according to the pitch and that is the way to progress. At the international level, you need to be proactive and adjust according to the situation.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. Angled away from the batsman, who leaves it alone.
Jonny Bairstow is the next man in.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. OUT! Amir strikes right after the drinks break. He has been superb since morning and he gets his due with this wicket. He steams in and bowls a fuller length ball in the probing off stump channel. He also gets it to move away a touch after pitching. Malan pokes at it and ends up getting a thick outside edge behind. Ahmed quickly to his left. The ball is dying on him but he shows good technique. He manages to take the catch one-handed inches above the ground. Blinder from the Pakistan captain. Amir runs towards him and hugs him from behind. The promising 60-run stand has been cut short. An uncomfortable stay at the crease ends for Dawid Malan.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. Nice channel from Amir. Keeps it on a length, just outside the off stump and Malan leans forward to meet the ball.
Drinks break. This has been a fightback of sorts from the hosts. Root and Malan have stitched a vital 60-run partnership and they are still going strong. England now trail by just 88 runs. Pressure slowly will be mounting on the visitors, they need a wicket and need it soon.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Root keep the flighted delivery out with a solid defense.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Flighted on off stump, Malan uses his wrists and guides it to square leg for a single.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Floated delivery on off, Malan gets on the front foot and defends it solidly.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. FOUR! Highly risky from the southpaw. He goes for the sweep, trying to play it from the rough. Can't get on top of the bounce and ends up top edging it over the man at square leg. The ball races away to the boundary.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Loopy full toss on the middle stump. Root guides it to the mid on region and takes a single.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Touch short outside the off and Root punches it from the back foot.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. Goes wide of the crease and ends up delivering a wide delivery outside off. Malan doesn't play at that one.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. Amir bowls a pacy delivery, full on the stumps, Malan sits back and defends it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Root plays his go-to shot, sits back and chops it towards point. They take a quick single.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. The batsman defends it from within the crease.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Amir comes from around the wicket angle, delivers it on a length, Root gets a thick edge wide of the fielder at second slip. There is a man at third man who does the mopping.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Root leans into the drive to a fuller length ball from Amir. He hits it to the man at mid off.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Gets behind the delivery and defends it in the ground.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. The batsman flicks it with his wrists towards square leg and takes a single.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Punches it to the mid on region from the front foot.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. FOUR! Shadab gives a freebie to Root and he is not the one to miss out on those. A loopy full toss on the off stump and the English captain obliges. He puts it in the gap and the ball speeds away to the mid-wicket boundary. This also brings up the 50-run stand between the two.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Gets behind the delivery and blocks it.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Loopy leg break outside the off. Root tries to carve it behind short third man but finds the fielder.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. Drill the full ball back to the bowler.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. Same line and length from Amir. Malan blocks it off the back foot.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. OOOH! Malan is living dangerously. This was bowled short by Amir, touch closer to the off stump and the batsman goes for a cut but misses.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Short of a length in to the body of the batsman. Root hangs back and plays it down in front of square leg, where Hasan Ali makes a tumbling stop. A single taken.
Mohammad Amir to Joe eft-hander.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Flatter on middle and leg stump and Root flicks it the mid-wicket region for a single.
Mohammad Amir to Ben Stokes. Outside off, swinging away late as Stokes lets it go. What an over from Amir, two wickets and 4 runs from it.
Deep mid-wicket in place now.
Mohammad Amir to Ben Stokes. FOUR! Stokes get a loose ball to start his innings. Length ball, on his pads and he flicks it with power. The ball rushes to the square leg boundary.
Ben Stokes is the new man in.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. OUT! Timber! What a beauty! The sound of the ball hitting the wickets is like music to the ears of a fast bowler. Amir has another in the over. He set up Bairstow nicely. He bowled an outswinger in the previous delivery and has just caught the batsman off guard with his presence of mind. Coming back to the ball - It is on a fullish length on off. It doesn't go across with the natural angle but swings in prodigiously. Bairstow has no clue about it as evident from his footwork. Gets beaten all ends up and the ball goes between the gap between his bat and pad to hit the stumps. England are in deep trouble.
Wasim Akram makes a good point on air. He says that Malan was not lunging forward properly and hence, he paid the price for it. A batsman needs to adjust according to the pitch and that is the way to progress. At the international level, you need to be proactive and adjust according to the situation.
Mohammad Amir to Jonny Bairstow. Angled away from the batsman, who leaves it alone.
Jonny Bairstow is the next man in.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. OUT! Amir strikes right after the drinks break. He has been superb since morning and he gets his due with this wicket. He steams in and bowls a fuller length ball in the probing off stump channel. He also gets it to move away a touch after pitching. Malan pokes at it and ends up getting a thick outside edge behind. Ahmed quickly to his left. The ball is dying on him but he shows good technique. He manages to take the catch one-handed inches above the ground. Blinder from the Pakistan captain. Amir runs towards him and hugs him from behind. The promising 60-run stand has been cut short. An uncomfortable stay at the crease ends for Dawid Malan.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. Nice channel from Amir. Keeps it on a length, just outside the off stump and Malan leans forward to meet the ball.
