Pakistan v England: 2nd Test day one as it happened

1. Close of play: Pakistan 282-4 (won toss)
2. Misbah-ul-Haq (102*) hits ninth Test ton
3. Younus 56, Masood 54, Shafiq 46*
4. Eng unchanged; Stokes "not 100% fit"
5. Pakistan recall Yasir Shah for Rahat Ali

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Nothing like a cheery tweet to end the day? That's it from us - we'll be back tomorrow morning to bring you all the action from day two. A quick word on timings - because of Friday prayers, the playing hours are slightly different tomorrow.

It's still an 07:00 BST start (set your alarms for the start of TMS at 06:45), but we'll have a two-and-a-half-hour session, followed by an hour's lunch from 09:30 to 10:30. Tea is at 12:30, with the final session running from 12:50 to 14:20 (with an extra half-hour to bowl the overs). Hope you'll join us then.

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Francis Edwards: England have been behind since they loss the toss by an awful lot. Bating fourth against Yasir Shah is game over.

Review of the day

The England bowlers' collective faces must have fallen when Alastair Cook called incorrectly again this morning, Pakistan batted first to send the tourists out to field in the heat again.

After a fifty stand for the first wicket (with opener Shan Masood making 54), today was really about two Pakistan partnerships. Captain Misbah-ul-Haq (102 not out) added 93 with fellow veteran Younus Khan (56) and an unbeaten 104 with Asad Shafiq (46 not out).

But the moment of the day came when Misbah began the last over, bowled by Moeen Ali, on 87 - and smashed two sixes on the way to reaching his century from 190 balls, ending on a high.

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More from Pakistan opener Shan Masood on Sky Sports: "As an opener life is hard because you have to keep switching on and off, these are things you learn through the course of your career.

"[On using a review] I felt I didn't hit it, there is awkward crack in my bat which is causing it to make some strange sounds, but you have to accept the umpire's decision.

"If we can bat an hour tomorrow and let Misbah play his natural game, hopefully we can take the game away from them."

How's stat?!

Freddie Felton emailed us earlier (see 14:27) to ask about Misbah's tendency to hit a lot of sixes relative to fours. TMS statistician Andrew Samson tells us that there are only four players this century who have scored more than 3,000 Test runs and exceeded Misbah's sixes-v-fours percentage:

• Andrew Flintoff - 82 sixes, 484 fours (14.4876%)
• Adam Gilchrist - 99 sixes, 627 fours (13.6364%)
• Brad Haddin - 54 sixes, 363 fours (12.9496%)
• MS Dhoni - 78 sixes, 544 fours (12.5402%)
• Misbah-ul-Haq - 60 sixes, 421 fours (12.4740%)

Pakistan opener Shan Masood on Sky Sports: "My job is to stay focused, I've been hitting the ball really well so I was disappointed in Abu Dhabi. I wanted to rectify that and just hit the loose balls. I can't ask for a better dressing room for support, with the captain, and [coaches] Waqar Younis and Grant Flower as well."

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More from England paceman Mark Wood on Sky Sports: "I tried to be aggressive and offer a bit more to the attack. I tried to rough up Misbah a bit but he got the better so it's 1-0 to him but I'm going to try the same tomorrow.

"It will be interesting to see how Misbah bats tomorrow because he seemed to have a lot of dot balls against the seamers and then attack the spinners."

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Jon Evans: Unfair criticism of Ali and Rashid. Even the King of Spain would struggle here.

England pace bowler Mark Wood on Sky Sports: "The pitch is slightly different to the last Test which was slower, this one skids on a bit more. All in all we can't be too disheartened, we've got a bowler at number eight so if we can get a couple of early wickets we can knock the tail over."

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

Reuters

Are Pakistan in a better position now, than they were after the first day of the first Test at Abu Dhabi when the scoreline was similar - 286-4 in Abu Dhabi compared to today's 282-4 in Dubai?

"Slightly better. I'll tell you more when we've had a bat!"

As we mentioned, you can hear "the full Boycott" along with reaction to today's play via the TMS podcast later.

Join the debate at #bbccricket

John E. Walsh: Quality ton by Misbah-ul-Haq by the sound of things!

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

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"I thought Stokes bowled very well. The good thing is having four quick bowlers and two spinners, so you don't have to over-bowl them. They'll still be fresh tomorrow morning."

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Andy Donley: Do we really have to accept that Ali and Rashid are awful with the ball in first innings? I think it's unacceptable.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

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How do you cope playing Test cricket into your fifth decade like Misbah?

"You've got to have a desire to play. I used to get a lot of county players at 38 or 39 asking me if I was still enjoying it. To play cricket, in the sunshine? That's not hard work. He doesn't play the flashy shots, but he knows what he can do - you need to know your game. He'll be a bit stiff tomorrow morning - that's what happens as you get older."

The over-rate debate

Anonymous: In a Durham Senior League game we were once informed by the umpire to keep an eye on our over-rate. We had bowled 38 overs in two hours. He was politely asked to check his sums...

Please remember to put your name on your texts.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Misbah is an odd sort of player. He defends well, but he obviously likes the spinners. He'll defend one or two, then he whacks it out of the park.

"It shows how the game has changed in the last 10 or 12 years. The mindset now is to hit things in the air and clear the boundary. Block, block and then sixes."

Life begins at 41?

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Misbah-ul-Haq, 41 years young, has become the oldest cricketer to score a Test century since Bobby Simpson for Australia v India in 1978.

"He's older than me!" says TMS's Michael Vaughan.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"I wouldn't say the ball was doing anything, but Pakistan kept playing and missing, giving England a chance. But when they did nick one, it went down, it never went to hand."

The over-rate debate

Reuters

Beth Jakubowski: If teams don't bowl their overs, make them read my seminar prep: a survey about the validity of surveys. That'll teach them.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"You need mystery spin on a pitch like this - and that's probably one of the things that England have lacked on day one or day two out here."

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Steve Kenyon: Anyone judging any cricketers on their performances on these pitches in UAE etc need to give it a rest. Dead pitches.

A curious end to a curious day. Stand by for Geoffrey Boycott, who's warming up for his end-of-play summary which will be available later as the TMS podcast.

Close of play scorecard

Rex Features

Pakistan 282-4 (90 overs) - won toss

Batsmen: Misbah 102*, Shafiq 46*

Fall of wicket: 51-1 (Hafeez 19), 58-2 (Malik 2), 85-3 (Masood 54), 178-4 (Younus 56)

Bowling figures: Anderson 16-5-33-1, Broad 13-2-36-0, Moeen 20-3-82-1, Wood 14-6-26-1, Stokes 14-3-43-1, Rashid 13-1-60-0.

Full scorecard

Close of play

What about that then? In the space of eight minutes, Pakistan went from 261-4 to 282-4. Misbah exploded into life and marches off with a century to his name and his team in the driving seat. Don't underestimate the skilful knock of his unbeaten partner Asad Shafiq either.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"He has the ability to strike and the ability to defend and play long innings. He's ground England down at times."

100 for Misbah (off 190 balls)

AP

A reverse sweep from Misbah brings two runs and sees the Pakistan skipper reach his ninth Test century and his first versus England. He's taken Moeen to the cleaners in the final over of the day.

Pak 279-4

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Misbah clears the front leg and wallops another six, this time over long-on. He definitely wants his hundred tonight.

Pak 273-4

Misbah wants his century tonight. He heaves Moeen into the leg side for a maximum.

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Freddie Felton, Truro: Misbah seems to hit quite a few sixes in Tests even though he would not be considered an attacking batsman. Does this mean that he does not hit as many fours as the average Test batsman? If so, would Andrew be able to calculate a sixes per boundary ratio, and how would this rank with other Test batsmen?

We'll see what we can do Freddie. We'll attempt to answer for you tomorrow - stay tuned from around 06:45 BST.

Pak 267-4 (Misbah 87, Shafiq 46)

The best shot of the day? it's got my vote! Pitched up from Ben Stokes and Asad Shafiq plays a sumptuous cover drive for four. Don't bother chasing that, lads.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"You can see what Stokes is trying to do - pitch it up and get a bit of swing, but that was beautifully timed from Shafiq"

Pak 261-4 (Broad 13-2-36-0)

England look like they've thrown their best punches and are hanging on for the bell now. Maiden over as both teams play for the close.

