Alastair Cook

Relive Cook's unbeaten hundred

First Test, Abu Dhabi, day three: Scorecard

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Live Reporting

Stephan Shemilt and Marc Higginson

All times stated are UK

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  1. Post update

    And that's the end of a long old day of Test cricket.

    It was just what England needed, but not great for fans of entertainment. Join us tomorrow if you can take any more.

  2. The report

    Captain Alastair Cook led England's reply to Pakistan's daunting 523-8 declared with a fine unbeaten 168 in the first Test in Abu Dhabi.

    He batted throughout the third day but England lost two wickets in three overs late on as they closed on 290-3, needing 34 more to avoid the follow-on.

    Cook added 116 for the first wicket with Moeen Ali (35) and 165 for the second wicket with Ian Bell.

    Bell fell for 63 to Wahab Riaz, who also removed nightwatchman Mark Wood.

  3. Post update

    Just joining us? Maybe you've just woken up? Allow me to provide you with the day three report.

  5. Player reaction

    England captain Alastair Cook, speaking to Sky Sports: "It's been tough physically but I'm pleased to get through. It's a different style of cricket on these slow, low wickets and if you can be patient you can bat for long periods of time. Mahela Jayawardene is in our dressing room now and he was the master of it. At tea, he was at me to keep going and telling me to go through the day.

    "I like to think I have developed against spin and I do think I can score aggressively when I need to. For the first 30-40 balls, they have men around the bat and you can't run down the pitch. You have to trust your defence. Ian Bell did that and got his rewards.

    "I'd take 295 tomorrow. I said if I ever got close to 294 again, I wouldn't get out caught at deep point. Not that it still bugs me or anything..."

    Alastair Cook leaves the field
    Copyright: Getty Images

  6. Post update

    Geoffrey Boycott

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "They should be ferrying in bucket loads of soil from Perth to make it a faster, bouncier pitch and it would become a better spectacle for everybody. They have soil like that in the nets over here, you know, so it can be done."

  7. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Paul Telford: One of the sponsor logos painted on the pitch is for a paint company. Do you think they knew this game would be like watching paint dry and are taking advantage?

  8. Post update

    Geoffrey Boycott

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "You can't sell this product to spectators. I used to commentate in Pakistan and the crowds were already dwindling because they like one-day cricket better. Now they have been playing a while in the UAE, people won't give up time to watch this when they are working. Just getting money for television is not good enough."

  9. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Football Fragmento: This Test - 3 days, 11 wickets - 0 wickets for spinners. Rashid performance was par on this pitch

  11. Post update

    If you're counting, we've had 130 overs of spin in this Test match (including one bowled by Ben Stokes). Not one has brought a wicket. This is the most wicketless overs of spin in Test history.

  12. Post update

    Geoffrey Boycott

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "Moeen is a stop-gap opener and always will be. I won't be wrong, trust me. He is a driver of the ball, fluent on the front foot and back foot, but up front I don't think he has enough other scoring areas or that his defence is tight enough."

  13. Post update

  14. Post update

    Geoffrey Boycott

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "Ian Bell struggled for runs. Since his hundred in Antigua, he's had one decent innings and he's in trouble. If he doesn't make runs, he doesn't keep his place. It was an unpleasant innings, not pretty, and it was a struggle. He looked ill at ease and scratched around but I think it's better that he made an ugly 63 than a pretty 10. He needs confidence to go on and play like the Ian Bell we normally see, the one who is easy on the eye."

  15. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    James Wettern: Umpires can stop games if a pitch is unsafe. Should the rules be changed to allow them stop matches on non-competitive pitches?

  16. Post update

    Michael Vaughan

    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "Normally, when somebody gets a century, it's the batsmen who rush to congratulate him. With Alastair Cook, it was the bowlers - he's the bowlers' best mate. He's given them a day in an air-conditioned dressing room sipping tea."

  17. Post update

    Simon Mann

    BBC Test Match Special

    "Alastair Cook look assured all day, especially for his first 100 runs - then there were a couple of lbw appeals."

  18. Post update

    Geoffrey Boycott

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "Alastair Cook batted as I expected. He went serenely along like Malik did for Pakistan. He's always had patience, determination, desire and skill. He knows his game and plays certain shots well - that's all you need. He made it look simple and easy, which is what he's good at."

  19. Close-of-play scorecard

    England 290-3 (110 overs) - trail by 233; follow-on target 324

    Batsmen: Cook 168*, Root 3*

    Fall of wickets: 116-1 (Moeen 35), 2-281 (Bell 63), 3-285 (Wood 4)

    Bowling figures: Rahat 16-1-43-0, Khan 15-3-39-1, Babar 38-15-67-0, Riaz 19-1-79-2, Shafiq 7-0-19-0, Shoaib 15-2-38-0

    Pakistan 523-8 dec: Malik 245, Shafiq 107, Hafeez 98; Stokes 4-57

    Full scorecard

  20. Post update

    Michael Vaughan

    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "I think it should be more of the same tomorrow - they need to bat as long as possible and make it as awkward as possible for Pakistan no the final day. They will just be wary of losing a few quick wickets in the morning and then letting Pakistan back in."

  21. Post update

    It's been a brilliant effort from Cook, giving England a very good chance of saving this Test match. But apart from the skipper's tireless efforts, that day will not be remembered with any great fondness. As the ball barely competed with bat, it has been a slog.

  23. Close of play

    Eng 290-3

    England get through without further loses, Alastair Cook seeing off the over in much the way he has blunted the Pakistan attack for the entire day. The skipper, who takes handshakes from all the Pakistan team, will sleep on 168 not out, England on 290-3.

    Alastair Cook walks off at the end with Joe Root
    Copyright: Reuters

  24. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Jake Wilkinson: That's as bad a shot as I've ever seen from a nightwatchman. Maybe he thinks it's a genuine promotion!

  25. Eng 289-3

    What were we saying about the use of the nightwatchman? Was always bound to fail. #banthenightwatchman. Riaz bowling the final over of the day.

  27. Eng 287-3

    Now then. Has Alastair Cook just had another life? Babar the bowler, short leg interested as the ball loops off the pad. It's academic, because the catch wasn't taken, and it's not entirely clear if any bat was involved. However, Pakistan are finishing this day strongly. Three minutes for England to survive.

  29. Eng 287-3 (Riaz 18-1-76-2)

    Root has towelled himself down and has made his way to the middle. The replays don't do Wood any favours. A man playing for the close should not be trying Tendulkar-esque back-foot drives. From nowhere, England are on the verge of being in a spot of bother. One more wicket tonight and Pakistan will have a glimmer.

  30. Post update

    Ed Smith

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "That was not a convincing nightwatchman performance from Mark Wood. England's almost impregnable position is now looking a little more insecure."

    Wahab Riaz celebrates
    Copyright: Reuters

  31. WICKET

    Wood b Riaz 4 (Eng 285-3)

    Get Joe Root out of the shower, Mark Wood has gone after one of the scratchiest nightwatchman performances you will ever see. After that edge through the slips in the previous over, Wood is needlessly trying to force a chest-high delivery from Wahab Riaz and gets an inside edge on to his stumps. It's a baffling stroke to a ball that Wood should be leaving alone.

    Mark Wood is bowled out
    Copyright: Reuters

  32. Text 81111

    Soumen: As bad for cricket as this pitch is, I think Cook and England ought to be given more credit for an excellent response to the situation at tea yesterday when Pakistan were 499-4.

  33. Eng 285-2 (trail by 238)

    In amongst the chaos, Alastair Cook remains, but even he is being given a tricky time by the returning spin of Zulfiqar Babar. Swipe at one down the leg side, leading edge. As the floodlights flicker into action, England's batsmen are being their trickiest time of the day.

  34. Post update

    Ed Smith

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "That's not the most reassuring of shots by a nightwatchman. It's heartbreak for the bowler. When wickets are falling at a rate of two a day, two an over is like a double hat-trick."

  35. Close!

    Eng 285-2

    I tell you what, it's all happening now. Wood, perhaps with ideas above his station, drives at Riaz and gets a thick edge between the two slips, who do not move. Perhaps he really is intent on that Test ton. A definite chance for Pakistan.

  36. Eng 281-2

    That really was very, very wide from Riaz, with Bell stretching so far that he ended up on his knees. I imagine that Mark Wood galloped (on his imaginary horse) from the dressing room, eyeing the best chance he'll ever have to get a Test hundred. I'm just imagining the news being relayed to Joe Root, who might have been in the shower. "You what, a wicket? I've sat in my pads all day and as soon as I take them off, Belly does that?!?!"

  37. Post update

    Michael Vaughan

    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "He'll kick himself. Ian Bell worked hard and had to fight for everything but he's just spooned one to backward point. It was a tired shot at the end of a difficult innings."