Drinks break. This has been a fightback of sorts from the hosts. Root and Malan have stitched a vital 60-run partnership and they are still going strong. England now trail by just 88 runs. Pressure slowly will be mounting on the visitors, they need a wicket and need it soon.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Root keep the flighted delivery out with a solid defense.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Flighted on off stump, Malan uses his wrists and guides it to square leg for a single.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Floated delivery on off, Malan gets on the front foot and defends it solidly.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. FOUR! Highly risky from the southpaw. He goes for the sweep, trying to play it from the rough. Can't get on top of the bounce and ends up top edging it over the man at square leg. The ball races away to the boundary.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Loopy full toss on the middle stump. Root guides it to the mid on region and takes a single.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Touch short outside the off and Root punches it from the back foot.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. Goes wide of the crease and ends up delivering a wide delivery outside off. Malan doesn't play at that one.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. Amir bowls a pacy delivery, full on the stumps, Malan sits back and defends it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Root plays his go-to shot, sits back and chops it towards point. They take a quick single.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. The batsman defends it from within the crease.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Amir comes from around the wicket angle, delivers it on a length, Root gets a thick edge wide of the fielder at second slip. There is a man at third man who does the mopping.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Root leans into the drive to a fuller length ball from Amir. He hits it to the man at mid off.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Gets behind the delivery and defends it in the ground.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. The batsman flicks it with his wrists towards square leg and takes a single.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Punches it to the mid on region from the front foot.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. FOUR! Shadab gives a freebie to Root and he is not the one to miss out on those. A loopy full toss on the off stump and the English captain obliges. He puts it in the gap and the ball speeds away to the mid-wicket boundary. This also brings up the 50-run stand between the two.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Gets behind the delivery and blocks it.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Loopy leg break outside the off. Root tries to carve it behind short third man but finds the fielder.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. Drill the full ball back to the bowler.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. Same line and length from Amir. Malan blocks it off the back foot.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. OOOH! Malan is living dangerously. This was bowled short by Amir, touch closer to the off stump and the batsman goes for a cut but misses.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Short of a length in to the body of the batsman. Root hangs back and plays it down in front of square leg, where Hasan Ali makes a tumbling stop. A single taken.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Goes full and Root was up to it. He goes on the front foot but couldn't find the gap.
Third man in place now. He has got a lot of runs in that region and hence, Sarfraz Ahmed is being proactive.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. FOUR! The England captain gets to his 40th Test fifty with this boundary. He has played with determination in this innings. Amir bowls it on a length and angles it away from the batsman. Root tries to play it with an open bat face but gets it off the outer half past the gully fielder to find the fence. Raises his bat towards the crowd and sinks in all the applause.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Loopy leg break outside off, Root lunges forward and powers the drive through the covers for a single.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Uses the depth the crease and taps it on the leg side.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. FOUR! That is pretty risky from Root. He goes right back in his crease and tries to play his favorite shot - the late cut. The ball is a little quicker and he gets an under edge right between the legs of the keeper. The ball races away to the third man fence.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Loopy leg break outside off, Root leans forward and pushes it to the mid off region.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Malan sits back in his crease and dabs it on the off side. One look at his skipper and they are off for a single.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. This time he gets it in the gap. Punched from the back foot and the batsmen take two. England is getting a move on.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Root is looking to get some quick runs but not getting the timing. Punches the delivery from the back foot to the backward point fielder.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Great fielding! Angled away from Root, on a good length, he tries to guide it square of the wicket on the off side but gets a thick outside edge. The ball rushes to the gully fielder. Shadab Khan dives to his right and does well to get both hands and stops it from going past.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Back of a length ball, defended from within the crease.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Shows the full face to the length delivery and defends it from the back foot.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Root sits back and dabs it towards the cover region.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Goes for the sweep again but misses.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Not Out! Malan is safely in! Touch fuller from Shadab and Malan goes for the conventional sweep. However, he fails to make contact with the bat. The ball deflects off his boots towards Azhar Ali at leg slip who is quick to react. Fires in a throw at the stumps and everyone from the Pakistan side is appealing. The umpire has a word with the square leg umpire and goes upstairs. Replays show, Malan lost his balance for a while but had his back foot inside the crease. Good cricket all around.
There is an appeal from the Pakistan fielders for a run out. Malan is the man in question. The visitors think, they have got their man. We wait for the replays to confirm that.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Copy paste stuff from the bowler and the batsman.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Flicks the shortish ball off his pads towards fine leg.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Pushed to the mid-wicket fielder from the front foot.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Short on the stumps. Root goes back and guides it to the deep square leg fielder for a single.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. Now, this one moved away. Amir is in good rhythm. He entices Malan to go for the wider delivery. He swings but misses the ball.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. Getting close to Malan's off stump as he makes a good leave. Amir is moving it both ways from the same line and length and is keeping the left-hander guessing.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. Close shave! Fullish delivery from Amir. This time Malan flicks it through mid-wicket and calls for a couple. The fielder from the deep charges in, picks it up and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses his target. Fakhar Zaman was the substitute fielder. Replays show that a direct hit would have caught Root short.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. Into the body this time. Length is the same and he is bringing it into the batsman. Malan stays tall and defends it to the mid-wicket region.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. Foxed! On a length outside off, stays really low. Malan attempts to push at it but misses.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. Full on the pads and Malan misses out.
As expected, Mohammad Amir comes into the attack.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Short and wide, Root flashes at it but finds the backward point fielder.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Uses his wrists and dabs it to the man at mid-wicket.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Shows the full face and keeps it out.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Three Byes! Similar kind of delivery, lands in the rough and goes down the leg side. Malan goes inside the line of it, trying to tickle it but misses and so does the keeper. The ball goes behind the keeper and the batsmen run three.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Flighted and touch short. Malan goes back and flicks it just past the short leg fielder.
