England endured a collectively frustrating day, as Pakistan moved into position to press for a significant first-innings lead in reply to their 297 all out – thanks to a second-wicket stand of 181 between Azhar Ali (139) and young opener Sami Aslam (82).
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The first flashpoint came at the end of his sixth over when he was spoken to by umpire Joel Wilson for running on the pitch.
England have not always appreciated the gestures but Anderson said: “It’s up to to them how they want to celebrate”.
“I had played two Tests before and I was bowling inswing mostly”, he said.
At stumps, Pakistan were 257 for three, just 40 behind England’s first-innings total, and with Misbah-ul-Haq, their captain, next in England know the first session of the third day will define their fortunes in this series.
Azhar and Aslam combined to steady the innings after Mohammad Hafeez was caught at point by Gary Ballance off pacer James Anderson in the first over for a duck. The English bowlers toiled hard throughout the day with James Anderson and Chris Woakes picking up a wicket each.
Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali celebrated his 10th Test century on Thursday with a customary round of ten push-ups, during the 3rd Test match against England in Edgbaston. I probably got a little bit out of order at one point with the umpires; I’ve apologised to both of them for my behaviour.
“I don’t think the “overheads” are going to change too much over the five days”, the opener said. “All credit to those two guys at the top of the order for them, they played very well”.
Aslam s only prior innings this tour was his 17 against Worcestershire during last week s two-day warm-up match.
Moeen Ali, the offspinner, received similar treatment, Azhar cutting a rank short ball for four.
Another cover-drive, this time off Finn for three, saw Azhar complete a 129-ball fifty, including six fours, in almost three hours at the crease.
Azhar nearly fell to a similar shot off Ali when on 68, but the bowler was unable to hold a tough return chance above his head off a hard-hit drive.
After tea, both Azhar and Aslam drove Ali for a straight six apiece.
Given that Vince and Ballance are playing to secure their places, they counter-punched impressively either side of lunch as Pakistan’s bowlers offered up a liberal supply of loose deliveries between the threatening ones.
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This innings comfortably surpassed Aslam’s previous Test-best of 20 against Bangladesh in Khulna past year.
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Joe Root had made a Test-best 254 at Old Trafford in a match where he and century-maker Cook scored 506 runs between them for just twice out.