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Martin, Newcastle: Anyone else worried about Rashid in South Africa in a couple of months? He's going to be taken to the cleaners.

Pak 261-4 (Misbah 86, Shafiq 41)

Asad Shafiq just looks the part - a firm forward defensive to James Anderson a sign of his growing confidence. The nuggety right-hander is averaging almost 60 in Test cricket in 2015. He already has three tons this year, could he make it a fourth?

The over-rate debate

dukkhaboy: Make the bowlers have to make up the overs on that Abu Dhabi wicket from the 1st Test.

John Rodway: Delay the taking of the new ball by the number of overs not bowled in the day.

Pak 261-4 (86 overs)

Rex Features

Pakistan look well on course to finish the day on the 270 which Geoffrey Boycott predicted they'd score on TMS more than an hour ago. Could somebody tap Sir G on the shoulder and ask him for Saturday's lottery numbers, please? Two more for Misbah, who pushes Stuart Broad into the leg side to move within 14 runs of a century. Will he get there tonight?

The over-rate debate

Ian Bett: If we want to get the overs in before it gets dark get properly tough on over-rates. 30 overs per session or have a run penalty.

JoElle: At the risk of being obvious, maybe begin play an hour earlier to reduce slow over-rates in failing light. Farmers figured out daylight saving a century ago. Why can't the ICC do it?

Pak 259-4

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Stuart Broad's back for one, final blast.

Pak 259-4 (Misbah 84, Shafiq 41)

Zulfiqar Babar is padded up, ready to go out and face the new ball. He's the most at ease looking nightwatchman I think I've ever seen. Even Hoggy didn't look that relaxed when he was waiting to go out and bat until the close.

The over-rate debate

John from Leeds: Make any remaining overs be bowled from a standing position with no run-up allowed.

Pak 255-4 (Wood 14-6-26-1)

With the light fading, Mark Wood is entrusted with the new nut and Misbah goes on the attack, clattering two fours either side of the wicket - the second flying over Moeen Ali who is stood next to the umpire.

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

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"Just having a look at Misbah's innings. He got 53 runs off 106 balls, then just 8 runs off the next 38 balls.

"He then hit two consecutive sixes, and has got just 3 runs off 21 balls since then."

New ball

Here we go then. England take the new ball with 30 minutes left in the day.

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Stu Vassé, Shropshire: Your comments about the balance of daylight and artificial lights are good. But, where do the lux levels change to "dangerous" in day/night matches? Why not use a lighter coloured ball for the last session where bad light might be an issue?

Pak 245-4

The smile is wiped off Ben Stokes' face momentarily when Asad Shafiq chops four down through gully. I like the Wood-Stokes chat. It's two best mates playing for their country. I imagine that must feel pretty good.

Pak 241-4

Rex Features

I like this. Ahead of the last ball of his previous over, Mark Wood shouted to Ben Stokes in the deep to ask what he should bowl.

"A bouncer," came the booming reply from Stokes.

Phil Tufnell

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"Why are they not bowling at Misbah with the new ball at the end of play? He'll be tired, the light is going - it's the perfect time"

Pak 241-4 (Misbah 76, Shafiq 31)

Mark Wood, who is one of the few England bowlers of recent vintage to be classed as right-arm fast by the cricketing family, is brought on to give Misbah a bit of a hurry-up. There's no rushing Misbah though.

The over-rate debate

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Adrian: Easy way to improve over rate: Tests are 450 overs. Any shortage is played on day 6. We'd soon see an improvement. Time lost for weather etc discounted using usual methods. Players pay for their own additional accommodation. Test venues can charge ad hoc for extra day. Everyone happy.

Pak 241-4 (Shafiq 31 off 69)

England obviously decided to let Ben Stokes have one last bowl, to see if he could get the old ball reversing. A feather in the cap of the young all-rounder that he is seen as the team's go-to man in this situation. One from the over - and not much reverse swing.

The over-rate debate

Alan Compton: Umpire's discretion to award overs remaining multiplied by the run rate. Full compliment of overs would be bowled every day.

Peter: Make them play the next session in their pants.

Alastair Cook gathers round James Anderson and Stuart Broad for a natter. The subject of whether the new ball should be taken is the reason for the chinwag.

James Anderson shrugs. The ball remains in the umpire's pocket. For now.

The lights burn, burn, burn...

BBC

The floodlights are on in Dubai - they go round a circle at the top of the stands, hence the ground's nickname 'The Ring of Fire'. But Phil Tufnell thinks it looks a bit more like a lemon meringue pie.

Pak 240-4

Not out! The ball was going to miss leg stump. There's nothing to see here, move along.

Umpire review

Stuart Broad nips one back into Asad Shafiq's pads. Loud appeal. Not out... but England get their reviews back after 80 overs (one more ball), so Alastair Cook decides to have a look.

Pak 240-4 (Rashid 13-1-60-0)

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Of all the bowlers Misbah has faced over the years, the one who has got him out more than anyone else in Test cricket is Sri Lanka's slow left-armer Rangana Herath. He's fallen to the little spinner on nine occassions - five more times than the next person on the list, Dale Steyn.

The over-rate debate

Julian, Surrey: If you start docking runs for slow over-rates, do you stop the clock when wickets fall, when the DRS is used, when the batsman is injured or calls for a new pair of gloves etc? Slow over-rates are not 100% about the fielding side and some DRS reviews take as long as a Moeen maiden.

Pak 240-4

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Asad Shafiq is milking Adil Rashif for fun, taking five runs off two balls with gentle dabs down to third man.

The over-rate debate

Dan from Pinner: In our league you had to bowl 50 overs in three hours. If we didn't we were warned twice then a points fine, rarely was fined! If we can do it, England can!

Pak 235-4 (Broad 10-0-34-0)

We're into the final hour of play now and Stuart Broad, who I think has been under-bowled today, returns for a 10th over. Misbah, by the way, has struggled against Broad in this series so far - taking just one run off the bowler in 40 or so deliveries faced. Finally the skipper gets a couple when he squirts the ball down to fine leg after being hit on the lower arm by a bouncer.

Here's what you may have missed

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Apologies if you thought we'd downed tools with Pakistan 178-3 - and then suddenly they're 233-4. We've had some technical issues which (touch wood) have now been resolved. Here's what you may have missed:

• Younus Khan was caught down the leg side by Jos Buttler off the bowling of Mark Wood just after the updates stopped - he made 56 and that left Pakistan 178-4.
• Asad Shafiq has joined Misbah-ul-Haq at the crease, they've added more than 50 so far.
• Misbah suffered a bizarre broken bat handle but batted on with it for a while before changing his bat, bringing up his 31st Test fifty, and then smacked Adil Rashid for two sixes with the new bat.

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Pak 233-4 (Misbah 73 off 148)

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Asad Shafiq takes two off Adil Rashid to bring up the 50 partnership with Misbah, the 14th time he and the skipper have done so in 34 attempts. This partnership is annoying England now - not helped by Shafiq slogging four back over the bowler's head. There was nothing cute about that shot.

Ramiz Raja

Ex-Pakistan captain & Test Match Special pundit

"Misbah has his own gameplan which he rigidly sticks to.

"He'll only go big against a bowler who he thinks he can dominate."

Pak 227-4 (Misbah 73, Shafiq 20)

It's either a dot ball or a six with Misbah, isn't it? He's just two short of matching Younus Khan's Pakistan-high of 60 in Tests. Misbah, though, has played only 60 Tests to Younus's 103.

James Anderson continues to try and winkle out another wicket but on the rare occasion he drops short, Asad Shafiq throws his hands at the ball and cuts for four.

Next man in...

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Pak 222-4

Misbah's new bat has got a decent middle. The skipper clears his front leg and hammers Adil Rashid for six over long-on. Twice.

Pak 210-4 (Misbah 61, Shafiq 15)

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Us cricket fans love a broken bat, don't we? There's certain things sports fans in general love - somebody being hit in the unmentionables, a referee falling over, a darts player being denied a 180 when the third arrow wobbles and drops out of the board. Any more for any more? Misbah's in no hurry - just a single.