Third man in place now. He has got a lot of runs in that region and hence, Sarfraz Ahmed is being proactive.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. FOUR! The England captain gets to his 40th Test fifty with this boundary. He has played with determination in this innings. Amir bowls it on a length and angles it away from the batsman. Root tries to play it with an open bat face but gets it off the outer half past the gully fielder to find the fence. Raises his bat towards the crowd and sinks in all the applause.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Loopy leg break outside off, Root lunges forward and powers the drive through the covers for a single.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Uses the depth the crease and taps it on the leg side.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. FOUR! That is pretty risky from Root. He goes right back in his crease and tries to play his favorite shot - the late cut. The ball is a little quicker and he gets an under edge right between the legs of the keeper. The ball races away to the third man fence.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Loopy leg break outside off, Root leans forward and pushes it to the mid off region.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Malan sits back in his crease and dabs it on the off side. One look at his skipper and they are off for a single.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. This time he gets it in the gap. Punched from the back foot and the batsmen take two. England is getting a move on.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Root is looking to get some quick runs but not getting the timing. Punches the delivery from the back foot to the backward point fielder.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Great fielding! Angled away from Root, on a good length, he tries to guide it square of the wicket on the off side but gets a thick outside edge. The ball rushes to the gully fielder. Shadab Khan dives to his right and does well to get both hands and stops it from going past.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Back of a length ball, defended from within the crease.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Shows the full face to the length delivery and defends it from the back foot.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Root sits back and dabs it towards the cover region.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Goes for the sweep again but misses.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Not Out! Malan is safely in! Touch fuller from Shadab and Malan goes for the conventional sweep. However, he fails to make contact with the bat. The ball deflects off his boots towards Azhar Ali at leg slip who is quick to react. Fires in a throw at the stumps and everyone from the Pakistan side is appealing. The umpire has a word with the square leg umpire and goes upstairs. Replays show, Malan lost his balance for a while but had his back foot inside the crease. Good cricket all around.
There is an appeal from the Pakistan fielders for a run out. Malan is the man in question. The visitors think, they have got their man. We wait for the replays to confirm that.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Copy paste stuff from the bowler and the batsman.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Flicks the shortish ball off his pads towards fine leg.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Pushed to the mid-wicket fielder from the front foot.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Short on the stumps. Root goes back and guides it to the deep square leg fielder for a single.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. Now, this one moved away. Amir is in good rhythm. He entices Malan to go for the wider delivery. He swings but misses the ball.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. Getting close to Malan's off stump as he makes a good leave. Amir is moving it both ways from the same line and length and is keeping the left-hander guessing.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. Close shave! Fullish delivery from Amir. This time Malan flicks it through mid-wicket and calls for a couple. The fielder from the deep charges in, picks it up and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses his target. Fakhar Zaman was the substitute fielder. Replays show that a direct hit would have caught Root short.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. Into the body this time. Length is the same and he is bringing it into the batsman. Malan stays tall and defends it to the mid-wicket region.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. Foxed! On a length outside off, stays really low. Malan attempts to push at it but misses.
Mohammad Amir to Dawid Malan. Full on the pads and Malan misses out.
As expected, Mohammad Amir comes into the attack.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Short and wide, Root flashes at it but finds the backward point fielder.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Uses his wrists and dabs it to the man at mid-wicket.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Shows the full face and keeps it out.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Three Byes! Similar kind of delivery, lands in the rough and goes down the leg side. Malan goes inside the line of it, trying to tickle it but misses and so does the keeper. The ball goes behind the keeper and the batsmen run three.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Flighted and touch short. Malan goes back and flicks it just past the short leg fielder.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Four! Streaky! On a fullish length, just outside the off stump. Root goes for the drive but gets a bottom edge. The ball flies through the gap between second slip and gully and races to the fence.
Mohammad Amir is warming up.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Gets right behind it and blocks it nicely.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Lets the wide delivery go.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Gets on his toes and plays it down nicely.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Shows the full face and keeps it out.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Flighted on the off stump, Root guides it to the sweeper cover region to get another single.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Four! The English skipper is looking in good rhythm. Short and touch wide and enough room for Root to free his arms. He goes back and plays it with an open bat face to the third man boundary. 50 up for England.
There is an issue with Root. Something is troubling his eyes. The physio comes in and helps him out.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Loopy full toss, Malan punches it towards cover and takes an easy run.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Touch short and the batsman plays it down towards the mid-wicket region.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Goes for the rough once again, Malan comes forward and defends it.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Googly on the pads and Root flicks it fine for a run.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. If there was a direct hit, it would have been curtains for Malan! Poor call from the English skipper. He cuts this short ball towards point and takes off. Malan has already lost hopes midway down the track. However, the shy at the striker's end misses and he manages to make his crease. Lucky break for him.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Very full ball, swinging in sharply, Root keeps his bat close to his pad and works it towards mid-wicket.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. Shortish ball down the leg side, Malan pulls it away towards fine leg for a single. He is looking a bit nervy.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. Fuller length ball, Malan isn't lunging forward now. He opts to stay back and plays it with an open bat face.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. As expected, Ali bowls a bouncer well outside off, Malan leaves it with ease. Testing times for the southpaw after he received a blow on the helmet.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. On a length and straying on the pads, helped towards fine leg for a single.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Dawid takes this one on the full and clips it towards mid-wicket.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Risky! This is spins in substantially and also stays low. Root decides to hang back and keep it out on the leg side. He should have been forward to that. A single taken.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. A bit shorter this time, tucked off his hips to the leg side for a run.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Spinning in sharply, Dawid comes half forward and blocks it under his eyes.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Nicely done! Shortish ball outside off, allows enough time to the English skipper to go back and cuts it past point. There are a lot of vacant spaces and he picks up three runs to his name.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Tossed up delivery, Root hangs back and blocks it.
The physio is out to check for any possible concussion. Malan looks stable and he will continue to bat, which is good to see. Fist punch between Malan and Root as they walk back to their respective ends.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. OUCH! That can be serious! A hard blow on the helmet. Short delivery, rising on Malan. He tries to back away but is caught in a tangle. The ball hits him on the side of the helmet and the supporting badge comes off. Hasan Ali apologizes to Malan immediately and checks on him. Let us hope it is nothing serious.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. Same line and length. The batsman defends it back to the bowler.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. Malan shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the backfoot. No run.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. Wide! Goes short this time and the batsman ignores it. It is too high, we don't see those much in Test cricket.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. Touch fuller this time and gets close the batsman. Malan blocks it away.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. Wider this time, left alone.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. On a goodish length, just outside the off stump and angling into the batsman. He plays this one with soft hands.