    Pakistani players celebrate
    Copyright: Getty Images

  38. WICKET

    Bell c Malik b Riaz 63 (Eng 281-2)

    That nightwatchman is needed because Ian Bell has fallen on his sword late in the day. It's a horrible delivery to get out to, a wide half-volley from Wahab Riaz that Bell simply steers to Shoaib Malik at point. That partnership of 165 runs is over in the only way likely - batsman error. Bell has scratched around and is on his way back late in the day.

    Ian Bell leaves the field
    Copyright: Getty Images

  39. Post update

    Michael Vaughan

    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "Mark Wood has the pads on, so England will be using a nightwatchman and trying to protect Joe Root. The fact Root's been sat there all day, it's good for him to get in the shower a little earlier."

  40. Eng 281-1 (105 overs)

    You have to be kidding. At the end of a day where only wicket has fallen, in a test where nine have fallen in three days, England have a nightwatchman padded up. Surely Joe Root is dying to get out there? Instead, it's Mark Wood ready to come in if a wicket falls and (potentially) bat in the morning. That would push Adil Rashid down to number nine. Right now I'm starting a campaign. #banthenightwatchman

  41. From the press box

  42. Eng 279-1 (trail by 244)

    Wahab has more energy than a man who has fielded all day should have and is cranking up the pace as dusk starts to draw in. Cook cuts for a single, then Bell watchfully allows the ball to go past the off stump. Wahab, who bowled a 10-ball over including two wides and two no-balls earlier today, over-steps again. That's a particularly bad idea in these conditions.

  43. Post update

    Simon Mann

    BBC Test Match Special

    "There's a few of the crowd moving towards the exits now. Maybe they want to beat 'the rush'?"

    A young cricket fan
    Copyright: Rex Features

  44. Eng 275-1

    Disaster. Pakistan are bringing pacer Wahab Riaz back on. That will definitely drag this out until 14:30 now. I am livid.

  45. Get Involved

  46. Eng 275-1 (Cook 164, Bell 61)

    It's almost as if both sides are playing for time, begging to get off the pitch and into the ice bath. Malik motors through his over, Bell is in position for a forward defence before the ball is even delivered, Misbah doesn't bother to move the field. If you offered the skippers the chance to knock this day on the head, I reckon they'd take it.

  47. Strauss's cabinet

    Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Alan Drakeley: I reckon KP should be Chief Whip and Flintoff could be the Culture Secretary.

    Joe Bibby: Is it harsh to suggest Adil Rashid as Travel Secretary?

  48. Eng 275-1

    Babar, starting to look like a man who hasn't got the energy to lift his arms to bowl, urges himself to the crease and explores Cook's off stump. As he has done umpteen times today, the skipper shuffles across, negates the spin and defends to the on side. One more ticked down, move along. Nine to go.

  49. Post update

    Simon Mann

    BBC Test Match Special

    "The thing with Brian Lara is that once he got to 120 or 130, you'd start to think about the world record. Alastair Cook still has another 240 runs to go!"

    Brian Lara in action
    Copyright: Rex Features

  50. Eng 273-1 (partnership 157)

    Shoaib Malik benefitted more than most on this deck for his 245, so it's only right that he shoulders the burden of some of the bowling. He might be considering asking wife Sania Mirza for her tennis racquet to belt the ball down with. You're missing none of the action. Unless I say different, assume England are nudging the spinners hither and thither.

  51. Former pros speak out

  52. Eng 271-1 (Cook 161, Bell 60)

    Joe Root has been waiting to bat for so long that the zinc he applied on his face this morning has now worn off. Babar is over the wicket to right-hander Bell in the lengthening shadows. Will four men catching around the bat, Bell works to the leg side. Only two catchers for Cook, which shows who Pakistan think they have a better chance of removing.

  53. Text 81111

    Charlie Martin: Has there ever been a Test where a player has been active in the field for all five days? Cookie could be closing in on that..

    Alastair Cook takes a drinks break
    Copyright: Reuters

  54. Eng 270-1 (trail by 253)

    I'm just wondering of ways to redress the balance between bat and ball. Maybe on pitches as flat as this, the umpires could be given discretion to implement new rules? Perhaps a batsman has to remove an item of protective gear every time he plays and misses? Or he must hit it every three balls? Or a false shot means three 'dog lives', where he turns that bat upside down and has to hit it with the handle. Cook drives Malik for four to bring up the 150 partnership.

  56. Eng 262-1 (Cook 153, Bell 59)

    Our 'let's get through the overs' plan is momentarily halted by a problem with the sightscreens. That's all quite baffling, because the screens have fine since a lot of nonsense on the first morning. On the England balcony, James Anderson sits in his flip flops, like a man on holiday that will head to the pool as soon as the close comes.

  57. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Saj Sadiq: Wickets like these the reason why Pakistan has only won 1 Test in Australia or South Africa in the last 17 & a half years.

  58. Eng 261-1 (97 overs)

    I sense a plan to rattle through the overs and I like it. Chris Gayle is an excellent man for this tactic. His two-pace walk to the crease gets overs bowled so quickly that the bowler at the other end barely has time to to get to his fielding position. When Gayle bowls in tandem with Marlon Samuels, West Indies can get through 30 an hour. Shoaib Malik, one from it.

  59. Post update

    Ramiz Raja

    Ex-Pakistan captain & Test Match Special pundit

    "We can expect more of the same in Sharjah and Dubai. But, like the players, the commentators need to hang in there. There will be boring sessions but that is how Pakistan have managed to survive and beat the opposition here."

  60. Eng 260-1 (trail by 263)

    Ian Bell certainly thinks we're going to have lots of spin. He's got rid of his helmet and is batting in a cap, revealing a face that is looking a little pink. The crowd, now here after two days off, is making some decent noise with horns and cheers. Imagine how noisy they would be if there was a decent contest going on. There are 15 overs left in the day. It would be good if they could bowl them in half an hour.

  62. Eng 260-1 (Cook 151, Bell 59)

    Shoaib Malik is back into the attack. He must have modelled his creeping, high-armed run-up on Saqlain Mushtaq. Outside Cook's off stump, turning away, a couple of singles. I wonder if we'll see an abundance of spin between now and the end of the day, just to get through the overs, to get us all off home that bit sooner.

  63. Post update

    Ramiz Raja

    Ex-Pakistan captain & Test Match Special pundit

    Alastair Cook salutes after hitting 50
    Copyright: Rex Features

    "It's a special record Alastair Cook has got in Asia, but his technique is suited to playing over here. He has a good defence and plays the sweep shot well."

  64. 150 for Alastair cook

    Eng 258-1

    To rub a little salt into the wound, Alastair Cook nudges a single on the leg side to go to 150, his ninth score of 150 or more in Test cricket. If he's offering one chance every 150 runs, expect him to get 300.

    Alastair Cook celebrates
    Copyright: Reuters

  66. Cook dropped on 147

    Eng 257-1

    Dropped! Alastair Cook has given a chance and Pakistan have spilled it. A top-edged sweep off Babar goes to deep backward square leg, where the sub fielder Fawad Alam comes in, dives forward, gets both hands to it, but spills the chance. Cook has actually looked a little loose for a while, a few swipes and iffy cuts, and now he has presented a chance. When might he give another?

  67. Post update

    Phil Tufnell

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "With the batting line-up which England have, and the explosive batters still to come, once they pass the follow-on target maybe they will re-jig the order and try and blast their way towards Pakistan's total. Maybe elevate Jos Buttler or Ben Stokes?"

  68. Latest scorecard

    England 255-1 (93 overs) - trail by 268; follow-on target 324

    Batsmen: Cook 147*, Bell 58*

    Fall of wickets: 116-1 (Moeen 35)

    Bowling figures: Rahat 16-1-43-0, Khan 15-3-39-1, Babar 31-12-60-0, Riaz 15-1-66-0, Shafiq 7-0-19-0, Shoaib 9-1-23-0

    Pakistan 523-8 dec: Malik 245, Shafiq 107, Hafeez 98; Stokes 4-57

    Full scorecard

  69. Drinks break

    Eng 255-1

    Ian Bell and Alastair Cook take a drinks break
    Copyright: Getty Images

    After all the excitement of a review, the umpires decide we need another drinks break. It's just dawned on me that we've probably got more than an hour of play left today. That seems a long time. Australia being bowled out in a session at Trent Bridge seems a long time ago. That wasn't proper Test cricket either. Is it too much to ask for something in the middle?

  70. Strauss's cabinet

    Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Dan in Yorkshire: KP - foreign secretary, Mike Gatting - food, David Gower - culture.

    Dan Poole: If Andrew Strauss is made PM then KP is a shoo-in for leader of the opposition.

  71. Eng 253-1

    Reiffel does that low wave of the arms, signifying that he's got the decision right. We've seen nothing to suggest that the decision should be over-turned. Misbah might have reviewed just for something to do.