Live now

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On TMS, Charles Dagnall and Ramiz Raja are currently talking about Sir Garfield Sobers' emotional comments on the state of West Indies cricket.

You can watch Sobers' outpouring here

Pak 209-4 (Misbah 60 off 136)

Misbah has finally changed his bat! After a couple of maiden overs, has the penny dropped? Just a couple of singles from Adil Rashid's latest set of six.

Scorecard update

Reuters

Pakistan 207-4 (72 overs) - won toss

Batsmen: Misbah 59*, Shafiq 14*

Fall of wicket: 51-1 (Hafeez 19), 58-2 (Malik 2), 85-3 (Masood 54), 178-4 (Younus 56)

Bowling figures: Anderson 12-4-23-1, Broad 9-0-32-0, Moeen 19-3-67-1, Wood 12-5-18-1, Stokes 11-3-30-1, Rashid 9-1-35-0.

Full scorecard

Pak 207-4 (72 overs)

It's funny what makes fast bowlers smile, isn't it? All day James Anderson has looked like he's been dragged round Ikea on a Bank Holiday, but a hint of reverse swing from the old ball and he's back to his chirpy self and looking like he's found a fiver down the back of an old wardrobe he's dismantling. Maiden over.

Ramiz Raja

Ex-Pakistan captain on BBC Test Match Special

"Misbah may not be a stylist, but he's got loads of concentration levels. He loves batting. He'll just want to stay there - even if it means blocking 5 overs in a row, he'll do that. He's that kind of character."

Pak 207-4 (Rashid 9-1-35-0)

Adil Rashid has been used more as an impact bowler than a stock bowler today - a change of tack from the first Test. Asad Shafiq is keen to milk the leggie and top-edges a sweep shot into his own helmet. That'll wake him up.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

Reuters

"Pakistan should get to about 270 by close of play today. If they don't lose any more wickets, then they'll think 'we've done alright'.

"But I get the feeling there's another little bonus to come the way of England today."

Pak 207-4 (Anderson 11-3-23-1)

James Anderson sends down a maiden. And hard work it looked too for the fast bowler in these energy-sapping conditions.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"I get the impression that Rashid's action isn't so much over the top, it's a more round action today."

Pak 207-4

James Anderson, after taking a couple of painkillers, is back for a bowl. Seems like a big period now - get Pakistan five down before the new ball and England are well on top.

Listen again

BBC Radio Test Match Special

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If you missed TMS's teatime chat with the retiring Virender Sehwag, it is now available to listen to as a podcast.

Pak 207-4 (Pakistan won toss)

Adil Rashid has got a lovely high arm before delivering his spinning top deliveries, Misbah again getting the sweep out to take a single. Three from the over.

Pak 204-4 (Stokes 11-3-30-1)

The Misbah bat mystery deepens. He hasn't changed it - he just pulled the handle back into place and carried on batting. You don't play Test cricket until you're 40 if a broken bat bothers you, clearly.

Pak 203-4 (Misbah 56, Shafiq 13)

At the end of the last over, while Misbah was having a drink, umpire Paul Reiffel picked up the skipper's bat and inspected the handle. It's quite remarkable if Misbah is using the same bat which practically bent in two earlier. Another Moeen over passes by, the only incidents being a couple of dodgy runs which almost result in a run-out.

The over-rate debate

Adam Tester: Yes they should be penalised, but possibly only the run rate for the day, multiplied by the overs not bowled.

Pak 201-4 (run-rate 3.05)

Reuters

When I grow up, I want to be like Ben Stokes. A gazelle in the field, a 90mph bowler and a big-hitting batsman. Maiden over from the big man.

Pak 201-4 (Moeen 18-3-65-1)

Ben Stokes, standing at first slip, waves to the dressing room between deliveries. It's drinks break soon. "Bring my chocolate biscuits with my pop, they're in the fridge."

Out in the middle, Asad Shafiq tries to punt Moeen through the leg side and almost pops up a catch to a diving Ian Bell at mid-wicket. Instead, he gets a fortuitous four runs.

Songs about cricketers

Rob in Devon: My son bought me a CD of cricket related songs for my birthday - the best one being an upbeat number entitled 'Boom Boom Afridi'.

Pak 196-4 (Misbah 54, Shafiq 8)

Reuters

It surprises me that a man of Misbah's class has never scored a double ton. He's got his chance in this match - providing his partners at the other end stand firm. His Test best is 161 against India at Kolkata in 2007.

At the other end, Asad Shafiq is late on to an inswinging yorker and edges through the slips for four. The bowler, Ben Stokes, deserves more there. He understandably rubs his head in frustration.

Ed Smith

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"A well-structured, confident fifty from the Pakistan captain"

50 for Misbah (of 105 balls)

Misbah brings up his 31st Test fifty with a reverse-sweep for four - he's more familiar with the sweep than Matthew Corbett (pun courtesy of Stephan Shemilt). The Pakistan skipper is applauded by his wife and two young children. A nice moment.

Pak 184-4

Mark Wood ends his spell by sprinting off to have the strapping on his ankle changed. His replacement in the field is Chris Jordan. I wonder what Ricky Ponting thinks about such movements?

To be fair to England, the majority of their side are excellent fielders these days. It's not as if they've taken off Phil Tufnell and sent on Jonty Rhodes.

Pak 184-4 (Wood 12-5-18-1)

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Did you know nobody has scored more Test centuries at number six than Asad Shafiq? He has eight at four down, level with Sir Garfield Sobers at the top of the tree. Impressive.

Misbah, by the way, continues on his merry way. After being rapped on the hand when failing to evade a shorter delivery, he goes on the pull and hits a single into the leg side.

AP

Email [e-mail]

Andrew Clews: Is the blind faith in Buttler breaking down? Mike Gatting spoke about dropping him this week and now Swann questioning his strength of character over appeals & reviews.

Pak 183-4 (Misbah 46, Shafiq 3)

Thanks Stephan. I've got a feeling Misbah is still using the same bat which bent in half in the last over. Maybe the joke's on us and he knows the handle is elastic? He sweeps for the solitary single in the over.

Pak 182-4

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Wood, on the back of his successful over, tests Shafiq with some back-of-a-length stuff, then gets a leading edge that falls short of James Anderson at point. The end of another decent over. Still no movement on Misbah bat-watch. Here's Marc Higginson.

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"Misbah is messing with the bat, as though he's wondering if it'll be OK. Surely he doesn't realise that the handle bent 90 degrees."

Pak 182-4

Hello, what's happened here? Misbah-ul-Haq, struggling to make it back for a second run, has broken his bat. In Jamming it in to the turf, he gets it stuck, hits the handle with his knee, snapping it. The umpire waves it towards the dressing room, but Misbah isn't bothering changing while he's still at the non-striker's end. I'd like to see him have a hit with it.

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"Asad Shafiq looks particularly small today. Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler are towering above him. He's like the under-11 who took his gear along in case somebody forgot their kit... and now he's got a gig."

Pak 180-4 (Wood 10-5-15-1)

Graeme Swann is right. England probably deserve that for their perseverance in the afternoon session. They also came out after tea with three successive maidens. Asad Shafiq is the new man - England one more wicket away from the loose wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed, then the tail.

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

Reuters

"Brilliant from Wood, great energy, great effort. a bit extra pace, and Younus just hung the bat down the leg side. By being patient, England have got their fourth wicket. Pakistan are not in a great position on this pitch."

WICKET

Gone! The breakthrough for England - and what a bonus it is. Younus Khan, so jumpy and shuffly throughout his innings, gets too far across to Mark Wood and follows a ball that is heading down the leg side, getting a healthy touch on the way through to Jos Buttler. Younus doesn't wait for the decision, while England are cockahoop.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

Rex Features

"England are probably going to struggle to bowl all of their overs today. I think teams need to be punished - imagine if England were penalised 15 runs per over that they have failed to bowl. That would soon hurry everyone up.

"Lancashire were docked six runs against Yorkshire last summer and it ended up costing them the game. We need something like that to happen in Test cricket.