Hasan Ali to continue from this end. Pakistan have employed a fielder under the lid at short leg.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Floated on middle, Malan turns it away nicely past the short mid-wicket fielder for a single and will retain the strike.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Flatter delivery, flicked with the spin towards the mid-wicket region.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Four! Streaky! On a fullish length, just outside the off stump. Root goes for the drive but gets a bottom edge. The ball flies through the gap between second slip and gully and races to the fence.
Mohammad Amir is warming up.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Gets right behind it and blocks it nicely.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Lets the wide delivery go.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Gets on his toes and plays it down nicely.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Shows the full face and keeps it out.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Flighted on the off stump, Root guides it to the sweeper cover region to get another single.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Four! The English skipper is looking in good rhythm. Short and touch wide and enough room for Root to free his arms. He goes back and plays it with an open bat face to the third man boundary. 50 up for England.
There is an issue with Root. Something is troubling his eyes. The physio comes in and helps him out.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Loopy full toss, Malan punches it towards cover and takes an easy run.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Touch short and the batsman plays it down towards the mid-wicket region.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Goes for the rough once again, Malan comes forward and defends it.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Googly on the pads and Root flicks it fine for a run.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. If there was a direct hit, it would have been curtains for Malan! Poor call from the English skipper. He cuts this short ball towards point and takes off. Malan has already lost hopes midway down the track. However, the shy at the striker's end misses and he manages to make his crease. Lucky break for him.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Very full ball, swinging in sharply, Root keeps his bat close to his pad and works it towards mid-wicket.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. Shortish ball down the leg side, Malan pulls it away towards fine leg for a single. He is looking a bit nervy.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. Fuller length ball, Malan isn't lunging forward now. He opts to stay back and plays it with an open bat face.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. As expected, Ali bowls a bouncer well outside off, Malan leaves it with ease. Testing times for the southpaw after he received a blow on the helmet.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. On a length and straying on the pads, helped towards fine leg for a single.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Dawid takes this one on the full and clips it towards mid-wicket.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Risky! This is spins in substantially and also stays low. Root decides to hang back and keep it out on the leg side. He should have been forward to that. A single taken.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. A bit shorter this time, tucked off his hips to the leg side for a run.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Spinning in sharply, Dawid comes half forward and blocks it under his eyes.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Nicely done! Shortish ball outside off, allows enough time to the English skipper to go back and cuts it past point. There are a lot of vacant spaces and he picks up three runs to his name.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Tossed up delivery, Root hangs back and blocks it.
The physio is out to check for any possible concussion. Malan looks stable and he will continue to bat, which is good to see. Fist punch between Malan and Root as they walk back to their respective ends.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. OUCH! That can be serious! A hard blow on the helmet. Short delivery, rising on Malan. He tries to back away but is caught in a tangle. The ball hits him on the side of the helmet and the supporting badge comes off. Hasan Ali apologizes to Malan immediately and checks on him. Let us hope it is nothing serious.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. Same line and length. The batsman defends it back to the bowler.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. Malan shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the backfoot. No run.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. Wide! Goes short this time and the batsman ignores it. It is too high, we don't see those much in Test cricket.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. Touch fuller this time and gets close the batsman. Malan blocks it away.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. Wider this time, left alone.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. On a goodish length, just outside the off stump and angling into the batsman. He plays this one with soft hands.
Hasan Ali to continue from this end. Pakistan have employed a fielder under the lid at short leg.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Floated on middle, Malan turns it away nicely past the short mid-wicket fielder for a single and will retain the strike.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Flatter delivery, flicked with the spin towards the mid-wicket region.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. The batsman defends it from within the crease.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Another one that is tossed up, the batsman comes on the front foot and plays it towards the short leg fielder.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Touch fuller and Malan goes back in his crease to block it.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Well bowled! Flighted ball, outside the off stump, it pitches on the rough and turns in sharply. Malan tries to drive it but only manages to get it off the inner half towards mid-wicket.
Welcome back. Joe Root and Dawid Malan to resume their innings. For Pakistan, Shadab Khan will start the proceedings.
... Day 3, Session 2 ...
England haven't won a single session in the game so far. It has been Pakistan all the way and they continue to control the proceedings. After gaining a healthy lead of 179, the visiting bowlers bowled with needle-like precision. Abbas kept on bowling probing lines and lengths and got the big wicket of Alastair Cook. All the other bowlers have been disciplined as well. The great thing for them is that Shadab Khan is getting good purchase from the rough, especially against the left-handers. From England's point of view, Joe Root who seems to have got his eye in, needs to stand tall and inspire his side to weather the storm. Join us for the second session in a while.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Length delivery outside off, Root doesn't fiddle with it. THAT'S LUNCH ON DAY 3!
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Good leave! Coming in from outside off, Joe knows where his off stump is and allows it to pass safely.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. In the channel outside off, left alone.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. As expected, Ali bowls this one fuller after two short balls. Root is circumspect in his approach and allows it through.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Another short ball, Root easily sways away of the line of the ball to evade it.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Dug in short, Root ducks under it.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Fullish in length this time, Dawid comes forward and dead-bats it.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Spinning in from the rough, Malan is nicely forward to this one and defends it towards short leg.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Tossed up on leg stump, turned past short leg for a single.
The square leg umpire has a bit of chat with Ahmed. Not sure about what it is though. Meanwhile, a silly point is also in place for Malan.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Straighter one on off and shorter in length, Root hangs back and blocks it.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Slow through the air, defended solidly off the front foot.
