Centuries from Asad Shafiq and Younis Khan drove Pakistan’s reply in the first innings as the visitors scored 340 for six at stumps on day two and took a lead of 12 runs in the fourth Test at The Oval.
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In glorious batting conditions, England mustered one wicket in each of the first two sessions – nightwatchman Yasir Shah and then Azhar Ali.
Sarfraz Ahmed was 17 not out as Pakistan fought to level the four-match series at 2-2.
England dropped at least three catches earlier in the day with Shafiq getting a reprieve on 7 when James Anderson couldn’t hold onto a sharp chance in the slips.
Woakes boosted England spirits late in the day with two wickets in an over.
It was not until England happened upon Hotspot evidence demonstrating Azhar had gloved a sweep off Moeen, one short of his 50, that they broke the third-wicket stand on 75.
Shafiq, dropped on seven, had twice been out for nought during England’s 141-run win in the third Test at Edgbaston last week.
Badly spilled by Alex Hales in the gully off Chris Woakes, Shah fell for 26 when he edged a lifting delivery from Steven Finn to Joe Root at second slip.
Early in the second session, Azhar and Shafiq started off well and went on to share a 75-run stand.
Shafiq, promoted up the order despite a pair at Edgbaston, avoided a third straight nought by getting off the mark with a cover-driven four off Finn. His innings was all the more poignant as flags above The Oval pavilion were flying at half-mast in honour of Pakistan legend Hanif Mohammad, who died aged 81 on Thursday.
The hosts appeared more interested in a second bite at an lbw appeal – but the ball also looped into Jonny Bairstow’s hands, and third umpire Joel Wilson gave Azhar out caught-behind.
Pakistan resumed on their overnight score of three for one. The series victory might be beyond Pakistan now, but Younis had plenty of reason for rejoicing on Friday.
It took a special moment to break the partnership, Shafiq climbing into a pull off Finn only to be brilliantly caught by Stuart Broad at mid-wicket.
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Misbah-ul-Haq, on 15, was caught by Hales in the gully and debutant Iftikhar Ahmed miscued his fourth ball and Moeen held a good catch running back from mid-on.