  72. Umpire review

    Eng 253-1

    No Hotspot, no snicko. Almost impossible to tell if there was anything on that. Then again, Misbah was given out on day one.

  73. Post update

    Ramiz Raja

    Ex-Pakistan captain & Test Match Special pundit

    "We'd need a magnifying glass to know if that has been gloved or not. But it is close."

  74. Post update

    Ed Smith

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    Pakistan wicket keeper Sarfraz Ahmed looks on
    Copyright: Getty Images

    "The chances are so few and far between, that if the wicketkeeper thinks there might have been a chance it's worth a review."

  75. Umpire review

    Eng 253-1

    Hang on, something's happening. Ian Bell trying to pull Riaz, a noise, taken by the keeper. Out? No, says Paul Reiffel. Pakistan take an age, then review out of sheer desperation.

  76. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "You need a batsmen less than you normally go with on these pitches - so have your keeper batting at six. If I was an England selector, I would have said to Jos Buttler that Jonny Bairstow is taking the gloves for this game and I'm coaxing Ryan Sidebottom out of retirement to bowl left-arm seam - his footholes were one of the main reasons I signed for Nottinghamshire."

  77. Eng 244-1 (Cook 137, Bell 57)

    Duncan, I'm extremely interested. Mainly because I want to know who would be in his cricketing cabinet. Alastair Cook as deputy PM? Nasser Hussain as chancellor? Geoff Boycott as defence secretary? Graeme Swann as a spin doctor? There are 20 overs left in the day, but they have to be bowled by 14:30. Babar to Bell is the first of them. Six balls pushed back.

  78. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    10 Downing Street
    Copyright: Reuters

    Duncan: A mate of mine has just got 250-1 on Andrew Strauss being Prime Minister within the next 20 years. Just thought you might be interested.

  79. Eng 244-1 (trail by 279)

    The shadows are lengthening in Abu Dhabi and there's a reasonable amount of noise coming from the crowd. Outside the stadium, there's a game going on in the sand between a group of blokes, while a couple of diggers stand idle. Maybe get them going to dig up this pitch? Riaz continues to go short to Bell, getting cut for four for his trouble.

  80. Post update

    Phil Tufnell

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    Pakistan's fielders take a water break
    Copyright: Getty Images

    "On days like this, you just make sure you bowl your overs in time You don't want to be out there any longer than you need to be - you don't get paid overtime."

  81. Close!

    Eng 239-1

    Ooofff, Alastair Cook is lucky not to lose his off stump there. The skipper tries a very un-Cook-like heave towards the leg side off Babar and has his heart in his mouth as the ball shoots underneath his bat. That's missed the timbers by a coat of varnish. Babar has now got through 30 wicketless overs.

  82. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Mark Wellman-Riggs: Can we now leave Ian Bell alone? 46 Test 50s = legend.

  83. Eng 237-1 (Cook 135, Bell 52)

    Joe Root is padded up, towel around his neck, having a laugh with James Taylor and Alex Hales. Root will need some cream for his pad rash before much longer. Wahab Riaz tests Ian Bell with some bumpers, but Bell is adept at ducking and diving. Remember, he owes England 188 runs, so is still 136 short.

  84. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Alastair Cook
    Copyright: Getty Images

    Jonathan France: Imagine if this was a timeless Test! Reckon they'd be playing into the 10th day.

  85. Eng 234-1 (trail by 289)

    Just going back to the pitches debate, one thing that kills my the-bowlers-haven't-been-skilful-enough argument is this point: in nearly three days, I reckon there have been only five genuine wickets. I say that because four Pakistan batsmen got themselves out trying to get on with it. No matter how you look at, even if Darren Pattinson was bowling at Don Bradman, you should see more than five wickets in three days.

  86. Post update

    Simon Mann

    BBC Test Match Special

    "That 50 is a personal triumph for Ian Bell after the start he had. He has gritted it out and now has as many runs as he scored on England's last tour here."

  87. 50 for Ian Bell

    Eng 234-1

    Ian Bell salutes his 50
    Copyright: Getty Images

    Well batted, Ian Bell. Earlier, Bell looked like he could get out to almost every ball, but he has persevered to score a 46th Test 50. It might not be the most fluent knock he's ever put together, but the dogged nature might make it one of the most rewarding. 134 balls, the milestone reached with a hook off Rahat for four. That's only his third boundary - dabs behind square on the off side and nudges to leg have been the order of the day.

  88. Get Involved

  89. Eng 228-1 (Cook 132, Bell 46)

    Plenty of chat about the dead-nature of this pitch, but allow me to play devil's advocate for a second. Would better bowlers get more out of it? Might Yasir Shah have been the difference - it has turned. Have pitches been like this in the past, only we had results because there were better bowlers, spinners especially - Warne, Murali, Kumble, Mushtaq, Vettori. Maybe both sides are missing that extra yard of pace. Babar tosses it up, but Bell isn't taking the bait.

  90. Post update

    Charles Dagnall

    BBC Test Match Special

    Ian Bell in bat for England
    Copyright: Getty Images

    "Ian Bell had a tricky period in the 20 minutes before lunch, he's still there. Credit to him for that."

  91. Eng 224-1 (trail by 299)

    There are plenty of cars coming towards the stadium, locals looking for an evening's entertainment. They might not stay long. I'm starting to think of things that are more interesting than this Test match. Going to the dentist? A long journey in a lift? Ironing? Answers on a postcard. The good news for England is that Ian Bell is looking more fluent, clipping Imran Khan over the leg side for a couple.

  92. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Joshua Baxter: If Trent Bridge were fined for a poor pitch then so should Abu Dhabi for this. Cook could reach 10,000 runs by the end

  93. Eng 220-1 (Cook 128, Bell 42)

    Thanks, Marc. Has anything happened while I've been away? I can report that the crowd has swelled to a decent number - maybe 3,000-4,000. All are sitting in the shade and not one is being treated to an entertaining spectacle. A Pakistan fan that has been here throughout leads the singing. He's got a wonderful, Poirot-style moustache and is waving a Pakistan flag. Rahat Ali begs the new ball to do something, but it's as likely to move as Julian Assange.

  94. Excellent from Luton Town...

  95. Eng 217-1 (trail by 306)

    It's been pointed out to me (thanks Ben in London) that I've mentioned Peter Kay twice in this live text today. I don't have my own material, you know. I'm sure Peter's character Max Bygraves will be following the action closely. He's got a few Pakistan one-day shirts in his locker. I promise not to mention Peter again today - partly because Stephan Shemilt is hovering nearby ready to take the live text reins.

    Peter Kay
    Copyright: Rex Features

  96. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    From Ben in London: I'm starting to wonder if Peter Kay has paid for endorsements on TMS or if it's just Marc Higginson's secret obsession. Maybe a potential TMS lunchtime guest in future?

  97. Eng 217-1

    Big, big appeal from an excitable Pakistan fielding side when Imran Khan runs one back into the pads of the right-handed Ian Bell. Looks good - but there's an inside edge. Moving on...

  98. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Tom Scarborough: If Cook's gonna nail a triple, he needs to get a shift on.

  99. Eng 216-1 (trail by 308)

    A dab down to third man from Alastair Cook brings up the 100 partnership between these two, in 249 balls. Steady stuff.

  100. Eng 215-1 (trail by 308)

    I compared Imran Khan to Ben Hilfenhaus earlier, but he also reminds me of Umar Gul. The new nut isn't doing anything yet as Ian Bell helps himself to three through square leg.

  101. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Nigel, Leeds: Officially losing the will to live here! Blimey what an ad for test cricket this game is! No reflection on the sides on show but I doubt we could have a result in eight days, let alone five.

  102. New ball

    The brand, spanking new cherry is gobbled up by Pakistan. Imran Khan will get first use of it.

  103. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Lee Jackson: @KP24 is everywhere just lately, well everywhere apart from Abu Dhabi that is. I am sure Cook couldn't care less what he thinks.

  104. Eng 209-1 (80 overs)

    Peter Kay
    Copyright: BBC

    What's that Peter Kay joke about buffets?

    "Vol au vents, chicken legs, cheesecake. Repeat."

    It's the same here. Dot, dot, single, dot, single, dot. And repeat.

    But at least the new ball is now due.

  105. Your disappointing debuts

    Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Matt Jeffery: Batted on debut for Binfield CC men's aged 15. Ran out 5 of our own batsmen!

  106. Eng 206-1 (Cook 121, Bell 35)

    There's actually nothing happening. Pakistan have the part-time bowlers on and England are just ticking along at the speed of a Sunday driver.

  108. Eng 203-1 (trail by 320)

    Shoaib Malik might look innocuous but he has got Ian Bell out twice in six meetings, and Kumar Sangakarra as many times as Bell but in 11 innings. His 'bunny' is South Africa's Boeta Dippenaar - he got him twice in four meetings. And that concludes your Shoaib Malik history lesson. Two from the over.

