Azhar had celebrated reaching his hundred with the press-ups routine memorably introduced by Misbah after his century that set up his side’s victory in the first Test at Lord’s.
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In saying that, Pakistan have been put in a position where a poor batting performance would mean they are unable to win the Test – and even a good one will mean they still need to perform.
Jimmy Anderson was in full Victor Meldrew mode as Azhar Ali drove England to distraction with a classy century for Pakistan.
It was just looking like it might be James Vince’s day, but appearances again flattered to deceive as the Hampshire man got a start, making 39 – including one of the finest bits of timing through midwicket you could ever see – before perishing off Sohail into the hands of Younis Khan at slip.
Former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott said captain Alastair Cook “doesn’t have any real feel for the game – he just bowls them by numbers”.
Gary Ballance earned himself, and England, precious breathing space on day one of the third Investec Test at Edgbaston.
The English bowlers toiled hard throughout the day with James Anderson and Chris Woakes picking up a wicket each.
Anderson showed his frustration when umpire Joel Wilson inspected the pitch due to concerns about the seamer’s follow through before the tourists moved on to 72-1 at lunch.
“I’ve apologised to both umpires, because my behaviour wasn’t acceptable”.
The pair defied England’s four-man seam attack for almost four hours after James Anderson dismissed Mohammad Hafeez off the fourth delivery of the day with Pakistan yet to score.
Pakistan made two changes, with Sami Aslam replacing out-of-form opener Shan Masood and right-armer Sohail Khan coming in for Wahab Riaz to add variety to what had been an all left-arm pace attack.
Azhar, finally out to the last ball of the day, rose above the histrionics.
Yet the well-organised Aslam played with a composure belying his years.
For good measure, England dropped Azhar twice too – on 38 and 69 – a contrast to Pakistan’s flawless effort in the field the previous day.
Azhar’s cover-driven three off fast bowler Steven Finn saw him to a 129-ball fifty, including six fours.
That, however, was of little concern to a delighted Azhar, whose innings left the match intriguingly poised, with the four-Test series all square at 1-1.
Azhar nearly fell to Ali on 68, but the bowler was unable to hold a tough return chance above his head off a hard-hit drive.
This innings comfortably surpassed Aslam s previous Test-best of 20 against Bangladesh in Khulna a year ago.
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“It’s always a dream for any player to come in England and score a hundred”, he added following his 10th century in 48 Tests.