"In which other sport is it acceptable to walk off having not completed the day? Imagine walking off a football field saying you've played for 85 minutes, so let's knock it on the head. It wouldn't happen!"

Pak 178-3

Off-spin after tea in the shape of Moeen Ali. Straight from Moeen, Misbah getting his bat out in front of his pad to defend. The lengthening shadows tell us that the evening is drawing in. England have 33 more overs to bowl before the cut-off of 14:30.

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"This was close, but what England are struggling with is that they don't have a strong character behind the stumps. Matt Prior used to be somebody who would say 'that's out', 'that's not out'. Jos Buttler doesn't put his head above the parapet."

Pak 178-3

Ooohhhh, this looks close. Hint of reverse from Wood, shape back into Younus, who plays around his front leg and is hit on the pad. Big, big shout, Wood imploring. Nothing doing, England thinking of a review. Alastair Cook grabs the call and quashes any thought of a second look. He's right, too. That's going down the leg side.

Email [e-mail]

Scott Cumming: I just wanted to correct Geoffrey. Rhubarb is not a fruit. It's a vegetable.

Pak 178-3

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They've belated made their way back to the middle, Younus scratching his guard as Mark Wood waits at the end of his run. Can England make inroads late in the day, or will they be forced to chase leather?

Where are the players? The evening session should have started by now. Tardy.

Scores on the doors

Elsewhere in the world of cricket today...

• In Chennai, India are 207-3 after 37.2 overs of their fourth ODI against South Africa,with Virat Kohli 102 not out.
• In Colombo, Sri Lanka are struggling, having reached 194-8 on day one of their second Test against West Indies, for whom debutant spinner Jomel Warrican has picked up a couple of wickets.
• In Bulawayo, Zimbabwe have made 184-8 from their 50 overs in the fourth ODI against Afghanistan.
• And you can't keep a good man down: Virender Sehwag, despite retiring from internationals, is 120 not out for Haryana against Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy.

Making history in the TMS box

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"Today is a momentous day for Geoffrey Boycott: he sent his own email.

"A day after his 75th birthday... he actually typed it out. Usually, he writes a letter and takes a photograph of it and then posts it."

Memories of Sehwag

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"Virender was brilliant to play against. Sometimes, on a sadistic level, you didn't want him to get out straight away because you wanted to see and hear the carnage he and the crowd cause.

"I remember him getting the most extraordinary of king pairs against us at Edgbaston once. In the second innings, Andrew Strauss turned to me and said we'd get a catch. True to form, James Anderson bowled a big outswinger and Sehwag played the biggest, wildest, on-the-up, booming cover drive you can imagine and was caught at slip."

BBC Radio Test Match Special

AP

More from Virender Sehwag on TMS on a possible career in coaching: "If I can guide somebody in a better way, then why not? My philosophy is 'if you have knowledge, then spread it'.

"Everybody who's around you should get to know what kind of player you were, what strategy you used against fast bowlers, or tough spinners like Warne or Murali or Vettori so if I can share my knowledge with youngsters, then that would be a great honour for me."

"If I wanted to make my own name, I had to score big"

BBC Radio Test Match Special

Getty Images

Former India opener Virender Sehwag on TMS: "When you are playing with these legends (such as Tendulkar, Laxman, Dravid) who are already big when you enter the team - the only chance for me to make my name was to play differently, so I picked my role to play different cricket to them.

"You can't beat Laxman in scoring big runs, you can't beat Rahul [Dravid] in number of balls faced or hours at the crease, you can't beat Tendulkar in anything... They were playing down the ground, so I was playing up in the air and scoring runs. I learnt that if I wanted to make my own name, I had to score big."

BBC Radio Test Match Special

Don't forget that TMS is in conversation with Virender Sehwag during the tea interval. We'll bring you the best bits here.

How's stat?!

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Tea report

Pakistan are beginning to assert their control at tea on the first day of the second Test against England in Dubai.

England started the afternoon session well, Jimmy Anderson dismissing Shan Masood with the first ball after lunch.

However, since then, Misbah-ul-Haq and Younus Khan have slowly built a partnership of 93 which has taken the hosts to 178-3.

For England, Ben Stokes has been particularly impressive with the ball - using all his variations to keep the batsmen guessing.

Tea scorecard

Pakistan 178-3 (55 overs) - won toss

Batsmen: Younus 56*, Misbah 44*

Fall of wicket: 51-1 (Hafeez 19), 58-2 (Malik 2), 85-3 (Masood 54)

Bowling figures: Anderson 10-2-23-1, Broad 9-0-32-0, Moeen 13-2-50-1, Wood 8-3-15-0, Stokes 8-2-24-1, Rashid 7-0-32-0.

Full scorecard

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"It started so well for England with that wicket for James Anderson, but these two have taken control and knocked the ball around fairly easily."

Tea

Rex Features

Ooofff, England almost gifted a Misbah-ul-Haq-shaped present before tea. An inexplicable hoik from the skipper lands just short of Ben Stokes at short mid-wicket. That would have been a huge bonus for the tourists. Instead, Pakistan will enjoy their tea a little more. They have reached 178-3

Pak 177-3

Reuters

Adil Rashid with the last set before the break...

Pak 177-3

That picture of Andy Crane and Edd the Duck takes me back. One of the best man-puppet combos on children's TV. The butler was Wilson, right? Moeen round the wicket, the leg-side field packed, Misbah finding a gap in the covers with a carpet-scorching drive. Maybe only one over left before tea.

Crane chatter

Pak 171-3 (Younus 54, Misbah 39)

Reuters

I've just seen a replay of when Misbah got clonked on the head by Mark Wood. I've never seen a batsman so amused. He gave it a huge, shoulder-bouncing chuckle. I really don't think leather on head is that funny. England trying all sorts of funky things, this time a leg gully as Broad target the stumps. In the stands, two England fans sleep side-by-side. It certainly feels like nap time.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

In response to the Daily Express front page proclaiming that rhubarb can save your life.

"I've been telling you forever that rhubarb is brilliant. You can bat with it and you can eat it. Which other sport can you do that with? You can't bat with a cabbage or a turnip."

Charles Dagnall: "What about a leek?"

Geoffrey adds: "Well, that's Welsh."

Pak 170-3 (52 overs)

Moeen, an urgent skip to the crease, is bowling the ball quicker than spin-partner Adil Rashid, up at 56mph. He changes the angle, looking to threaten this pair of right-handers from round the wicket, but is getting no obvious sign of turn. It's starting to look like hard yakka for the bowlers.

Simon Mann

BBC Test Match Special

Getty Images

"These two just look as if they are set. England are really striving for a breakthrough now."

Pak 168-3 (partnership 83)

Jos Buttler is up to Stuart Broad, a reasonable undertaking when the ball is being sent down at 83mph. From a time when England were causing problems, batting now looks much more comfortable, as if this veteran pair have sucked the energy out of the England attack. They continue to run in, but the snake has been de-fanged. The tourists need the tea interval, which arrives in 15 minutes.

Ed Smith

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Younus has been urgent and confident today."

50 for Younus Khan

England shuffle their bowlers, but Moeen Ali can't prevent Younus Khan's 30th Test half-century. Pakistan were in a sticky situation earlier, but he and Misbah are navigating them to calmer waters. His shuffling and rubber wrists have garnered boundaries through the covers and third man, with plenty of nudges on the leg side.

opta

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Younus is spragged - he's neither playing back nor forward."

Pak 158-3 (Younus 48, Misbah 32)

Indeed that will be the last over of Ben Stokes' spell, the all-rounder heading off the field for a shower, a rub down and a game of cards. Liam Plunkett is on, no doubt delighted to be left out of the XI then asked to field. Is this a chance for England? Not really, because the slips have been removed and Younus Khan's edge for four flies through where they would have been. Stuart Broad throws his head to the sky.

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Matt: By playing Bairstow as a batsman and not a keeper, England are saying they think Buttler's a better batsman than James Taylor...

Pak 153-3 (Younus 43, Misbah 32)

Reuters

Stokes is into the fifth over of his spell, so it could well be his last. The slips wait for the crouchy shuffling of Younus, who has looked more comfortable at the crease than his skipper. With elastic wrists, Younus whips of his hips and moves towards a 30th Test half-century. It's a little shadier, but a few of the England players look cream crackered.

