Despite that setback, Pakistan are now a mere 40 runs behind and still have seven wickets left in hand in their first innings. On Day Three, Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis will look to carry on the task of scoring runs and increase Pakistan’s lead. In 30 first-class matches he has scored more hundreds (six) than he has half-centuries (four) which suggests he has the hunger to convert into big scores (three of his centuries are over 150) although his first-class average is a modest 35.47 at the moment.
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“If you really have to put pressure on the opposition, it’s important to get their main players out because those are the two pillars of their batting”, said Misbah.
England have not always appreciated the gestures but Anderson said: “It’s up to to them how they want to celebrate”.
The day began on a positive note for England with James Anderson striking early on once again.
Anderson lost his temper in particular with Joel Wilson when the West Indian on-field umpire gave him an initial, if not formal, caution about running on the pitch. “I let things get to me and my behaviour wasn’t acceptable, a bit petulant. I didn’t know I was under pressure”, he added.
He added: “We bowled pretty well”.
“I don’t think the “overheads” are going to change too much over the five days”, the opener said.
With both men batting slowly but steadily, they offered very few chances, displaying both patience and fortitude in equal measure as they ended the opening session of the day on 72/1.
Right-arm quick Sohail was recalled for just his third appearance at this level in place of Wahab Riaz as Pakistan broke up the all left-arm pace attack they had deployed for the first two Tests of this four-match series.
All eyes were on Aslam, also playing just his third Test, after the 20-year-old had been brought in to replace struggling opener Shan Masood.
Yet the well-organised Aslam played with a composure belying his years.
It was a disheartening day for Anderson, who claimed 1-32 on a sluggish surface but saw vice-captain Joe Root floor a catching opportunity when Azhar Ali was on 38.
Moeen Ali, the offspinner, received similar treatment, Azhar cutting a rank short ball for four.
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.
But if you work hard, and bowl a good line and length, then success comes and every day is a good day.
3Pakistan batsmen with more runs in their first innings against England in England than Sami Aslam’s 82 today. The Pakistan batsman went on to make 139 and put his side in complete control of this Test.
This innings comfortably surpassed Aslam’s previous Test-best of 20 against Bangladesh in Khulna a year ago.
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Azhar s ungainly pulled four off paceman Stuart Broad saw him to his second Test century against England in 209 balls.
