If the four-match series ends 2-2, Pakistan could go top of the world Test rankings but England must avoid defeat at The Oval to keep their hopes of reaching the summit alive.
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The Bangladesh Test series will begin in October now, which will give more opportunities for change after a deflating draw against Pakistan.
Even before Yasir (three for 15) took two wickets in five balls England’s prospects of defying much historical data were distant.
13/8/16 Pakistan’s Younis Khan celebrates his double century Action Images via Reuters / Paul Childs Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Thanks mainly to him, and a tail that wagged rather more than it has done before this, Pakistan left England trailing by 214 runs.
The result at the Kia Oval means the four-match series ends drawn at 2-2.
An England rearguard often has Alastair Cook as its cornerstone, but first-change Wahab put him out of the equation with just his second legitimate delivery – a quick one which brought the edge on the back foot and a neat catch from Iftikhar Ahmed at slip.
Yasir quickly dismissed Alex Hales and followed it up with the wicket of James Vince as both the batsmen were foxed by the loop of the ball and were beaten in flight.
Pakistan’s regular number eight came in at first drop on Thursday evening and went on to a dogged 26 on day two before Shafiq (109) and Younus (218) took control.
Finn, who took 3 for 110 in Pakistan’s first innings, paid tribute to Shafiq and Younis by saying: “The two guys who got hundreds played fantastically, negated us and got us exhausted – fielding 140-odd overs – and they reaped their rewards”.
If there were any doubts – given they must bat last – over the value of Pakistan’s 12-run lead when they resumed on 240-6, they had been banished long before Younus was lbw to a James Anderson off-cutter shortly before tea.
But two wickets fell in successive balls after lunch, including the enterprising Jonny Bairstow for 81 from 127 balls, and they were 253 all out.
Bairstow took the attack to Pakistan’s bowlers as he twice cover-drove Wahab Riaz for fours.
Younis, after his “settling-in” period Saturday, looked increasingly fluent as the veteran batsman extended his 32nd Test century.
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“It’s going to be hard for us in this position – but we’ve found ourselves in these positions before”.