Crane chatter

Pak 150-3 (47 overs)

The ineffective Rashid is hooked, replaced by Stuart Broad, who has bowled only five overs today. Long-legged and zinc-nosed, Broad probes Misbah with two slips and a short mid-off. Even though this stand is worth 65, England have stuck to their task, the seamers in particular asking constant questions.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"When you watch Ben Stokes bowl, you know he's got something. His action is fluid but he's skiddy too. Being skiddy is why Malcolm Marshall was so successful on subcontinent wickets when others, like Dennis Lillee weren't."

Close!

Getty Images

Chance! Stokes, bowling such a good line, tempts Misbah into a tentative poke, an edge going towards the slips. Those catchers are close enough to be in Misbah's pocket, but the ball dies and lands between first Joe Root and second Ian Bell. Stokes blasts the turf, while Bell puts his hand to his chin. "At least I didn't have chance to drop that one".

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

Getty Images

"These two average 78 when batting together."

Pak 140-3 (partnership 55)

Misbah is playing Rashid well, again getting those long levers out to sweep for four. A bit off all-sorts stuff from Rashid, including a long hop that Younus can't get hold of. Maybe he isn't a first-innings bowler?

Charles Dagnall

BBC Test Match Special

"There's no real foot movement from Younus and Ben Stokes has got the leg-cutter working brilliantly."

Pak 134-3 (Younus 33, Misbah 23)

Reuters

Does it just look little cooler out there? A little shadier? There's certainly less shine coming off the sweat-covered face of Ben Stokes. Illness or not, he's been the pick of the seamers today. Hitting the deck, hint of reverse, touch of nibble, a play-and-miss from Younus. A little bit for England to work with.

Text 81111

Getty Images

Jake S in a physics lecture: It's actually a quarter of the world's cranes in Dubai (see Phil Tufnell at 10:34).

Pak 133-3

Rashid after drinks, quite flat, around 50mph. Nice line, off stump, turning away from the right-hander. When he tosses it up a little wider, Misbah takes the bait and clobbers straight all the way for... six! That's the dilemma for the young leggie. Is he happy to see Misbah play that stroke, or is he more dangerous when there's a bit more fizz?

Songs about cricketers

Alan Reece: Does anyone remember the Ballad of David Hughes? Written to commemorate his innings in the late finish Lancashire v Gloucestershire semi final at Old Trafford. It includes his famed quote ' If I can see them skipper, I'll hit them'.

Scorecard update

Getty Images

Pakistan 126-3 (42 overs) - won toss

Batsmen: Younus 33*, Misbah 15*

Fall of wicket: 51-1 (Hafeez 19), 58-2 (Malik 2), 85-3 (Masood 54)

Bowling figures: Anderson 10-2-23-1, Broad 5-0-24-0, Moeen 10-2-33-1, Wood 8-3-15-0, Stokes 5-2-11-1, Rashid 4-0-18-0.

Full scorecard

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"It might look OK for Pakistan but they are under pressure on a flat pitch having won the toss. England need to keep pegging away, just add two wickets to this score and it doesn't look too clever for Pakistan."

Drinks break

Alastair Cook stands next to Ben Stokes and holds up two fingers. He's either ordering two pints from the bar or instructing that he wants two slips. England had Younus caught on the leg side in the first Test, but have switched their plan to off-side catchers here. Younus, shuffling so far that he is exposing leg stump, angles the ball through third man for with the precision of a surgeon. Pakistan rebuilding. Drinks.

Phil Tufnell

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

Getty Images

"I've noticed that when Adil Rashid takes a couple of extra steps in his follow-through, he fizzes the ball through. When he just stops, the ball lollipops ups."

Pak 120-3 (Younus 27, Misbah 15)

Misbah can either pick Adil Rashid, or he's lucky. Misbah rightly spots (or guesses) that a leg-break will miss off stump. If that had been the googly, he'd have been in myther. When he opts to use the bat, the sweep shot looks a much better option.

Songs about cricketers

John Lagrue: The finest cricket song of all time is "When an Old Cricketer Leaves the Crease" by Roy Harper.

Pak 117-3 (40 overs)

Rex Features

Mark Wood is replaced by Stokes, probably to the relief of Misbah. Whereas Wood was fire and lift, Stokes will be full be full and skiddy. Stokes, flame hair and tattoos, is indeed full, enticing a Misbah poke-and-miss. I've been reminded of Jiggery Pokery by the Duckworth-Lewis Method. That's another stonking song about cricket.

Phil Tufnell

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"There's a statistic that half of the world's cranes are here in Dubai."

Pak 116-3 (Younus 26, Misbah 13)

There's a floppy-hatted England fielders disappearing down the tunnel. I think it's Mark Wood. Adil Rashid on to replace Anderson, he enticed a horrible shot from Younus in the second innings in Abu Dhabi. Rashid, luminous flashes on his spikes, creeps in and delivers a rank long hop, one which Misbah doesn't know whether to hit for six or four. He mis-hits over mid-on for four, while short leg Jonny Bairstow lies face-down on the turf, his life flashing before his eyes.

Cricket Boy Band

Paul in London: Presumably England's boy band would be The Ormonds?

Pak 108-3

Reuters

Misbah isn't playing the Mark Wood bouncer very well at all and now he has copped one on the helmet. Both ducking and jumping at the same time, Misbah turns his head and takes it on the back of the bonce. A poor way to play it, but the skipper reacts with a smile and a wave to the dressing room to tell them he's fine. Good, fiery stuff from Wood, generating heat from a largely unresponsive surface.

Simon Mann

BBC Test Match Special

"It really is a huge advantage to Alastair Cook that he has six bowlers to rotate. The sun is very hazy now."

Pak 106-3 (Younus 24, Misbah 7)

Getty Images

On the theme of cricket and music, your texts and tweets tell me that there is a Ballad of Mark Wood by Alex Horne and also a punk band called Geoffrey Oi Cott. Brilliant. Remember how I said Younus was batting out of his crease? Jos Buttler has donned a helmet and come up to the stumps to get the right-hander back on the white line. That makes Anderson's hunt of the pads all the more dangerous, cutting down Younus's option for a big stride.

All hail rhubarb

Pak 102-3 (36 overs)

Wood continues to pound the middle of the deck, getting a well-directed bumper into the shoulder of the ducking Misbah. The Pakistan skipper, who looks like he would remain calm even if someone woke him up with a bucket of ice water, doesn't flinch or blink.

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"There used to be certain people who would always call for the DRS and it would annoy certain people in the changing room. Stuart Broad would do that and it became a running joke, he got away with it though because we were usually seven down by that stage."

Pak 102-3 (Younus 20, Misbah 7)

Rex Features

Younus is getting up towards his shuffling best. He's taking guard outside of his crease to Anderson, starting on leg stump, shuffling across and crouching before the ball is delivered. He has so much time to play the ball, entirely unruffled in running down to third man for a couple. While he's chilling, Anderson is vexed to be given a first official warning for running on the pitch.

Phil Tufnell

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"I've been impressed today. I think England have stuck to their guns again, have come out and looked strong and might have been a tad unlucky. It's more of a contest on this pitch."

Pak 100-3 (Wood 6-1-15-0)

The chat of Cricket Boy Bands has led the live text desk to discuss the best songs ever written about cricket. I'm told there's a rude one about Fred Titmus by Half Man Half Biscuit. For me, the absolute best is Justin Langer by Australian band Telemachus Brown. Look it up. Wood continues with England's iron-straight line, getting short leg Jonny Bairstow yelping when Misbah flicks at a leggy one. Nothing doing.

Charles Dagnall

BBC Test Match Special

"James Anderson is chopping and changing his pace, as he does with the older ball."

Graeme Swann adds: "He's using all of his nous."

Pak 99-3 (Younus 17, Misbah 7)

I think the Bond villain that Charles Dagnall is referring to was called Raoul Silva. Not to be confused with Sri Lanka batsman Kaushal Silva, who was merely a baddie in one of the Bourne films. Anderson again targets the pads, this time to Younus with a short leg and short mid-on. In the crowd, there's a lady wearing a huge yellow, smiling head. It's either an Acid Man or Pac-Man.

