Alastair Cook took full advantage of the flaccid surface, closing day three on 164 not out as England eased towards pairty at 290-3; 233 runs behind Pakistan’s first innings total of 523-8 declared.

The tourists’ captain glided serenely to the 28th century of his Test career and was joined in partnerships of 116 with opening partner Moeen Ali, who scored 35, and 165 with Ian Bell, who scored 63.

A two wicket burst from Wahab Riaz pegged England back to an extent late in the day, but a draw remains the overwhelmingly most likely result.

While Cook’s smart combination of watchful defence, resourceful accumulation and the ability to bunt the bad balls to the boundary allowed him to score at a strike rate of better than 50, Ali and Bell each elected to drop anchor and occupy the crease in support of their captain.

Ali, opening in a Test for the first time, faced 131 balls for his 35 with two boundaries; a far cry from the dashing approach that saw him enjoy success from number eight during the Ashes, but nevertheless a solid start to life within his new role.

The Worcestershire all-rounder played away from his body to present wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed with a diving low catch, off the medium pace of Imran Khan, midway through the morning session.

Bell then embarked on a painstaking 199 balls of groundwork, during which he struck five boundaries, only to miss out on the opportunity to capitalise when a rush of blood saw him pick out point late in the day, handing Wahab the first of his two late scalps.

Nightwatchman Mark Wood survived an early chance when an unsighted Younus Khan waved a prospective slip catch to the boundary rope.

But Wahab, who was banging the ball belligerently into the surface in an impressive late burst of speed and aggression, soon had his man as the tail-ender attempted a back foot drive and played on.

The day, however, belonged to the England captain. The 30-year-old reached 50 in 75 balls, went to a century 105 balls later and reached 150 from 282 deliveries.

His highest score in Test cricket is the 294 he compiled against India back in 2011. On this form, tomorrow, it could well come under threat.

 

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