  109. Eng 201-1 (Cook 119 off 231)

    More part-time spin from Asad Shafiq, with Pakistan knowing England will remain watchful whatever bowling they send down. This is not of the highest class, but just one from the latest set of six which are over and done with in next to no time.

  110. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Paul Harris: It's all about the game within the game now: Ian Bell is 31*. Needs another 157.

  111. Eng 200-1 (76 overs)

    It's a waiting game for Pakistan now. They're waiting for the new ball, which becomes available after 80 overs.

    Shoaib Malik gets us under way after lunch, looking to add to his 21 Test wickets, but he is easily milked for singles. Three of them in fact, which brings up England's 200.

  112. Post update

    Alastair Cook has changed his shirt, had a brew and is now ready to dig in for another session. Can he bat the day out? Let's find out.

  113. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Matthew Sewell: It's nice to see some good old-fashioned proper Test match cricket. If this was the Ashes, the Test would be already over.

  114. Post update

    Michael Vaughan

    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "Ian Bell is just hanging in there. He is finding batting very difficult, but he is doing the right thing. If you stay out there, things might click. You can't find it when you're back in the dressing room."

  115. KP backs Cook

    KP
    Copyright: Twitter

  116. Remembering Brian Close

    BBC Radio Test Match Special

    Former England seam bowler Mike Selvey: "What many people don't understand is that Brian didn't let the ball hit him. In that famous innings against West Indies, he didn't have any option. He dropped his hands and bat, protecting his wicket. It was an astonishingly brave performance."

  117. Post update

    Michael Vaughan

    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "Pakistan have tried everything but there's not a lot there. If you play straight and find the boundary when the right ball comes, then just knock the other balls into the gaps. England are in a good position, but Pakistan will be hoping to turn the match on its head with the second new ball."

  118. Tea report

    Alastair Cook's unbeaten 116 led England's assured reply to Pakistan's 523-8 declared in the first Test in Abu Dhabi.

    The skipper's 28th Test hundred dominated a total of 197-1 at tea on the third day, leaving England needing a further 127 to avoid the follow-on.

    Cook added 116 with Moeen Ali, who fell for 35 shortly before lunch, and an unbroken 81 with Ian Bell for the second wicket.

    Bell overcame a scratchy start to reach 31, hitting only three fours off the 104 balls he has faced on a pitch that continues to offer the bowlers precious little assistance.

  119. Tea scorecard

    England 197-1 (75 overs) - trail by 326; follow-on target 324

    Batsmen: Cook 116*, Bell 31*

    Fall of wickets: 116-1 (Moeen 35)

    Bowling figures: Rahat 13-1-33-0, Khan 12-3-28-1, Babar 27-10-54-0, Riaz 12-1-47-0, Shafiq 5-0-15-0, Shoaib 6-1-15-0

    Pakistan 523-8 dec: Malik 245, Shafiq 107, Hafeez 98; Stokes 4-57

    Full scorecard

  120. Post update

    BBC Radio Test Match Special

    So, as the players head off for refreshments, TMS will spend tea remembering the late Brian Close. If you haven't seen it, watch this video of Close standing up to Michael Holding. Incredible cricket.

    Alastair Cook leaves the field
    Copyright: Getty Images

  121. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Sam in Reading: Dull it may be, but I'm used to seeing us 30-3, so this is a nice change.

  122. Tea

    Eng 197-1

    Asad Shafiq to deliver the last over before tea, and Alastair Cook just pats back four dots before taking a single into the leg side when the part-time slow bowler chucks in a half-tracker.

  124. Eng 196-1 (74 overs)

    Alastair Cook, who is normally gives little away at the crease, curses himself when Shoaib Malik pushes one through and almost causes the England skipper to pop up a return catch. It lands wide of the bowler, however.

    There's a break in play now after Shan Masood is hit on the helmet by Cook's sweep shot. He should be OK after a little breather.

  125. Your disappointing debuts

    Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Bryony Lever: My 1st time batting a few months ago. 3rd ball I got a cricket ball to the (unprotected) thigh. Had a bruise for weeks. Ouch!

    HAL's Pal: Worst debut. Selected for school XI, silly mid off - ball to privates. Batted, dolly 1st ball straight back to bowler, Last match.

  126. Eng 193-1 (Imran 12-3-28-1)

    Don't give it away now, Ian Ronald. The England number three chases one down leg and is almost strangled by an Imran Khan-Sarfraz combo. Luckily for him, the sound we all heard was the ball hitting the pad. Not the bat.

  127. Your disappointing debuts

    Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Richard Thorogate: I remember my first match for a local team in West London, my Father-in-Law came to watch me who was the ex -captain of Farnham and had the played game for about 50 years. I dropped 2 catches and was out first ball LBW playing a forward defensive shot. I never played again

  128. Eng 193-1

    Close your eyes of think of a trademark Alastair Cook shot into the leg side and you will picture his latest boundary, a pulled four when Imran Khan pops one into the centre of this pudding of a pitch.

  129. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    JoElle: It's 3.20am, I'm designing a pizza store logo, and only the cricket is giving me the will to live.

    Robert Bownes: Is there a metric for boring test matches? Cause I reckon this is the benchmark...

  130. Get Involved

  131. Eng 188-1 (trail by 335)

    Shoaib Malik is the latest spin option for Pakistan, who are badly missing injured talisman Yasir Shah. Malik is steady if nothing else, but should pose no threat to Alastair Cook who sweeps a single. Three from the over. Slow going.

  132. The Bell debate

    Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Peter Collins: England will miss Bell, but it won't be terrible; we have batsman to fill is spot. When Cook goes we'll have no openers!

    Chris Ward: The way Bell is playing here makes the decision not to include James Taylor look all the more baffling.

  133. Eng 185-1 (Cook 106, Bell 29)

    Alastair Cook has gone a little quiet since bringing up three figures. Finally, he tucks into one however when Imran Khan overpitches and the left-hander drives three into the off side.

    Alastair Cook batting
    Copyright: Reuters

  134. Post update

    Andrew Samson

    BBC Test Match Special statistician

    "It would take England another 133 overs to reach Pakistan's score if they keep going at the current rate. That would take us until the end of tomorrow."

  135. Not out!

    Eng 181-1

    Another big lbw shout when Rahat rushes one into Alastair Cook's pads but the umpire again says no. Sounded like there was some bat on it. And it was pitching outside the line and missing off stump. Apart from that it was a decent shout.

  136. Eng 181-1

    The next test for England will be the new ball, which is available to Pakistan in 10 overs - presumably after tea. I'm sure Wahab will be cranking up the pace with the new nut. The match is coasting along now, with Ian Bell angling a solitary single down to third man.

  137. Post update

    Geoffrey Boycott

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "Ian Bell has no rhythm, not timing, he is too soon into the ball. When you're out of form, you have to really stay in and graft. Make an ugly 50, get some runs behind you."

    Ian Bell batting
    Copyright: Getty Images

  138. The Bell debate

    Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Elliott Bewley: This wicket is what out of form players like Bell really need. And if he can't get runs here, that's when to ask questions!

    Philip Ling: So much negativity about Bell. He's in and doing a job for the team (even if scratchily). Slate him if he gets out cheaply

  139. Eng 180-1 (trail by 343)

    Imran Khan, who is of a similar muscular build to Ben Hilfenhaus, returns to the attack but the pitch doesn't seem to be offering anything to the seamers. Only masters of their craft like Chaminda Vaas and Zaheer Khan would look dangerous on a surface like this.

    Saying that, however, the right-arm quick shapes one back into Alastair Cook's pads only for the skipper to get an inside edge on to it. Umpire Paul Reiffel shakes his head.

  141. Eng 178-1 (Cook 102, Bell 26)

    Pakistan might have fancied their chances if they'd seen off Alastair Cook there. England's next two batsmen are right-handers and Zulfiqar Babar would be getting plenty of men around the bat and creating some pressure.

    As it is, the skipper survives and England remain in control of their own destiny. Rahat continues to run in hard but he's been given a warning for running onto the danger area. One more and he's out of the attack.

  145. Not out

    Eng 177-1

    Not out! The ball was missing leg stump. It pitched in line and the impact was in line - but a reprieve for Alastair Cook, and three leg-byes are added to the score.

  146. Eng 174-1

    Outside the line reckons my colleague Stephan Shemilt...

  148. Pakistan review

    Eng 174-1

    Alastair Cook misses a sweep shot and an excitable Zulfiqar rushes the ball through and into the left-hander's pads. Looks close - the umpire says no, but Pakistan call for a review.

  150. Eng 171-1 (run-rate 2.59)

    A number of the Pakistan fielders - including captain Misbah and wicketkeeper Sarfraz - are wearing pristine white floppy hats. I'm a big fan of such attire. It makes me hark back to the good, old days of Jack Russell and his moth-bitten headwear.