Short leg in place now.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Fullish delivery on off, kept out watchfully.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. Nicely bowled! Shortish ball in line of the stumps, Malan gets into an uncomfortable position and takes a blow on his gloves.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Good cricket! Taps this one to covers and scurries to the other end.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. FOUR! Shot! Short and room on offer, the English skipper cuts it nicely past point to pick up another boundary.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Bouncer but it is too short, Root ducks under it.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. In the zone outside off, left alone.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Spinning in sharply from outside off, Malan goes deep in his crease and just about manages to keep it out towards short leg. What an over!
Dawid Malan strides out to bat.
Shadab Khan to Mark Stoneman. OUT! Bowled 'em! Stoneman has been completely outfoxed by the young leggie. A rough has developed outside the off stump of the left-handed batsmen and Khan has exploited that to great effect. Bowls it well outside off at a slower pace and gets it to spin in sharply. Stoneman is caught in the crease as he attempts to negotiate it but the ball stays very low, goes beneath the bat and crashes into the stumps. Perhaps, he should have come on the front foot to give himself a better chance to deal with it. The visitors are elated! England still trail by 148 runs.
Shadab Khan to Mark Stoneman. This time Mark hangs back and tackles it off his back foot.
Shadab Khan to Mark Stoneman. FOUR! Almost a wicket! Great bowling from Khan. Slow through the air outside off, Stoneman leans ahead to defend but gets an outside edge past the keeper. Shafiq at first slip is a bit wide. He dives to his right but the ball flies past him in a flash and races to the fence.
Shadab Khan to Mark Stoneman. That one spun viciously! Spinning in from the rough outside off, Stoneman leans forward to defend but is hit on the pads. Pakistan appeal but the umpire stays put. That was probably spinning down leg.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Starts off with a shortish ball outside off, Root places it to sweeper cover for a single.
Shadab Khan to roll his arm over now. A slip and a short leg in place.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. Slightly overpitched, defended confidently off the front foot.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. Ali switches to around the wicket and bowls a good length ball around off. Stoneman is late in his defence and takes a blow on the thigh pad.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. The batsman defends it from within the crease.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Another one that is tossed up, the batsman comes on the front foot and plays it towards the short leg fielder.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Touch fuller and Malan goes back in his crease to block it.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Well bowled! Flighted ball, outside the off stump, it pitches on the rough and turns in sharply. Malan tries to drive it but only manages to get it off the inner half towards mid-wicket.
Welcome back. Joe Root and Dawid Malan to resume their innings. For Pakistan, Shadab Khan will start the proceedings.
... Day 3, Session 2 ...
England haven't won a single session in the game so far. It has been Pakistan all the way and they continue to control the proceedings. After gaining a healthy lead of 179, the visiting bowlers bowled with needle-like precision. Abbas kept on bowling probing lines and lengths and got the big wicket of Alastair Cook. All the other bowlers have been disciplined as well. The great thing for them is that Shadab Khan is getting good purchase from the rough, especially against the left-handers. From England's point of view, Joe Root who seems to have got his eye in, needs to stand tall and inspire his side to weather the storm. Join us for the second session in a while.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Length delivery outside off, Root doesn't fiddle with it. THAT'S LUNCH ON DAY 3!
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Good leave! Coming in from outside off, Joe knows where his off stump is and allows it to pass safely.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. In the channel outside off, left alone.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. As expected, Ali bowls this one fuller after two short balls. Root is circumspect in his approach and allows it through.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Another short ball, Root easily sways away of the line of the ball to evade it.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Dug in short, Root ducks under it.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Fullish in length this time, Dawid comes forward and dead-bats it.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Spinning in from the rough, Malan is nicely forward to this one and defends it towards short leg.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Tossed up on leg stump, turned past short leg for a single.
The square leg umpire has a bit of chat with Ahmed. Not sure about what it is though. Meanwhile, a silly point is also in place for Malan.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Straighter one on off and shorter in length, Root hangs back and blocks it.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Slow through the air, defended solidly off the front foot.
Short leg in place now.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Fullish delivery on off, kept out watchfully.
Hasan Ali to Dawid Malan. Nicely bowled! Shortish ball in line of the stumps, Malan gets into an uncomfortable position and takes a blow on his gloves.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Good cricket! Taps this one to covers and scurries to the other end.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. FOUR! Shot! Short and room on offer, the English skipper cuts it nicely past point to pick up another boundary.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Bouncer but it is too short, Root ducks under it.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. In the zone outside off, left alone.
Shadab Khan to Dawid Malan. Spinning in sharply from outside off, Malan goes deep in his crease and just about manages to keep it out towards short leg. What an over!
Dawid Malan strides out to bat.
Shadab Khan to Mark Stoneman. OUT! Bowled 'em! Stoneman has been completely outfoxed by the young leggie. A rough has developed outside the off stump of the left-handed batsmen and Khan has exploited that to great effect. Bowls it well outside off at a slower pace and gets it to spin in sharply. Stoneman is caught in the crease as he attempts to negotiate it but the ball stays very low, goes beneath the bat and crashes into the stumps. Perhaps, he should have come on the front foot to give himself a better chance to deal with it. The visitors are elated! England still trail by 148 runs.
Shadab Khan to Mark Stoneman. This time Mark hangs back and tackles it off his back foot.
Shadab Khan to Mark Stoneman. FOUR! Almost a wicket! Great bowling from Khan. Slow through the air outside off, Stoneman leans ahead to defend but gets an outside edge past the keeper. Shafiq at first slip is a bit wide. He dives to his right but the ball flies past him in a flash and races to the fence.
Shadab Khan to Mark Stoneman. That one spun viciously! Spinning in from the rough outside off, Stoneman leans forward to defend but is hit on the pads. Pakistan appeal but the umpire stays put. That was probably spinning down leg.
Shadab Khan to Joe Root. Starts off with a shortish ball outside off, Root places it to sweeper cover for a single.