Charles Dagnall

BBC Test Match Special

"There's a scene in the film Skyfall where James Bond first meets his nemesis, played by Javier Bardem, on a desolate island where everything's been left to rack and ruin. It's a bit like that here, with so many abandoned buildings around."

Pak 96-3 (32 overs)

England have spotted that this Pakistan pair look comfortable against the spin of Moeen, so call the whirring mark Wood into the attack. There's a short leg for the becalmed Misbah, who sways out of the way when Wood tests out the middle of the deck. Expect some attritional stuff for a little while.

Cricket boy bands

Getty Images

Anthony Lawton: The Bay City Bowlers, How's That, No Direction

Pak 96-3 (Younus 14, Misbah 7)

Interesting field for Anderson to Misbah, only one slip and a gully but three catchers waiting on the leg side. Anderson is shielding the ball, as if he is expecting it to reverse, targeting the pads in the hope that Misbah plays around the front dog. Good from Jimmy, only one from it.

Charles Dagnall

BBC Test Match Special

"I'm expecting a conservative half-hour from these Pakistan batsmen. Mind you, you would have expected conservative batting in the second innings at Abu Dhabi, when they played some unbelievable shots."

Pak 95-3 (Moeen 10-2-33-1)

Moeen, beard on his face and towel in his trousers, is being employed differently to the first Test, taking more of the first-innings bowling from Adil Rashid. Misbah is already on the sweep despite being new to the crease, getting his body low and his long arms out. A two, then a three, with Younus then easing a half-volley through the covers for four. The Pakistan veterans are busy against Moeen.

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

Reuters

"418 Test wickets now for James Anderson, which puts him ninth on the all-time list - he's just overtaken Harbhajan Singh [417]."

Anderson's next target is eighth-placed Shaun Pollock on 421.

Pak 86-3

Moeen Ali after the break, a wicket for him in the morning session. Misbah has a slip and a short leg for company.

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Kevin Ticehurst: Well bowled Jimmy, great start to the afternoon session. Let's keep this going...

Ian Bradley: Utterly absurd review, no basis on which to change the decision.

Pak 86-3 (Anderson 6-2-13-1)

Replays show that Anderson rolled his fingers over that one, a little off-cutter. Still, I'm really not sure that Masood needed to play. That's three times in three innings that Jimmy has done for Masood, he's got the wood over him. Misbah-ul-Haq the new man, Pakistan need their two most experienced batsmen to dig in.

Charles Dagnall

BBC Test Match Special

"Why he reviewed that, heaven only knows."

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"The players always look to the analyst on the balcony as they see the same TV pictures we do."

WICKET

Getty Images

What a start to the afternoon session for England. James Anderson pushed that one across the left-hander, maybe with the slightest hint of movement, and Shan Masood, perhaps still digesting his lunch, left his footwork back in the hutch. A lateish prod, a fine edge, the third umpire finding no reason for a reprieve. Umpire Paul Reiffel is vindicated and gives the finger once more.

Umpire review

Remember, no Snicko or HotSpot. Given out on the field, so it will be tricky to overturn.

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

Getty Images

"This is out - the second it went past the edge, Jimmy Anderson's arm was in the air before it got to the keeper. The noise couldn't be anything else. Masood knew he's hit it, if he gets away with this it's a miracle."

Umpire review

First ball! Shan Masood a little tickle, Jos Buttler does the rest. The finger goes up, but Masood isn't having it...

Pak 85-2

The players have left the ice towels behind and are back out in Dubai, under the burning beacon in a cloudless sky. The bowl-like stadium overs an increasing shadow from one side. It's not coming quick enough for the men in the middle. James Anderson has the ball after lunch.

From the press box

Cricket boy bands

Matthew: Re: boy bands. Only players from Leics, Notts, Yorks & Durham... A1.

Thanks, Higgo. Pretty even morning that, albeit after Alastair Cook checked the legality of the coin used for the toss. If he loses it in the third Test, he might not be allowed back inside the England dressing room.

Right then, it's time for me to hand over the live text baton. Ladies and gentlemen, here's Stephan Shemilt...

Stumped returns

Hot going in the UAE

Reuters

The mysterious art of leg-spinning involves a lot of art, skill and guile... and perspiration.

Join the debate at #bbccricket

David: Stokes is an impact bowler, 41 Test wickets to his name already. Two five-wickets hauls. Under-rated!

Plane and Simple

Rex Features

Planes fly over the Dubai International Stadium

Cricket Boy Bands

Steve Harris: Cricket Boy Bands. KP could form one called The Not Wanted...

Cricket at the Olympics?

Getty Images

ICC chief executive Dave Richardson: "The ICC is at an exploratory stage. The IOC has indicated some interest - it's not about whether the ICC wants cricket in the Olympics but if the IOC are serious about cricket and in which form. If cricket is to become the world's favourite sport, it needs to be in the Olympics. It would be great for the women's game too.

"But the counter-argument is that it might devalue our world events and be to the detriment of the sport.

"It's certainly not a publicity stunt. All of the options - whether its T20, six a side, mixed teams - need to be explored."

'We've improved, but we're still not there'

ICC chief executive Dave Richardson: "The way we are handling bad light has improved, but we're still not there. How we solve it, I'm still not sure. We have tried to get the players to accept that, if they are using floodlights, you should stay on, even if you are using a red ball. They did not accept that."

'We may use a pink ball'

ICC chief executive Dave Richardson: "It may well be that we use a different coloured ball for all Test cricket. Increasing the capacity of the lights is another option, but harder and expensive. Using a red ball in a dark background is never going to be an option."

Remember, ICC chief executive Dave Richardson is now talking to TMS...

Lunch report

Getty Images

England took two wickets on the first morning of the second Test against Pakistan in Dubai.

Pakistan again won the toss on another pitch ideal for batting, albeit one that has offered more assistance than the drawn first Test in Abu Dhabi.

Shan Masood's unbeaten 54 took the hosts to 85-2 at the end of the first session.

England did strike twice in four overs - Moeen Ali had Mohammad Hafeez caught at short leg and Ben Stokes, passed fit after illness, had Shoaib Malik brilliantly held by Jonny Bairstow in the same position.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"It's been a hard-work session. Pakistan are already in the box seat, just by winning the toss. It's a good pitch and will stay that way for a while."

Lunch scorecard

AP

Pakistan 85-2 (28 overs) - won toss

Batsmen: Masood 54*, Younus 10*

Fall of wicket: 51-1 (Hafeez 19), 58-2 (Malik 2)

Bowling figures: Anderson 5-2-12-0, Broad 5-0-24-0, Moeen 9-2-24-1, Wood 4-0-14-0, Stokes 3-2-4-1, Rashid 2-0-7-0.

Full scorecard

Lunch

Adil Rashid might be a matchwinner, but he throws in the odd bad ball and a full toss is smeared to the cover boundary by Younus Khan. And with that, the players march off for some lunch.

Lunch-time chat

Pak 81-2 (Broad 5-0-24-0)

PA/Reuters

The television cameras are keeping a close eye on Pakistan leggie Yasir Shah, who sits talking tactics with team-mates. He's definitely a ringer for Lionel Messi.

Stuart Broad is causing problems for the right-handed Younus Khan, getting the ball to reverse back into the batsman. It's a decent ploy - the front pad and short leg are both in play. One from the over.

Email [e-mail]

Aussie Fawlty: Re Comment by Sir GB after the second wicket. Fielding at Short Leg may be the only way Jonny stays in the team.

Pak 80-2 (Masood 54, Younus 5)

Some early turn for Adil Rashid, who is skipping to the delivery crease - wiping his sweaty palms into the dirt between deliveries. He's too straight to the left-handed Shan Masood, who paddles the googly round the corner for two.

Here comes Adil Rashid, 10 minutes before lunch. Time for two?

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"He's defended well and even committed to leaving the ball. We didn't see a great deal of him last week, but he looked timid. When you have a couple of low scores, it can force you to be positive."