    Ian Bell is trying to cut Rahat down to third man and twice he fails to execute properly - once missing and the second time he is close to chopping on. One from the over.

  152. Eng 170-1 (Cook 101 off 192)

    An eccentric Pakistan fan is picked up by the television cameras dancing and shaking his shaggy hair from side to side. I can't imagine Alastair Cook has ever had shaggy hair - short, back and sides all the way. Tried and tested, like his open stance method against the slow left-arm spin of Babar. Maiden.

  153. Post update

    Phil Tufnell

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "We're all professionals and there is pressure, but Test cricket should be fun to play. It is no fun for the bowlers on this pitch. It takes the enjoyment away."

    Sohaib Malik bowls
    Copyright: Getty Images

  154. Post update

    Geoffrey Boycott

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "If they really had the desire and will, they could dig these pitches up and bring in soil that makes more competition between bat and ball. There isn't the will. I asked the chief executive of this ground. He says they want pitches like this because they are similar to those in Pakistan."

  155. Scorecard update

    England 170-1 (64 overs) - trail by 353; follow-on target 324

    Batsmen: Cook 101*, Bell 22*

    Fall of wickets: 116-1 (Moeen 35)

    Bowling figures: Rahat 10-1-30-0, Khan 9-3-17-1, Babar 25-9-51-0, Riaz 12-1-47-0, Shafiq 4-0-14-0, Shoaib 4-1-9-0

    Pakistan 523-8 dec: Malik 245, Shafiq 107, Hafeez 98; Stokes 4-57

    Full scorecard

    Ian Bell
    Copyright: Getty Images

  157. Drinks break

    Eng 170-1 (Rahat 10-1-30-0)

    Alastair Cook still needs another 6,500 runs or so to overtake Sachin Tendulkar at the top of Test cricket's batting tree. Can he do it? I reckon he can. He's still only 30 years of age. Rahat, bowling at 83mph, is not presenting too much of a test for the stoic left-hander who pushes a gentle single into the leg side and then sits on his bat at the non-striker's end taking in the scenery. Drinks.

    Alastair Cook takes a drink
    Copyright: AP

  158. Your disappointing debuts

    Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Nick: Playing for the local under 16 side I was handed the ball by the captain for a bowl. No doubt he was confident given I had got a very unexpected hat-trick in our practice match the night before including trapping our star batter LBW.

    In my first over lasted for 15 balls and went for 18. There was no second over. I've never bowled again so my lifetime stats are 1, 0, 18, 0. My only comfort was that we lost the match by a lot more than 18 runs!

  159. Eng 169-1 (Cook 100, Bell 22)

    Ian Bell still doesn't look sure against Babar - his defence almost as dodgy as Peter Kay's Cockney accent in Cradle to Grave. That, by the way, is a superb show. Check it out if you haven't seen it yet - over here. Maiden over.

    Peter Kay
    Copyright: BBC

  160. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Jarleth Eaton: Remember when people were calling for Cook to go as Test captain? Totally ludicrous. Still the best batsmen. Top knock.

    Freddie Higgs: Woo! Cook has served up a beauty! well deserved century!

    Bowser: Hundred for Cook. Superb stuff. Plenty more please!

  161. Snakes on a plane

  162. Eng 169-1 (trail by 354)

    Alastair Cook
    Copyright: BBC

    Alastair Cook really is one of a dying breed. There are not too many openers around the world who can bat for days on end. Happily sitting in his skipper's slipstream, Ian Bell again shows his growing confidence with a trademark late cut for four.

    Going back to Cook, is he the one current batsman you'd have batting for your life? Across all conditions. Or maybe Hashim Amla?

  165. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Greg Double: It should come as no surprise that it's a man called Cook performing in the heat. The crease is his kitchen. Wonderful century.

  166. Post update

    Simon Mann

    BBC Test Match Special

    "Cook has led from the front. It's not an exuberant celebration, but one of a man who is doing a job for his side."

    Alastair Cook celebrates
    Copyright: Rex Features

  167. 100 for Alastair Cook (off 180 balls)

    Eng 164-1

    Never in doubt. Alastair Cook pushes four through the off side, brings up his 28th Test century and then calmly raises his bat in acknowledgement. #makeitadaddy

    Alastair Cook celebrates
    Copyright: Reuters

  168. Eng 160-1

    Ian Bell can't be accused of not toughing it out. For a man who normally seems to make scoring runs through the off side look so easy, he has edged his way to 17 off 62 balls. However, he might finally be finding the middle of his bat after pushing Riaz through the off side for three.

  170. Your disappointing debuts

    Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Jon Browne: I remember opening the batting at my Prep school, and was told to be cautious. I took this very seriously as I batted for over an hour and was out for a duck!

  171. Eng 155-1

    Alastair Cook reaches 1,000 runs for the calendar year when he rocks back and forces Babar through the off side for two. #runmachine

  173. Eng 153-1 (Cook 92, Bell 14)

    Now Alastair Cook goes fishing - poking his bat out at a horrible wide one from Riaz. He fails to edge behind, but it certainly brings some cries of anguish from the expectant Pakistan fielders behind the wicket. Unperturbed, the skipper just presses the reset button and angles a single down to backward point.

    Another edge from Ian Bell - but this time it's a thicker one and it flies through the slips for four.

  175. Eng 148-1

    A life for Ian Bell, who edges Wahab Riaz to first slip but the ball bounces just before the crouching grabber.

  176. Eng 147-1 (trail by 376)

    Alastair Cook is into the nineties now, cutting Babar for four. That's how you do it, Belly.

    Bed and breakfast? Cook's booked in for an all-inclusive.

    Zulfiqur Babar bowls
    Copyright: Reuters

  177. Boycott XI

    Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Boycott XI scorecard
    Copyright: BBC Sport

    Luke Parkinson: Did Auntie Annie not fancy a bat?

    Phil Gill: Can you imagine if it was a timeless Test. Triple figures on the cards.

    Akshay: His mum got out! Roobish! Awful for the average.

  178. Eng 143-1 (Riaz 10-1-33-0)

    Wahab Riaz, the left-arm quick, is brought back into the Pakistan attack and he begins with an 89mph yorker which Alastair Cook digs out. Wahab is a fiery sort - Shane Watson and Jonathan Trott are just two of the batsmen he's had run-ins with.

    He is, however, struggling to find his radar as he sends down two wides and a no-ball in succession. As a result, he goes around the wicket and the angle already appears easier for Ian Bell to deal with.

  179. 116 not out

    Ian Bell graphic
    Copyright: BBC Sport

  180. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Richard Higgins: The Chef remains the coolest cucumber in the hottest kitchen!

  181. Eng 138-1 (Cook 86, Bell 9)

    There's a touch of the Ravichandran Ashwins about Babar, who seems to have more arms than legs in his delivery stride. Twisting every sinew in his upper torso, he continues to probe away outside the batsman's off stump and Alastair Cook is happy to take another single. He'll get them in ones.

  182. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Chris: Re: Boycott XI (08:22) I'm assuming that Boycott ran his mother out.

    Geoff Boycott
    Copyright: Getty Images

  183. Eng 137-1 (trail by 386)

    If Alastair Cook was a workman and you had to nip out in a hurry, you'd be happy to let him have the house to himself. A trustworthy sort who would still be there when you get back - which is exactly what England need in this situation. Waiting for the chance to score, rather than forcing the issue, he tickles Shoaib for a single into the leg side.

  184. The Bell debate

    Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Toby Pimlott: I love Ian Bell, but if you are going to drop Ballance with an average of 47 I don't see why Bell is immune from being dropped.

    billybunter3rd: To Bell moaners; people used to moan about Cook & Trott, since Trott went Eng really missed him, be same when Bell & Cook go

    Ian Bell batting
    Copyright: Reuters

  185. Eng 136-1 (Babar 21-8-43-0)

    Remember the nineties when Pakistan would have Mushie bowling, men round the bat and an England batsman in their sights? We're back to those days as Babar continues to toy with Bell. Taking a leaf out of his skipper's book, Bell sweeps the slow left-armer for four. Interesting use of the shot considering Pakistan barely played it.

  186. Your disappointing debuts

    Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Gordon: In my first match for a new school I tried to smash the first delivery for six and was bowled middle stump for a golden duck. I didn't play for the school again.

    20 years later in my first match for a new village team I tried to replicate the shot but this time managed to top edge the ball onto my nose resulting in a broken nose and much blood. Fearing a humiliating hat trick I left the crease and to this day have never returned.

    Cricket stumps
    Copyright: Getty Images

  187. Eng 132-1 (Cook 84 off 149)

    There are three close catchers for Captain Cook, who is getting well forward and batting back Shoaib Malik's offies from round the wicket. When the Pakistan double centurion strays down leg, Cook sweeps for four. That takes those off-side catchers out of the equation.