Shadab Khan to roll his arm over now. A slip and a short leg in place.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. Slightly overpitched, defended confidently off the front foot.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. Ali switches to around the wicket and bowls a good length ball around off. Stoneman is late in his defence and takes a blow on the thigh pad.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. Ali loses his radar and slips this one down the leg side, Stoneman goes for the flick but misses.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. Length ball outside off, Mark lets it go.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. Full delivery on leg stump, swinging down. Stoneman tries to keep it out but is struck on the pads. No real appeal there as it was always missing the leg stump.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. On a good length outside off, a bit of extra bounce on that occasion. Root taps it towards gully.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. Pitched up delivery outside off, pushed off the front foot to the cover region.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. Full length ball on off, pushed back to the bowler.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. On a length outside off, stays a touch low and goes past Root's attempted defense.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. Brilliant! Imam is really charged up. Short of a length well outside off, Root slaps it towards point where the fielder dives to his left to make a great stop.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. This one is pretty outside off, left alone.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. Great commitment in the field! Fullish delivery outside off, Mark caresses it through covers. Imam-ul-Haq chases it down and slides near the fence to make a great stop. Saves a couple for his side.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. Beaten! On a length outside off, Stoneman has a poke at it and is foxed by the away movement.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. Safe! A review goes down the drain for Pakistan! Bowls a length ball around the leg stump, straightens a little. Stoneman tries to play across the line but misses to get hit on the pads. Ali appeals confidently but the umpire stays put. However, he seems convinced and has a chat with his skipper. They decide to challenge the decision. Time for the replays. The ball is pitching outside leg and that puts the argument to bed.
Pakistan take a review against an LBW decision. Stoneman is the man in question. Seems that it pitched outside leg but Sarfraz still challenges the decision. Let's see if there is a surprise in store for us!
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. Well played! Fuller length ball around off, swinging in a touch. Mark comes forward and defends it stoutly.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. Back of a length delivery, skids after pitching. The English skipper goes for a punch with hard hands but mistimes it to extra cover.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. Fuller length ball outside off, the English skipper leans ahead and pats it nicely to point.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. Ashraf is testing him by bowling it on the off stump line. Root remains composed in his approach and defends it nicely.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. Hangs back to the good length ball and taps it with an open bat face towards the point region.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. In the corridor of uncertainty, Joe comes forward and defends it stoutly.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. FOUR! First boundary for Joe Root! This shot will give him confidence. It is short and wide and it allows him to pounce on it. He frees his arms and slaps it behind backward point to find the fence.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. In the zone outside off, left alone.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Ooh... that almost sneaked through! Ali is a skiddy customer and can surprise any batsman. Tailing in substantially from a back of a length, Root is a bit late on it but manages to get it away off the inner half of the bat through mid-wicket. A run taken.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Good length ball around off, nipping in with good pace. Joe adjusts in his crease and blocks it with a straight bat.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. On a driveable length outside off, holding its line. Root points his bat skywards to let it through.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Full length ball attacking the stumps, Root gets low and jams it out.
Hasan Ali is introduced in the attack. He was really good in Pakistan's previous innings. Can he keep up the good work?
Faheem Ashraf to Mark Stoneman. Back of a length ball around off, shaping away. Stoneman plays it with soft hands and the ball rolls towards the slip cordon. Ashraf starts off with a maiden.
Faheem Ashraf to Mark Stoneman. Swinging away on a good length substantially, Stoneman moves across his stumps and lets it be.
Faheem Ashraf to Mark Stoneman. Short of a length ball on off, Mark shuffles a touch and deals with it nicely.
Faheem Ashraf to Mark Stoneman. Outside off, third leave in a row.
Faheem Ashraf to Mark Stoneman. Similar delivery, going down the slope. Stoneman plants his front foot across to let it be.
Faheem Ashraf to Mark Stoneman. Starts with a fuller length ball outside off, moving away. Stoneman points his bat skywards to let it be.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. Ali loses his radar and slips this one down the leg side, Stoneman goes for the flick but misses.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. Length ball outside off, Mark lets it go.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. Full delivery on leg stump, swinging down. Stoneman tries to keep it out but is struck on the pads. No real appeal there as it was always missing the leg stump.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. On a good length outside off, a bit of extra bounce on that occasion. Root taps it towards gully.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. Pitched up delivery outside off, pushed off the front foot to the cover region.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. Full length ball on off, pushed back to the bowler.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. On a length outside off, stays a touch low and goes past Root's attempted defense.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. Brilliant! Imam is really charged up. Short of a length well outside off, Root slaps it towards point where the fielder dives to his left to make a great stop.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. This one is pretty outside off, left alone.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. Great commitment in the field! Fullish delivery outside off, Mark caresses it through covers. Imam-ul-Haq chases it down and slides near the fence to make a great stop. Saves a couple for his side.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. Beaten! On a length outside off, Stoneman has a poke at it and is foxed by the away movement.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. Safe! A review goes down the drain for Pakistan! Bowls a length ball around the leg stump, straightens a little. Stoneman tries to play across the line but misses to get hit on the pads. Ali appeals confidently but the umpire stays put. However, he seems convinced and has a chat with his skipper. They decide to challenge the decision. Time for the replays. The ball is pitching outside leg and that puts the argument to bed.
Pakistan take a review against an LBW decision. Stoneman is the man in question. Seems that it pitched outside leg but Sarfraz still challenges the decision. Let's see if there is a surprise in store for us!
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. Well played! Fuller length ball around off, swinging in a touch. Mark comes forward and defends it stoutly.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. Back of a length delivery, skids after pitching. The English skipper goes for a punch with hard hands but mistimes it to extra cover.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. Fuller length ball outside off, the English skipper leans ahead and pats it nicely to point.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. Ashraf is testing him by bowling it on the off stump line. Root remains composed in his approach and defends it nicely.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. Hangs back to the good length ball and taps it with an open bat face towards the point region.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. In the corridor of uncertainty, Joe comes forward and defends it stoutly.
