Pakistan 72-1 at lunch after early England strike

He removed Mohammad Hafeez for a duck with the fourth ball of the day but thereafter, Pakistan’s batsmen were in control. Pakistan’s No3 batsman produced to chalk up 139 – his first Test century outside of Asia.

It took until deep into the afternoon session for England take a second wicket, and even then it was all thanks to a mix-up by Pakistan when Aslam was run out by James Vince’s direct hit having reached 82.

Younis Khan was unbeaten on 21 at the close.

It was an unfortunate end to a fantastic partnership, but Pakistan did not let the dismissal get to them.

Anderson, England’s all-time leading Test bowler with 458 wickets, is a master performer in such conditions.

Paceman Anderson said he had apologised to the umpires after showing dissent when he was warned for running down the wicket. But his mood soon deteriorated and he snatched his jumper out of the hands of the umpire Joel Wilson after being advised during his first spell that he was encroaching on the middle of the pitch. “I know I was out of order for the way I behaved up to that point”.

If the Pakistan top order doesn’t fire today, then this match could be over as a contest by stumps with the result a mere formality.

Their second-wicket stand could well turn out to be a match-winning one for Pakistan, who are looking to bounce back after getting thrashed in the second Test at Old Trafford.

Aslam’s only prior innings this tour was his 17 against Worcestershire during last week’s two-day warm-up match.

Yet the well-organised Aslam played with a composure belying his years.

His initial frustration appeared to stem from Joe Root dropping Azhar on 38 at second slip, a costly fielding mistake that has been a hallmark of England’s cricket this summer.

The stylish 31-year-old was equally severe when fast bowler Steven Finn dropped short, cutting him for four over point.

Azhar Ali made his 10th Test century and Sami Aslam grasped his opportunity with a composed innings to put Pakistan in a strong position.

Moeen Ali, the offspinner, received similar treatment, Azhar cutting a rank short ball for four.

After tea, both Azhar and Aslam drove Ali for a straight six apiece.

Azhar lamented the manner of Aslam’s exit 18 runs shy of what would have been a fairytale century.

There was new-ball swing in the first hour, but no joy for either of Pakistan’s two left-armers.

There were few thrills and spills as Ballance, with his first 50 in his last seven Test innings spread over more than a year, exercised plenty of caution.

Instead, it was Sohail Khan who found the edge twice to give the tourists the early advantage here, in a series locked at 1-1 with two to play.