  189. Eng 128-1 (Bell 5 off 41)

    There are more spectators in the ground today and the Pakistan fans in attendance chant Babar's name as he continues to cast a spell over Ian Bell. The odd play and miss, the odd grope outside off stump and finally a single to end the over.

  190. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Will Aitkenhead: Len Hutton's England record of 364 is in danger here. #Cook300 #Cook400

  191. Eng 126-1 (trail by 397)

    Andrew Lincoln
    Copyright: Getty Images

    If Ian Bell looks troubled, Alastair Cook remains as calm and assured as ever. He's the England team's answer to The Walking Dead's Rick Grimes - he leads from the front, is undoubtedly the main man and the opposition fear him. His trusty blade (of wood) has chopped a few opening bowlers down to size over the years too.

    A Cook single returns the strike to Bell who finally looks assured when he sits back in his crease and forces Shoaib Malik through the off side for three runs.

  192. Eng 122-1 (Cook 78, Bell 1)

    Babar resumes his battle with Bell - the slow left-armer has dismissed 30 right-handed batsman in his Test career as opposed to 12 left-handers. He certainly appears to be more dangerous now England's left-handed opening partnership has been broken. Maiden over.

  193. Post update

    Here we go then. The afternoon session is under way.

  194. Zaheer to retire

  195. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Suresh: This having cricket on in a morning is very distracting! #LateForSchoolAgain

  196. In esteemed company

  197. From the press box

  198. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Paul Harris: At lunch and Ian Bell still trails by 187.

  199. Post update

    Thanks Stephan. Goldilocks Higginson here.

    Anyway, enough of that.... is Capt'n Cook on for a big one? What about Ian Bell? Is he fighting for his Test future?

    Ian Bell
    Copyright: Getty Images

  200. Post update

    Marc Higginson has slipped into the chair next to me, complete with bowl of porridge. He's going to talk through the second session. And eat porridge, I suspect.

  201. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Jim in Navan: Have to take issue with the Boycott family tree, surely there is no way on God's earth that Geoffrey would score 324 in just five days, he's not that aggressive

  202. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Jon Dunn: Ian Bell playing like he might be dropped at any minute. Which is ironic.

  203. Post update

  204. Post update

    You know all this chat about the low crowd in Abu Dhabi? I'm just seeing a replay of England's third Test in Karachi in 2000. Admittedly Pakistan were on the way to defeat, but the stadium was empty.

  205. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Shannon McKee: As England fans I don't think we appreciate Alastair Cook enough. When he retires we will cry out for someone like him.

    Alastair Cook
    Copyright: Rex Features

  206. Captain Cook in Asia

    Alastair Cook, by the way, has this morning gone past Shivnarine Chanderpaul to third in the list of most runs scored by overseas batsmen in Asia. His total of 1,880 has him behind only Ricky Ponting (1,889) and Jacques Kallis (2,058). Cook's average of 58.75 is better than both.

  207. Your disappointing debuts

    Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Giles Brown: On moving to live in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2007 I joined a local club team, keen to try and meet new people and impress them with my cricket skills. In my first match my team took to the field and after about 10 overs the ball was tossed to me to have a bowl.

    I ran in and bowled on the off stump and the batsman played it out to cover. I prepared to gather the ball at the non-striker's end only for the cover fielder to wing the ball in with a bullet arm.

    I vainly tried to catch it only for the ball to pass through my fingers and strike me flush on the forehead. The ball ricocheted of my head. Not only was this humiliating enough, but it ricocheted so far that the batsmen were able to run an extra single. I recovered from the blow, but have never lived down this painful incident.

  208. Zaheer retires

  209. Zaheer Khan retires

    A bit of news coming from India, where left-arm swing bowler Zaheer Khan has decided to retire from international cricket, meaning he will end his career with 311 Test wickets at an average of 33, plus 282 ODI dismissals at 29. He was also part of the India team that won the 2011 World Cup.

  210. Frank Tyson - 'The fastest of them all'

    BBC Radio Test Match Special

    Yep, as the tweet below tells you, TMS are reflecting on the career of former England pace bowler Frank Tyson, who died in September aged 85.

    Described by the great Sir Donald Bradman as the "fastest of all time", he more than deserved his nickname 'Typhoon'.

    Frank Tyson
    Copyright: Getty Images

  211. Coming up

  212. Lunch-time report

    It's been a good morning for England - but Pakistan will not be too disappointed either.

    The hosts remain more than 400 runs in front and have dismissed Moeen Ali - Imran Khan getting the left-hander to edge behind after he had scored a gritty 35 - while Ian Bell is looking decidedly shaky at number three.

    Slow left-armer Zulfiqar Babar is applying the pressure on Bell with some good spin bowling from around the wicket but captain Alastair Cook remains undefeated at the other end.

    He goes into lunch 78 not out, and appears to be on course for his 28th Test century and first in the UAE - the only country where he has not reached three figures.

  213. Lunch scorecard

    England 122-1 (49 overs) - trail by 401; follow-on target 324

    Batsmen: Cook 78*, Bell 1*

    Fall of wickets: 116-1 (Moeen 35)

    Bowling figures: Rahat 8-1-24-0, Khan 9-3-17-1, Babar 18-7-37-0, Riaz 9-1-28-0, Shafiq 4-0-14-0, Shoaib 1-1-0-0

    Pakistan 523-8 dec: Malik 245, Shafiq 107, Hafeez 98; Stokes 4-57

    Full scorecard

    Asad Shafiq
    Copyright: Getty Images

  214. Post update

    Phil Tufnell

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "Alastair Cook has batted beautifully - his powers of concentration never fail to amaze me.

    "But Ian Bell will be feeling the pressure. The last thing he will have needed is the left-arm spinner finding a bit of rhythm. He's got to go back to his technique - his experience - and go out there and play his natural game."

  215. Lunch

    Eng 122-1

    Alastair Cook survives that set from off-spinner Shoaib Malik and England get through to lunch only one down. Both teams will be reasonably content with their morning's work, the sole wicket of Moeen Ali representing a pretty even session. England still have the resources left to bat big, while Pakistan will be hoping to prey on the jittery Ian Bell and make further breakthroughs.

  217. Eng 122-1 (trail by 401)

    Mercifully for Ian Bell, he gets through this latest Babar over without getting hit on the pad, offering a chance, dropping a catch, falling over or being called the Sherminator. Six decent balls, all defended with some increased authority. Babar has bowled four maidens in a row. One over to go before lunch.

  218. Your disappointing debuts

    Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Andrew Hardingham: I was run out in an under 12s match when I trod on my undone shoe lace.

  219. Eng 122-1 (Cook 78, Bell 1)

    Alastair Cook has been absorbing the pressure of the Pakistan pacers, but now manages to land a counter-punch with a cut for four. Cook has scored a Test hundred in every country he has played, apart from the UAE. He's 22 away from putting that right. More importantly, with Bell looking so out of touch, it's vital that Cook gets through to lunch.

    Alastair Cook
    Copyright: Reuters

  221. Bell dropped on 1

    Eng 118-1

    Ian Bell is wobblier than a Weeble at the moment. Not only is he taking more blows to the shins than Lionel Messi, but now he's been dropped. In his eagerness not to be lbw, Bell uses his feet to Babar, but gets a bat-pad to give a very sharp chance to Shan Masood at silly point. It goes very quickly, low down and is grassed. Not only jittery, Bell is now lucky. Are his the catches he dropped playing on his mind?

  222. Post update

    Phil Tufnell

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "This is a tricky period for England - a few have missed the outside edge, the spinners have men around the bat. You can feel that Pakistan have been buoyed by that first wicket and are hunting the second one."

    Pakistan fans
    Copyright: Rex Features

  223. Eng 118-1 (trail by 405)

    For those of you keeping score, nine wickets have fallen to pace in this match, but none to spin. Wahab Riaz is on for Imran Khan and continues the threat, getting a hint of reverse swing to have Cook groping. A real danger period for England, this. Pakistan would be cockahoop with another wicket before the lunch break.

  224. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    David: Ali done what's required of him there, gritty and ugly 35 creating a great partnership in the process.

    Jack Allum: Really good to see Cook attack more than he usually does. Roles reversed between him and Ali.

  225. Eng 117-1

    Ian Bell has more company than a man handing out free £5 notes. Slip, silly point, short leg. He squeezes one in to his pad and survives an appeal for lbw, then continues to poke forward in defence as the catchers chatter around him. Another ball hits him on the pad, another appeal, not out again. Long conflab, but no review. Bell very, very shaky at the moment.

  227. Eng 117-1 (Cook 74, Bell 1)

    Imran Khan has his tail and his pace up. He's charging his barrel chest towards Alastair Cook with his elbows jutting out, probing the channel around off stump then mixing it up with a slower ball. Cook, the steely look of a man who doesn't want to waste the opportunity to bat on a pitch of tarmac, watchfully defends. 20 minutes or so until lunch.