Faheem Ashraf to Joe Root. FOUR! First boundary for Joe Root! This shot will give him confidence. It is short and wide and it allows him to pounce on it. He frees his arms and slaps it behind backward point to find the fence.
Hasan Ali to Mark Stoneman. In the zone outside off, left alone.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Ooh... that almost sneaked through! Ali is a skiddy customer and can surprise any batsman. Tailing in substantially from a back of a length, Root is a bit late on it but manages to get it away off the inner half of the bat through mid-wicket. A run taken.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Good length ball around off, nipping in with good pace. Joe adjusts in his crease and blocks it with a straight bat.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. On a driveable length outside off, holding its line. Root points his bat skywards to let it through.
Hasan Ali to Joe Root. Full length ball attacking the stumps, Root gets low and jams it out.
Hasan Ali is introduced in the attack. He was really good in Pakistan's previous innings. Can he keep up the good work?
Faheem Ashraf to Mark Stoneman. Back of a length ball around off, shaping away. Stoneman plays it with soft hands and the ball rolls towards the slip cordon. Ashraf starts off with a maiden.
Faheem Ashraf to Mark Stoneman. Swinging away on a good length substantially, Stoneman moves across his stumps and lets it be.
Faheem Ashraf to Mark Stoneman. Short of a length ball on off, Mark shuffles a touch and deals with it nicely.
Faheem Ashraf to Mark Stoneman. Outside off, third leave in a row.
Faheem Ashraf to Mark Stoneman. Similar delivery, going down the slope. Stoneman plants his front foot across to let it be.
Faheem Ashraf to Mark Stoneman. Starts with a fuller length ball outside off, moving away. Stoneman points his bat skywards to let it be.
Faheem Ashraf comes into the attack.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Plays with the open face of the bat and drives it to point. Another tidy over from Abbas, just a couple from it.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Serves a length delivery on the stumps, Root goes back and defends it down the track.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Stoneman. Fullish delivery on off, Stoneman defensively pushes it to the left of the mid on fielder. They take a quick single.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Short ball, Root gets on top of the bounce and pulls to deep square leg. Single taken.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Good length ball on off, Root sits back and pushes it to cover-point.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Swings and swings pretty late, Root loses his balance as he walks across to flick that but misses. Gets hit on the pads.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Bangs it in short, angling into the body. The batsman bends down and leaves it all alone.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Attempted yorker from Amir, just misses his mark. Stoneman stays back and pushes it down the track.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Bowls from the edge of the crease and attacks the stumps, Stoneman defends it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Feeds the batsman with a delivery on the pads and Root flicks it to deep square leg. Single taken.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Amir bangs this one halfway down the track and tests Root with a bumper. The English skipper sways away from the line of it and lets it go.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Root stands tall and opens the face of the bat as he guides it to gully.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Stoneman. Much fuller from Abbas, tails back just a little. Stoneman looks to play the drive but it goes off the inner half on the leg side.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Stoneman. Nearly, finds the outside edge! Bowls it on a driveable length on the off stump line, Stoneman doesn't hold back and goes after it. He is beaten by the away movement.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Stoneman. Slanting across the stumps and the batsman is happy to leave it.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Stoneman. Comes on the front foot and solidly defends it on the off side.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Stoneman. The ball is too wide on the off side for the batsman to make any contact.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Root goes back to push that but the ball goes off the outer half to third man. The fielder hares after it and stops it inside the rope. Saves a run for his side.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Ends the over with a good delivery, angling in a little, Stoneman plays down the wrong line and misses it.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Just short of Shafiq at second slip. Credit to Stoneman, he plays it with soft hands and the ball dies to the fielder. A rising delivery from Amir, moves away a little and catches the outside edge but drops just in front of the fielder who collects it on the bounce.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Shortish delivery, angling in, the batsman stands tall to defend that but gets an inside edge on the back leg.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Whips it in fine style! Poor delivery, drifting on the pads and Stoneman flicks it away to the mid-wicket region for a brace.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Root defends it on the off side. Calls for a quick single and gets it with ease.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. The angle of the left-arm pacer is troubling Root big time. He stands tall to punch that but the ball whizzes past the outside edge.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Leg Bye! Slanting in from outside off, Root moves across in hope of flicking that one but misses. Gets hit on the pads. They steal a leg bye.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Beaten again! Length ball on off, moves slightly, Root comes forward to defend that but misses it. The ball nearly kisses the outside edge of the bat.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Wrong line, Root glances it away to fine leg. Amir in the deep rushes to his right and flicks it inside the ropes. Saves a couple of runs.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Play and a miss! Fuller in length on off, Root plays down the wrong line and misses it.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Good length ball on the leg stump line, Root tucks it away to deep square leg for a single.
Root moves away at the last moment and stops Amir in his run up.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Prodigious away movement for Amir, shortish in length and swings sharply, Root plays inside the line of it and misses by some margin. The keeper dives to his right to collect that one.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Cutter from Amir, angling away from the batsman, who thinks of playing at it but misses it by some distance.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. That one keeps low, angling acros the stumps. Root lets it go. The keeper takes it on the bounce.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Four Leg Byes! Poor channel from Amir, on the leg stump line and swings in a little. Hits the pads of the batsman and rolls past the keeper to race to the fence.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Stoneman. In the probing channel outside off, Stoneman covers his stumps and lets it through.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Stoneman. Angling away from the batsman, who doesn't even think about playing at it.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Quick single and with that Root opens his account. Defends it on the off side and off they go.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Fullish delivery outside off, Root covers his stumps and leaves it all alone.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Incoming delivery from Abbas, the batsman covers the line of it and defends.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Another fullish delivery on the stumps, Root hangs back and awkwardly pushes it towards the mid off region.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Defends that one off the front foot back to the bowler.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Back of a length ball outside off, Stoneman goes back and lets it go.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. An effort ball from Amir, rising delivery on off. Just that it is little wide and the batsman leaves it comfortably.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Amir goes wide of the crease and bowls a full delivery, swings away a little, Stoneman gets a soft leading edge on the off side.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Beaten! Corrects his line and bowls it in the channel outside off, moves away a little. Stoneman has no clue about it.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Spraying it down the leg side, Stoneman goes for the flick shot but misses it.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Root goes on the back foot and shoulders arms to it.
