Sami, Azhar put Pakistan in commanding position

The 20-year-old Sami Aslam was on his way to becoming the youngest opener to hit a century in England when a suicidal call resulted in his run-out on the sedonc day of the third Test against England.

Azhar’s defence proved equally resilient, the number three celebrating his 10th Test hundred and first outside Asia with a series of press-ups. Despite that setback, Pakistan are now a mere 40 runs behind and still have seven wickets left in hand in their first innings.

Younis Khan was unbeaten on 21 at the close.

“When I played my first two Test matches, the pitches were flat and it didn’t swing for me”, Sohail told Sky Sports.

“I had a bad half-hour where I let things get to me”, said Anderson.

Maybe that’s why James Anderson, the leader of England’s attack, unravelled so spectacularly, his frustration for twice being warned for running onto the protected area of the pitch in his follow-through, personifying the frustration felt by his team.

Sohail, appropriately, ended the day’s play when had No 11 James Anderson lbw for five.

Anderson had been given an unofficial warning for the same offence by umpire Joel Wilson in the morning. It was unacceptable. I apologised to both umpires for my behaviour. “I didn’t know I was under pressure”, he added.

“Guys were getting starts but weren’t able to kick on, but overall we’re pretty happy with it. It might make us more determined to try to get them out before they get the opportunity to do it”.

Pakistan had seen Sohail Khan, one of their two changes from the side that suffered a 330-run thrashing at Old Trafford as England levelled the four-match series at 1-1, take a Test-best five for 96 on Wednesday.

However, the tourists replied with a positive batting display from Sami Aslam, who replaced Shan Masood in the playing XI, and Azhar Ali.

But after Moeen had overturned a bat-pad catch on 44 off Yasir, it was not until Mohammad Amir struck immediately with the second new ball – Stuart Broad well-held head-high at third slip by Azhar Ali – that the next partnership was broken.

Pakistan were still on their lunch score of 72 for one, with Azhar on his interval total of 38 not out, when the right-hander s flashing drive off Anderson was dropped by Joe Root at second slip.

Azhar and Aslam were content to continue the slow grind, and were repaid with 50s which respectively contained six and five fours from 129 and 135 balls.

Azhar nearly fell to a similar shot off Moeen when on 68, but the bowler was unable to hold a tough return chance above his head off a hard-hit drive.

Finn’s first spell was notable for his efforts as he charged in, flinging the ball down at good pace, but there were not enough deliveries threatening the batsmen, a charge that could be laid against all England’s bowlers.

Sohail had taken two wickets for eight runs in nine balls and England was 48 for two.