  228. Your disappointing debuts

    Text 81111

    Richard Kit: Teenage first-team debut in Bradford League to face ex-England slow left armer Don Wilson. Terrified and expecting vicious turn away I shouldered arms and had my off pole removed by his arm ball. Back to the second team!

  229. Eng 117-1 (trail by 406)

    Ian Bell won't have fond memories of his last tour of the UAE. His highest score in six knocks was 29. The new man means frontline spinner Zulfiqar Babar is back on. Good pitch or not, there are always nerves starting an innings, and Bell has more nerves than most. There's plenty of uncertain defensive poking going on out there.

  231. Eng 117-1 (Khan 8-2-17-1)

    Looking again, Moeen definitely did not need to play. The ball was angled across him and he was drawn into the stroke with very little footwork. In his defence, it did nip fractionally off the seam. Ian Bell is the new man, he's 189 runs in arrears before he's even begun.

    Moeen Ali reacts
    Copyright: Getty Images

  232. Post update

    Ramiz Raja

    Ex-Pakistan captain & Test Match Special pundit

    "It was an excellent delivery which just did enough to beat Moeen outside the off stump. The length was perfect but it was ginger footwork from Moeen. Excellent bowling, Imran Khan can be dangerous with the old ball."

  233. WICKET

    Moeen c Sarfraz b Khan 35 (Eng 116-1)

    Gone! Moeen Ali's first innings as a Test opener is over and Pakistan have a much-needed wicket. Imran Khan is rewarded for his perseverance on and around off stump, drawing Moeen into poking defensively at a ball he might not have needed to play at. An edge goes behind, where wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed dives forward to take the catch. Moeen has hung around well, but you could say he should kick-on from there.

    Imran Kahn celebrates the wicket of England"s Moeen Ali
    Copyright: Reuters

  235. Eng 116-0 (40 overs)

    I can only imagine what Geoffrey thinks about batting against Asad Shafiq, a man who has taken one wicket in 39 Tests at an average of 45. As the shade from the South Stand creeps a little further across the outfield, Shafiq drops short and Cook pulls for four.

  236. Boycott XI scorecard

    Boycott XI scorecard
    Copyright: BBC Sport

  237. Eng 109-0 (39 overs)

    Hello, what's happened here? Imran Khan has actually got one to beat the bat. Alastair Cook has played and missed. The skipper will probably give himself a good talking to for such a lapse. And now an edge! It falls short of second slip. All happening.

    You know how we've been discussing Geoffrey Boycott's family tree and how they might get on batting in these conditions? We've had a dig around and actually found a scorecard from when the Boycott XI took the field in Abu Dhabi...

  238. From the press box

  239. Eng 109-0 (Cook 69, Moeen 33)

    Asad Shafiq gets another over after drinks, even with a slip and a man under the helmet. It's an in-out field, in fact, with a couple of catchers and a few men in the deep. Singles the order of the day, three of them. It's enough to make a bowler pack his bags and take the first flight out of Abu Dhabi.

  240. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Rachel T: We need a Boycott family team photo - Geoffrey's Mum, Auntie Annie, Uncle Algy...

  241. Eng 106-0 (trail by 417)

    Imran Khan after drinks. I suspect Pakistan would quite like to throw the ball to his namesake at the moment. The modern-day Khan, fast-medium right-arm over, starts well, keeping Moeen honest on a straightish line. More pictures from outside show that there are a few more people making their way to the ground. It's a long old trek from the city - the stadium is a green oasis in the desert, an empty sporting theatre surrounded by scrubland.

  242. Your disappointing debuts

    Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Jord Wills: Six ducks in my first six innings in 1st team club cricket! Including run outs without facing.

    Matt Bryant: First ever match, in at 10 to face last ball. We needed 4 to win. Stormed down wicket - to see ball sail by & hit stumps.

  243. Scorecard update

    England 106-0 (36 overs) - trail by 417; follow-on target 324

    Batsmen: Cook 67*, Moeen 32*

    Bowling figures: Rahat 8-1-24-0, Khan 5-0-16-0, Babar 14-3-37-0, Riaz 7-1-23-0, Shafiq 2-0-4-0

    Pakistan 523-8 dec: Malik 245, Shafiq 107, Hafeez 98; Stokes 4-57

    Full scorecard

    Moeen Ali batting
    Copyright: Getty Images

  245. Drinks break

    Eng 105-0

    The very, very part-time off-spin of Asad Shafiq is on for a chuck before drinks. What do you call a bowler who isn't good enough to be called part-time? Quarter-time? Zero-hours bowler? It's reasonable from Shafiq, asked to bowl because he turns it away from this pair of lefties and because Shoaib Malik isn't allowed on yet. Two singles from it.

    Moeen Ali has a drink
    Copyright: Reuters

  246. How's stat?!

    Andrew Samson

    BBC Test Match Special statistician

    "Since 1984, England have had 57 opening partnerships but only three of them have put on 100 in their first innings together - the other two are Marcus Trescothick and Andrew Strauss and Michael Atherton and Alec Stewart."

  247. Eng 104-0

    Rahat Ali, untucked shirt flapping up his back, is angling the ball in to this pair of left-handers, looking for the stumps and the pads. That means he sometimes gets leggy, allowing Cook a tickled single that brings up the 100 partnership. When Rahat makes the same mistake again, Moeen tickles fine for four. Bat is all over the ball at the moment.

    Alastair Cook and Moeen Ali
    Copyright: Reuters

  249. Eng 97-0 (trail by 426)

    One spectator who has been constant in Abu Dhabi is a bird who is perched next to the microphones. Birdsong has been a soundtrack to this Test. Alastair Cook, who has missed a couple of sweep shots this morning, finally gets one out of the screws and picks up four square of the wicket. The threat to England's batsmen is currently at the lowest possible level. Code name: Teddy Bear.

  251. Eng 91-0 (Cook 58, Moeen 26)

    There is actually some noise coming from the stands, but I've got no idea who from or why. There's a handful of Pakistan supporters, so I think it is they who are getting rowdy. Pictures from outside the ground also show a bit of a queue outside the ticket office. Really? It seems unlikely that demand would be that high. Classy from Moeen, a back-foot push off Rahat through the covers for a single.

    Pakistan fans
    Copyright: Reuters

  252. Get Involved

  253. Eng 90-0 (run-rate 2.80)

    It's hot, humid and quiet in Abu Dhabi. Barely a soul is braving the sunshine to sit in the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. It leads to an odd scene, international sport played out in front of a swathe of empty seats. The lack of noise means you can hear the chatter of the players, while the appeal of Babar against Cook seems all the louder. Too high, outside the line. Not a great deal going for it.

  255. Eng 88-0 (31 overs)

    I've heard a lot about Geoffrey Boycott's family in this Test match. Obviously we know a lot about his mum and her stick of rhubarb, but there's also his Uncle Algie and Auntie Anne (married, brother and sister, or from opposite sides of the family?) and potentially two brothers too. There must be scope for some sort of Boycott family tree graphic. Rahat to Moeen, straight and a good length. Misbah applauds a maiden like a footballer clapping the crowd.

  257. Eng 88-0 (Cook 57, Moeen 24)

    Babar has a towel poking out from the waistband of his trousers. He has a triple-jump of a run-up, three or four paces comprising leaps of various heights. He's looking to land the ball outside the off stump of this pair of left-handers, getting no great turn. No turn means he can challenge both edges with the delivery that goes straight on. England have the stool out and are milking. A single apiece.

  259. Eng 86-0 (trail by 437)

    Rahat, shorter and with less pace than Riaz, is greeted by a dreamy on-drive from Moeen Ali. Handsome that from Moeen, the Ryan Gosling of cricket strokes. Gosling had trials for Glamorgan before he went to Hollywood. A wicketkeeper. They didn't think his batting was good enough. Very steady progress for England so far this morning.

  260. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Innocent Bystander: Hearing a pitch saboteur broke in last night to dig up the pitch, but his pneumatic drill couldn't penetrate the surface!

  261. Eng 82-0

    I'm not sure if Wahab has come back on to the field, but he's been yanked from the attack. Fellow left-armer Rahat Ali is on.

  262. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Ed Clamp: Alastair Cook surely one of the batting greats. Runs everywhere in all situations. #class.

  263. Eng 82-0 (Cook 56, Moeen 19)

    Wahab Riaz went off the pitch at the end of that over. An injury? He's only been out there for half an hour. England might think about leaving the sweep shot alone against Babar, this time Cook misses and is fortunate not to see his stumps disturbed. That's better from the skipper, rocking back to cut for four.