Joe Root is the next man in.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. OUT! A huge shout for an LBW and the umpire is quick to raise his finger. Cook turns around and walks back to the pavilion. He doesn't even think about the referral as he knows he is a dead duck. Abbas bowls a fuller length ball which skids through after pitching and it hurries the batsman who lunges forward to defend that. He is late on the ball and gets hit below the knee roll. Pakistan have got the opening breakthrough pretty quickly. The Hawk Eye shows the ball would have clipped the top of off stump. Big success for Pakistan, they have got the highess="commentary-ball"> 7.1 3
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Root goes back to push that but the ball goes off the outer half to third man. The fielder hares after it and stops it inside the rope. Saves a run for his side.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Ends the over with a good delivery, angling in a little, Stoneman plays down the wrong line and misses it.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Just short of Shafiq at second slip. Credit to Stoneman, he plays it with soft hands and the ball dies to the fielder. A rising delivery from Amir, moves away a little and catches the outside edge but drops just in front of the fielder who collects it on the bounce.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Shortish delivery, angling in, the batsman stands tall to defend that but gets an inside edge on the back leg.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Whips it in fine style! Poor delivery, drifting on the pads and Stoneman flicks it away to the mid-wicket region for a brace.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Root defends it on the off side. Calls for a quick single and gets it with ease.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. The angle of the left-arm pacer is troubling Root big time. He stands tall to punch that but the ball whizzes past the outside edge.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Leg Bye! Slanting in from outside off, Root moves across in hope of flicking that one but misses. Gets hit on the pads. They steal a leg bye.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Beaten again! Length ball on off, moves slightly, Root comes forward to defend that but misses it. The ball nearly kisses the outside edge of the bat.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Wrong line, Root glances it away to fine leg. Amir in the deep rushes to his right and flicks it inside the ropes. Saves a couple of runs.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Play and a miss! Fuller in length on off, Root plays down the wrong line and misses it.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Good length ball on the leg stump line, Root tucks it away to deep square leg for a single.
Root moves away at the last moment and stops Amir in his run up.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Prodigious away movement for Amir, shortish in length and swings sharply, Root plays inside the line of it and misses by some margin. The keeper dives to his right to collect that one.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Cutter from Amir, angling away from the batsman, who thinks of playing at it but misses it by some distance.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. That one keeps low, angling acros the stumps. Root lets it go. The keeper takes it on the bounce.
Mohammad Amir to Joe Root. Four Leg Byes! Poor channel from Amir, on the leg stump line and swings in a little. Hits the pads of the batsman and rolls past the keeper to race to the fence.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Stoneman. In the probing channel outside off, Stoneman covers his stumps and lets it through.
Mohammad Abbas to Mark Stoneman. Angling away from the batsman, who doesn't even think about playing at it.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Quick single and with that Root opens his account. Defends it on the off side and off they go.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Fullish delivery outside off, Root covers his stumps and leaves it all alone.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Incoming delivery from Abbas, the batsman covers the line of it and defends.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Another fullish delivery on the stumps, Root hangs back and awkwardly pushes it towards the mid off region.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Defends that one off the front foot back to the bowler.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Back of a length ball outside off, Stoneman goes back and lets it go.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. An effort ball from Amir, rising delivery on off. Just that it is little wide and the batsman leaves it comfortably.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Amir goes wide of the crease and bowls a full delivery, swings away a little, Stoneman gets a soft leading edge on the off side.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Beaten! Corrects his line and bowls it in the channel outside off, moves away a little. Stoneman has no clue about it.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Spraying it down the leg side, Stoneman goes for the flick shot but misses it.
Mohammad Abbas to Joe Root. Root goes on the back foot and shoulders arms to it.
Joe Root is the next man in.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. OUT! A huge shout for an LBW and the umpire is quick to raise his finger. Cook turns around and walks back to the pavilion. He doesn't even think about the referral as he knows he is a dead duck. Abbas bowls a fuller length ball which skids through after pitching and it hurries the batsman who lunges forward to defend that. He is late on the ball and gets hit below the knee roll. Pakistan have got the opening breakthrough pretty quickly. The Hawk Eye shows the ball would have clipped the top of off stump. Big success for Pakistan, they have got the highest scorer of the first innings pretty cheaply here.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Plays a drive on the rise to mid off. Fakhar Zaman is the sub on the field in place of Babar Azam.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Shortish delivery, dips in a little, the southpaw is late on it. He gets an inside edge on the back leg.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Pitched up delivery on the stumps, the batsman moves across and plays a drive down the track.
Mohammad Abbas to Alastair Cook. Bowls a fullish delivery on the stumps, nips in a little. Cook pushes it to the mid on region.
Mohammad Abbas will share the new ball.
Mohammad Amir to Mark Stoneman. Widish delivery outside off, Stoneman is happy to leave that one all alone.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. First run for England. Cook is off the mark with a quick single. Sits back and pushes it in the gap on the off side. They take a quick single.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Goes wide of the crease and angles it in. The ball hits the pitch and moves away a little. Well left by the batsman.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Shortish delivery outside off, Cook lifts his bat and shoulders arms to it.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Similar delivery in the channel outside off, Cook decides to leave it.
Mohammad Amir to Alastair Cook. Amir starts with a length ball, moves away a little. Cook sits back and doesn't play at that one. A decent start from Amir.