Pak 302-3published at 76 overs

76 overs

Babar Azam eases the ball into the covers, finds the gap and jogs through for the single to bring up the 300 for Pakistan.

Saud Shakeel then tries to attack Jack Leach, using his feet and then chipping straight back down the ground for a couple.

Ripper from Shoaib Bashir.

Full and it entices Saud Shakeel forward to drive. But the ball dips then grips and turns away to beat the bat.

Close for Bashir and England. There is just the occasional sign that this pitch might well get more lively as the game progresses.

Image source, Getty Images

Spin at both ends now for England as Jack Leach returns.

There's a lengthy discussion one ball into the over that leads to a field change.

Solid, tidy, accurate - and another maiden for Leach.

Steven Finn
Former England fast bowler on BBC Test Match Special

To get Babar Azam out would be a statement of intent from England that they're going to prize out the Pakistan run-scorers early in this Test series.

Babar Azam had been itching to get after Shoaib Bashir and, finally, he can control himself no longer.

He skips down the track and adjusts well to whip a straight ball through mid-wicket for four.

Super shot.

Brydon Carse keeps running in hard for England on debut but with so little in the pitch, it is straightforward enough for the Pakistan batters to get through the over.

Three singles from it as the hosts are able to tick over with ease.

Soham Sarkhel
CricViz analyst

The third session of the day is where England were the most effective with the ball in their previous tour of Pakistan in 2022.

In the morning session, they averaged 30.6 runs-per-wicket, which increased to 43.6 in the afternoon session but was just 25.3 in the evening session.

Pakistan’s bowling attack, in comparison, fared worse as the day progressed (38.3, 42.6 and 45.8 respectively).

After five balls holding a very straight line to Babar Azam, Shoaib Bashir offers up a hint of width to end the over.

That's all the former Pakistan skipper needs and he cuts smartly through backward point for four.

About an hour left in the day, including the extra half hour, and just nine overs until the second new ball is available.

England will likely get a go with it if they so choose.

Ramiz Raja
Former Pakistan captain on Test Match Special on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

There was so much value that innings for Shan Masood.

Not only has he got back into form it was important for the skipper to get the respect of the dressing room - I think they'll serve him.

Just a quick two-over burst for Chris Woakes and now it's back to Brydon Carse.

Ollie Pope is very sensibly rotating his seamers as we approach the end of a gruelling day in the heat.

Good from Carse, hitting a hard length on an off stump line as he bowls round the wicket to the left-handed Saud Shakeel. Maiden.

Ramiz Raja
Former Pakistan captain on Test Match Special on BBC Sounds

It is important for Pakistan to make it count now.

A first-innings score will matter in this Test match. If they can get to 400 it will serve them well.

Thanks, Matt.

A much better hour or so since tea for England, removing both centurions, to at least slow Pakistan's progress.

The hosts are still in a good position to post a commanding total but another quick wicket or two and suddenly it'd be the tourists thinking more positively about day one.

There's nothing for Bashir there. To his credit he leaks only one bye.

Drinks, towels and the rest are coming out at the end of this over. There's still an hour and a bit to go.

I'll hand you back to Sam Drury to take you to the finish.

Bashir is going to come on and bowl now.

Chris Woakes gets away with a couple in this over as only a diving Shoaib Bashir prevents Babar getting another boundary.

England are sticking to their task. They just need someone to summon some inspiration.

Ramiz Raja
Former Pakistan captain on Test Match Special on BBC Sounds

England have shown a lot of character and have learnt from the past two sessions.

It has been a remarkable comeback as the pitch doesn't suit spin or pace.

Jack Leach has grass strains on his knees and his shirt untucked as he twirls away again. This time it's Babar who plays aggressively by playing a wristy flicks off the stumps to guide the ball for four.

That shot showed all of Babar's class.

Steven Finn
Former England fast bowler on BBC Test Match Special

Image source, Reuters

England plugging away here.

You can tell there is some weary bodies out there. They're hanging in there waiting for a mistake.

Chris Woakes does what he can but the ball thuds back off Saud Shakeel's bat. There's a 'more experienced' gentleman drifting off in the stands.

Chris Woakes is coming back. It would be a good time for him to find something to quieten those pointing out his struggles overseas.