50 for Shan Masood

That's a second Test half-century for Shan Masood, who brings up the landmark off 81 balls when he cuts Stuart Broad for four. Not bad for a batsman who looked woefully short of being Test match standard in the opening game of the series.

Pak 73-2

Reuters

Stuart Broad, who is possibly England's most skilful bowler on these pitches, is given a pre-lunch burst and he already noticably nipping the ball back into the right-handed Younus Khan.

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"Pakistan's average score in the four times that they batted first in Test matches here is 55-4."

Pak 72-2 (24 overs)

Moeen Ali attempts to stifle Shan Masood by placing a man at silly point and bringing in a slip. It works for now - maiden over.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"There's just a little bit there. It's outstanding from Ben Stokes, who rolled his fingers across the seam. It's the sort of wicket where the bowlers have to produce something."

Pak 72-2 (Stokes 3-2-4-1)

Younus Khan is also tested with some short stuff, but he nonchalantly ducks beneath it. He looks more at ease against such deliveries than Shan Masood. Ben Stokes ends a maiden over by reversing one into the right-hander and the ball straightens at the last moment but is agonisingly short of taking the outside edge. Skilful bowling.

From the press box

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"England just have to get in the game. It's such a good pitch. I'd say they will need a first-innings lead."

Pak 72-2 (Masood 48, Younus 3)

Shan Masood has looked good against Moeen Ali, and he continues where he left off with four through the covers after a little hop, skip and jump. A lovely inside-out shot.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"There's a little bit more in this pitch. Not a huge amount for the seamers, but a little there for the spinners. The outfield is quick too."

Pak 68-2 (run-rate 3.26)

I'm reliably informed Shan Masood played for Durham MCCU back in the day. He might, then, have crossed paths with Ben Stokes before now. If he has, it's not helping him. Stokes, going round the wicket, gets one to hold its line and it's a coat of paint away from hitting the left-hander's off stump. You can't get much closer.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

Reuters

"England have to bat consistently better. They can't keep leaving the run-getting to Cook and Root. If they could do that, they might be the best side in the world. The others have to step up to the plate."

Pak 64-2 (Masood 43, Younus 0)

Shan Masood, who was born in Kuwait, is looking in fine fettle against the spin of Moeen Ali - dancing down the track and smashing six back over the bowler's head. Huuuuuuge six.

Charles Dagnall

BBC Test Match Special

"Ben Stokes was doing handstands in the warm-up. He must be all right."

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Stokes has got something. Talent, skill. I feel all the time that there's steam in him ready to explode. He just needs to harness it, but you do need that aggression."

Scorecard update

Pakistan 58-2 (18 overs) - won toss

Batsmen: Masood 37*, Younus 0*

Fall of wicket: 51-1 (Hafeez 19), 58-2 (Malik 2)

Bowling figures: Anderson 5-2-12-0, Broad 3-0-18-0, Moeen 6-1-14-1, Wood 4-0-14-0, Stokes 1-1-0-1.

Full scorecard

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

Rex Features

"It was short, not excessively fast, he tried to play it on the on side and Jonny Bairstow snaffled it quick as a flash. Jonny doesn't want to be too good there, he could have the job for life."

WICKET

Rex Features

Jonny Bairstow is catching flies under the helmet today - the Yorkie taking another blinder at short leg to get rid of Shoaib Malik. The batsman, back in his crease, pokes into the leg side and the ball hits Bairstow on the chest before being snaffled at the second attempt. Via a juggle and a dive. Superb fielding.

Join the debate at #bbccricket

Jan Dekker: On current form, probably best to forget all about this one till Monday.

Pak 58-1 (run-rate 3.31)

Rex Features

That's nice from Shan Masood - Moeen Ali drags one down and the left-hander quickly transfers his weight to his back foot and cuts to the boundary for four.

Email [e-mail]

Julian in Surrey: Already feels like it boils down to whether Cook can go big again on Sat/Sun.

Pak 54-1 (Masood 33, Malik 2)

I'm only reading between the lines here, but do we think Geoffrey had a little word or two with the car park staff on his way in this morning? Nobody needs to start their working day with a pumped-up, chocolate cake-wielding Yorkshireman coming at you from his long run. More short stuff from Mark Wood but Shan Masood appears to be riding out the storm and he takes a very quick single to get to the sanctuary of the non-striker's end.

Cricket Boy Bands

Mike Bell: Presumably Australia's boy band would be The Ozmonds?

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

It was Geoffrey's 75th birthday yesterday...

"This morning I was going to bring a cake for you all, but I haven't got a car park pass. With the officious nature of the car park staff here, I thought I might have to walk a long way in the heat with a chocolate cake."

Pak 53-1 (Moeen 5-1-10-1)

Shoaib Malik, who scored a double hundred in the first Test, is the new man to the crease. He's off the mark with two.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

Reuters

"It's lovely for Moeen Ali, he has a gift - the gift of taking wickets. He's not the best spinner, that's not unkind, but he keeps picking up wickets. It priceless. Hafeez played that poorly. He went with bat and pad together, that's a recipe for an inside-edge."

WICKET

Alastair Cook spent the drinks break geeing up his troops, and whatever he said seems to have worked as Mohammad Hafeez gets an thick inside edge on to his pads and the ball loops to a sprawling Jonny Bairstow at bat-pad. That's Test-match wicket number 48 for Moeen.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

Reuters

"I was thinking the only good thing about this morning was if I was batting. It looks flat to me. I'd be saying to myself 'you're not stupid Geoffrey, just bat'."

Cricket Boy Band

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Sam Murphy: I'd have Cook for his singing voice. Also Wasim for his lovely hair, Lara for his batting, and Flintoff to drive the band pedalo

Drinks break

Shan Masood is being given a real working over by England's enforcer, Mark Wood. He ducks under one bouncer but then pulls the second to the boundary for four.

It's interesting that Wood is the man tasked with this challenge. Back in the day it would be James Anderson, who I seem to remember was particularly effective against New Zealand's Daniel Flynn in such situations. Drinks.

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Vic Anderson: Not the brightest idea playing a 'not fit' Ben Stokes, hardly a vote of confidence for those kicking their heels on the balcony.

Pak 41-0 (Pakistan won toss)

Shan Masood looks adept against the spin of Moeen Ali, dancing down the track and pushing a single into the off side. The cricketing equivalent to leading well with the jab.

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Thomas Measures: Sorry but when you are having to bring the spinner on after 7 over, on day. This does not make for a good Test wicket.

Pak 39-0 (Masood 24, Hafeez 15)

Rex Features

Good start from Shan Masood, who creams three through the covers. But how will he deal with the short ball when it comes?

Pak 35-0 (12 overs)

Maiden over from Moeen. He's playing more of a holding role first up.

The real battle is next up: Mark Wood v Shan Masood. The dust-up in the desert.

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Tom, too influenced by America: There's no way clearly accidental edges down to third man (and misfields for that matter) should count as runs. It's unfair on the bowler and far too generous to the batsman. The runs should instead be extras in the same way that they would be counted as errors in baseball.

Pak 35-0 (Masood 21, Hafeez 14)

England's galloping fast bowler Mark Wood bolts from the stable to try and give Shan Masood the hurry-up. He's too leggy to begin with, though, and is clipped into the leg side for two. Soon enough, Wood tests Masood with a bouncer which the batsman turns away from. He's got obvious issues there.

Ramiz Raja

Ex-Pakistan captain & Test Match Special pundit

Reuters

"Moeen has bowled at a faster pace. That would be understandable on day four or five, but on day you have to create something. Change the pace, change the angle."

Pak 33-0 (Pakistan won toss)

I'm sure the stats men inside the England dressing room will be aware that 27 wickets have fallen on the first morning in eight previous Tests. Moeen has already slipped into a groove - just one run coming from his latest set of six.

English players in BPL draft

The Bangladesh Premier League player draft is happening as we speak. There's English interest here - Chris Jordan, who will return to the England squad for the limited-overs part of this tour, has been picked by Sylhet Superstars, with Kent's Darren Stevens going to Comilla Victorians.

The tournament starts on 22 November, so presumably Jordan will be available to play after England's tour finishes on 30 November.