  265. Eng 76-0 (447 behind)

    Ooops, Alastair Cook is almost getting himself into a tangle in similar fashion to what we saw last night. Jabbing a ball from Riaz down and worrying if it might drop on to the stumps, Cook this time opts to wave a boot at it. Last night, he was almost tempted to handle it - a no-no. The wider issue is that Cook has almost come a cropper trying to play the cut on two occasions. He might be best keeping it in the locker.

    Alastair Cook watches the ball in the air
    Copyright: Reuters

  267. Eng 72-0 (Babar 10-3-22-0)

    Babar causing a few more problems here, helped by some false strokes from a potentially shaken Moeen. Nice length, bit of loop, Moeen misses with another loose sweep shot. The Worcestershire left-hander has looked less accomplished, less watchful, more likely to play a reckless stroke than he did last night. If he throws it away on this pitch, he'll walk the desert in disappointment.

  269. Eng 71-0

    Now then, this is perhaps one of the reasons why Moeen Ali might not be England's long-term answer as an opener. He's taken one on the head from Wahab Riaz, a continuation of what seems to be a little weakness against short ball. It's quick from Riaz and Moeen hasn't seen it, only moving to duck into the ball. He's fine, but South Africa will have taken note.

  272. 50 for Alastair Cook

    Eng 70-0

    Alastair Cook is doing what Alastair Cook does best - batting. In conditions perfect for a Cook-style omnipresent occupation, the skipper goes to his 45th Test half-century by guiding Riaz through third man for four. Only three boundaries for Cook, but that 50 has come in 75 balls - a decent rate. He's nudging and nurdling, keeping it ticking over. Trademark tickles off the hips and prods into the off side. He might have all of his meals in the middle today.

    Alastair Cook batting
    Copyright: Getty Images

  274. Post update

    Geoffrey Boycott

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "For years I've been seeing this with pitches. I've been watching cricket around the world - and the ICC just leave it to the host ground, not even the host authority. But you might as well talk to the wall.

    "I played on some good batting surfaces but I didn't think it was good for cricket. I much preferred a contest where there was a bit in it for the bowler - and brought my skill into play."

  275. Eng 65-0 (Cook 46, Moeen 16)

    Easier for England in this over from Babar, the ball being pushed and poked into the gaps. Fairly comfy start for the tourists, but is that good for the game? If you're an England fan, do you want to see them bat without alarm for five sessions, or would like to see more of a contest? Granted, that question is slightly unfair after Pakistan batted for two days, but you get my point.

  276. Post update

  277. Eng 59-0 (Cook 39, Moeen 15)

    Fiery left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz shares morning duties, immediately touching 90mph. Double-hundred maker Shoaib Malik is on the pitch having not fielded last evening - apparently he had some treatment on a drip overnight. He'll bowl some of his off-breaks later on. With the desert in the background, Alastair Cook leaves the ball and Misbah shuffles his field. A jab down the ground brings Cook a couple.

  278. Post update

    Geoffrey Boycott

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "He's tried to sweep one already, then he played and missed. He didn't try any of that last night - he was ultra-cautious. Get yourself in. He should be a little cautious for the first few overs, then look to play."

  279. Eng 56-0 (trail by 467)

    The Barmy Army are creatures of habit/obsessive about their routine. Jerusalem belted out as Babar skips in with a slip, a short leg and shortish mid-wicket in place. Moeen, so watchful last night, looks shaky first thing, missing with a pretty unnecessary sweep then being done on the outside edge by a bit of drift. A maiden to begin is Babar's second, meaning he's bowled as many as Moeen and Rashid managed in 64 overs between them.

  280. Eng 56-0

    Left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar has the ball - he might have to bowl all day. Moeen is on strike.

  281. Post update

    The Pakistan fielders are in conference on the outfield, sensibly in a shady place. Captain Misbah-ul-Haq is addressing them in such a laid back manner that is looks like a business seminar rather than a team talk. Moeen Ali and Alastair Cook look refreshed and resplendent in laundered whites. They get a pat on the back from James Anderson as they head out to the middle.

    Alastair Cook
    Copyright: Getty Images

  283. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    On Rashid's figures of 0-163: "That poor kid has bowled on the flattest pitch I've seen in years.

    "Our press is jumping on his back - they shouldn't be doing that. If he does that in the second innings, fair enough, But you've got to give him a chance to achieve what we want him to achieve.

    "He doesn't need people getting on his back and trying to highlight something that wasn't as bad as it looked."

  284. Post update

    Michael Vaughan

    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "You know the way you are supposed to bat on these wickets but pressure is a funny thing. Pitches over here, in this kind of heat, can deteriorate on days four and five, so this is the day when England need to make it count.

    "England need to concentrate on the draw. They need to bat as long as they can in the first innings, and if they can get away from Abu Dubai with the series level, they'll be delighted."

  285. Post update

    Predictably, it's El Scorchio in the desert, with the locals again showing no great desire to watch the cricket. There's about 100 inside the ground. Even the England bowlers have had to be dragged there, although that was probably more to do with recovering from yesterday's exertions. They've been having a bit of time in the swimming pool.

  286. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "It's going to be a long, hard slog for the bowlers, so, from an England point of view, I'd be very happy.

    "If England's batsmen don't bat all day, they should be driven out to the desert without any water and made to walk home.

    "They need to support their bowlers. The England bowlers have come in for a load of grief, unfairly in my opinion. The England batsmen need to show solidarity and show it's the pitch, not the bowlers', fault."

    Alastair Cook and Moeen Ali
    Copyright: Getty Images

  287. Post update

    Michael Vaughan

    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "At the minute the pitch looks like it won't change over the next five weeks. There is the odd rough patch but there's nothing where, as a batsman, you'd be worried.

    "The opening pair of Cook and Moeen just dampened down the situation. Moeen didn't play the way we've seen in the summer, where he attacked. Now they've got a perfect opportunity to go on and get a big score."

  288. Post update

    BBC Radio Test Match Special

    The TMS team are just about surviving the heat and have hit the airwaves from Abu Dhabi.

    Snuggle under the duvet and listen on BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra or Radio 4 Longwave. If you have to get up and out, listen on your phone via the BBC Sport or BBC Radio apps.

  289. 'Mo and Rash showed character'

    England coaching consultant Mahela Jayawardene on Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid's struggles with the ball: "It's very hard for a spinner to get anything so they need to be patient.

    "Mo bowled quite well and was tidy; he kept it simple. Rash wasn't able to keep that pressure going but he'll learn from that experience.

    "Pakistan batted well and it's a good, flat wicket. They fought for five sessions and they showed that character, which we've spoken about."

    On the pitch: "I don't think it will disintegrate but it will probably slow down, before it might spin a bit on the fifth day. Generally it has been a flat wicket so hopefully our guys can get in today."

  290. Get involved

    Mahela Jayawardene is helping England's batsmen with their mindset, but do you think we'll see the benefits? How do you think today will pan out? And what about the action we've seen so far? Could England have tried anything different?

    And what about poor Adil Rashid? 0-163 - the worst figures by any bowler on Test debut. Do you have any similar stories of first-time cricketing woe?

    Test 81111, tweet using the hashtag #bbccricket or email tms@bbc.co.uk.

  291. 'I'm helping England get the mindset right'

    Former Sri Lanka batsman Mahela Jayawardene, who is working as a coaching consultant with England, on Sky Sports: "I'm trying to help the guys with the game plan, especially in these options to get the mindset right.

    "With the batsmen, to give them a clear mindset to go out and get runs. With the bowlers, how they can use conditions to their advantage.

    "I'm enjoying it - there are a lot of young guys keen to learn. It's just suggestions - it's just ideas - and they don't need to do everything I say. It's only two weeks - it's a short period - but I've been putting in new ideas, not just with the batters but with everybody."

  292. Post update

    Which is where we begin today, with England needing to bat, bat and bat some more. Until tea tomorrow should just about cover it.

    Can this team of stroke-players adapt to the dead conditions in the UAE, or do Pakistan have too much money in the bank?

  293. Post update

    Would there be a price to pay for experimenting with Moeen Ali at the top of the order? Time will tell, but no costly mistakes yet.

    In what could have been a very dangerous 21-over spell last night, England's new opening pair of Moeen and Alastair Cook made it to 56-0.

    A decent end to a pretty miserable day, but England are still very much in debt.

    Moeen Ali & Alastair Cook
    Copyright: Reuters

  294. Post update

    Dropping Mohammad Hafeez (Ian Bell) on day one cost England 91 runs. On day two, they learnt the full price of dropping Asad Shafiq on 10 (Bell again) and having Shoaib Malik caught off a Stuart Broad no-ball on 40.

    The damage? 312 runs. Malik made an indefatigable 245, Shafiq a calculated 107. Pakistan racked up 523-8.

    Shoaib Malik & Asad Shafiq
    Copyright: Reuters

  295. Post update

    It was the Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase who taught us that everything has a price.

    The day before BBC Sport revealed this year's Price of Football study, England learnt the price of mistakes in Abu Dhabi.

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