An unbeaten first Test fifty for James Taylor guided England to within 12 runs of Pakistan’s 234 on a dominant day for the tourists.

Coming to the crease after the quick wickets of Alastair Cook and Joe Root, Taylor showed all his class against the spinning ball to end the day on 74*.

Aided late on by Jonny Bairstow (37*) in an unbeaten stand of 82 for the fifth wicket, the pair will return on day three looking to secure a vital first innings lead as they aim to level the series.

England are, however, likely to spend the rest of the match without Ben Stokes who landed awkwardly on his right shoulder on day one.

Starting the day on 4-0, openers Cook and Moeen Ali had added only 15 to the overnight score before Ali top-edged an attempted slog sweep, only able to find the hands of Younus Khan at slip.

Ian Bell joined Cook, the pair adding 71 for the second wicket, negating the spin threat of Yasir Shah and Zulfiqar Babar impressively.

However, Cook failed to continue his good work from the morning, providing Azhar Ali at leg slip, off Shah, with a simple catch to depart for 49.

Joe Root followed soon after, edging behind off Rahat Ali for four, leaving Taylor to enter the fray at a crucial stage in the innings.

Effectively 97-4 with Stokes unlikely to bat, Taylor’s battling knock in tough conditions put England in the ascendancy by close of play.

Despite losing Bell for 40, Taylor remained busy at the crease as he showcased his array of shots and took the attack to the Pakistan spinners.

Bairstow provided good support at the other end, the pair taking England to within touching distance of the hosts first innings total.

Three years on from his last Test appearance, the Outlaws captain finished the day unbeaten on 74 with fellow batsman Bell praising Taylor’s ability against the slower bowlers.

"James Taylor is a wonderful player of spin, the way he swept and used his feet. His partnership with Jonny was really good - they were busy and looking to score,” he said.

"It's been a really tough day's Test cricket. I thought Pakistan bowled really well, but we're really happy with how today has gone.

"We knew that run-rates wouldn't be high. It's not about what it looked like, but trying to get the job done. Whatever lead we get will put us in a good position.

"Anything up to 100 would be fantastic. It's really teed up for a good Test match.

"Today was a better day to bat so hopefully we can cash in tomorrow morning."

 

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