Pak 32-0 (Anderson 5-2-12-0)

Rex Features

Have England ever gone into a Test before where nine of their 11 men have a Test wicket to their name? Only Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow - who are wicketkeepers by trade - haven't dismissed a Test batsman. Even Alastair Cook has! Look away now Ishant.

Another maiden over from James Anderson, who has tested the surface and is now bowling within himself - preferring to rely on his skill than speed.

Ramiz Raja

Ex-Pakistan captain & Test Match Special pundit

"Early spin is the way to go. It's a decent pitch and we're in for another very long Test match. It's a little rougher - there was grass a couple of days ago but it has been taken off."

Pak 32-0 (8 overs)

Moeen Ali is brought on for an early tweak - the offie starting by going round the wicket. Such is the lack of atmosphere at the stadium today, you can hear the clonk of leather on willow every time. Boundaries sound like a gun-shot. Tidy start for Moeen - a cobweb-blowing full toss being hit for two, then follows five dot balls.

Phil Tufnell

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"The England players went to a water park between the Tests. It wouldn't be too clever if Stuart Broad had fallen off a dinghy, head-butted Jimmy Anderson and pulled a hamstring..."

Pak 30-0 (Hafeez 14, Masood 16)

Rex Features

It's already looking like a long day in the field for England as Mohammad Hafeez plants his front leg forward and plays a textbook cover drive for four. James Anderson is not impressed.

Cricket Boy Band

If you've not heard, ice hockey team Sheffield Steelers have risked the wrath of One Direction fans by taking on the world's biggest boy band in a row over a postponed fixture.

Pak 24-0 (6 overs)

Reuters

Ha! I'm loving how Stokes would be the 'loveable bad boy' in a cricketing boyband! Keep them coming.

Anyway let's get back to matters in the middle, where Shan Masood scores back-to-back boundaries off Stuart Broad - the first one an edge through the slips and the second a well-timed push into the leg side.

Cricket Boy Band

The Mighty Mojo: Replace Bell and Moeen with Broad & Root. Cookie is the clean cut kid, Stokes is the loveable bad boy.

PA

Pak 16-0 (Hafeez 8, Masood 8)

Mohammad Hafeez looked in good form throughout the first Test, when he made 98 and 34. He looks to have continued in similar vein here, thick-edging for four through the slips. He dropped his hands well though, making it a more controlled shot that it actually looked.

Tearful Sobers

Getty Images

Legendary all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers has been getting a little emotional about the decline of his beloved West Indies team - watch the video here on the BBC Sport website.

His modern-day successors have made a good start to the second Test against Sri Lanka at the P Sara Oval in Colombo - reducing the hosts to 56-3 in 18 overs on the first morning.

Phil Tufnell

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"That would definitely have only been two in Abu Dhbai, but it scooted across the outfield."

Pak 11-0 (Umpires: B Oxenford & P Reiffel)

Shan Masood's nerves are settled when he tickles four down the leg side, then takes a single with a confident push into the on-side.

Joining in the fun, Mohammad Hafeez gets off the mark with a beautiful cover drive to the boundary.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

Getty Images

Are you glad Bilal Asif, whose bowling action is being investigated by the ICC, is not playing?

"I have a real problem with the system. If you decide to play a player who's being investigated, it's a gamble - as if the umpires deem the first ball that he's bowled isn't right, he shouldn't be able to bowl for the rest of the Test."

Graeme Swann adds: "I'm glad he's not playing, because it means Yasir Shah is playing, and I want to see him bowl."

Pak 2-0 (Anderson 2-1-1-0)

Joe Root, Ian Bell, Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali are in the slip cordon for England. Stood side by side, they look like the worst boyband of all time.

If you were to put together a cricketing boyband, you'd have to have James Anderson in there. And Root already has a look of the One Directions about him.

Just one from the over, with Anderson ending the over by nipping one past Mohammad Hafeez's outside edge.

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PitchedOutsideLeg: Caption competition. (6.57). Alastair Cook to Bayliss and Farbrace:- "Sorry, didn't realise it was a cup match; golf tomorrow?".

Pak 1-0 (Pakistan won toss)

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Stuart Broad goes round the wicket straight away, with the left-handed Shan Masood fully behind the first delivery he faces. The opener was out cheaply twice in Abu Dhabi - James Anderson dismissing him both times. I'm sure the Burnley Express will be licking his lips in anticipation this morning.

Especially when Masood tries to hook Broad and looks about as convincing as a reindeer on ice-skates.

How's stat?!

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"There have been eight Tests here before - Pakistan have won four, lost two and drawn two. The team winning the toss has batted first on eight of the nine occasions [including today] but the side batting second has won four of those eight games. The only team to field first here was Sri Lanka - who won."

Phil Tufnell

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"Is that a bit of seam movement? Write that down!"

Pak 0-0 (1 over)

That's more like it - the second ball of the game seams away from the right-hander and carries through to the wicketkeeper and into his midriff. Ian Bell, by the way, remains in second slip despite dropping a couple in the first Test. Maiden over.

Pak 0-0 (Pakistan won toss)

Three slips, a gully and a very short mid-on as Mohammad Hafeez pats back the first delivery of the game.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"The ground's about 5% full, and that's being generous."

Here we go then. Mohammad Hafeez and Shah Masood march out, looking to book in for bed and breakfast. James Anderson has the ball in hand. Let's play.

Picture caption competition

Reuters

"What's that, skip?" "You've called heads again?"

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

Reuters

"The first innings here will cancel each other out - after that, the spinners will come into it. Alastair Cook would tell us the stats will say it will spin later on - but common sense will tell you that. Adil Rashid should have some confidence after that five-for."

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"This pitch will definitely spin - it will get to day five at Abu Dhabi by about day two-and-a-half to three. Spinners Swann and Tufnell will be saying 'I wouldn't mind a bowl on that' by then."

Graeme Swann

Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"I spoke to Stuart Broad about half-an-hour before the toss. He said 'we can't bowl again - he's got to win one of these tosses'. Last time we were here, Andrew Strauss won the toss, all the bowlers were high-fiving each other, getting their shorts and T-shirts on - and we were all padded up by lunch. But in the other Test we played here, Pakistan were bowled out for 99 so it can work in your favour."

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Jack Mendel: England are going to do it aren't they? They're going to destroy Taylor's career, by taking him on tours without playing him.

England are hoping for a more sporting surface today - and the signs are good. It actually looks like a cricket wicket today, rather than resembling the M6.

All-rounder Moeen Ali hopes to see more pace in the wicket in Dubai.

"It would be nice in terms of my bowling," he said. "Batting would be tougher but I don't mind that and it would be good for the game and good for the people watching."

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"I heard Alastair Cook at the toss say 'are you sure that's not a head' - that shows you the importance of the toss."

Say cheese!

Reuters

What's Jonny looking at here?

Simon Mann

BBC Test Match Special

Reuters

"It's a very different setting from Abu Dhabi. No grassy banks, it's a proper stadium - think something like the Gabba."

Get the sunblock out!

Join the debate at #bbccricket

James Gulleford: Hussain, Vaughan, Strauss and Cook, they have all been insistent on calling heads! Why not try something different for once!

And let me tell you how to get involved in today's live text. It's simple really - send us a tweet, using #bbccricket, a text to 81111 or email [e-mail]. On Facebook? If so, you can post to the BBC Sport page over here.

If you want to follow today's action through the airwaves, train your ears to Test Match Special now. You can listen to every ball on BBC Radio 4 LW, 5 live sports extra and through a variety of internet-enabled devices.

How's stat?!

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Pakistan are particularly pleased to have Yasir Shah back in the team. The leggie, who bears a canny resemblance to footballer Lionel Messi, has 61 wickets in just 10 previous Tests. Another match-winner.

Last time we were here...

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Interesting quotes from Alastair Cook there. Could it be that Adil Rashid won't be bowling 34 first innings overs in this Test? Has he learnt how to handle his match-winning leg-spinner? Maybe he has been reading Stephan Shemilt's interview with Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale...

Captain's view

Reuters

England captain Alastair Cook: "The bowlers have all turned away! I don't seem to have a very good record with tosses. Ben Stokes is not 100% fit but he's pretty close, he's ready to go. We thought about playing the extra spinner but you've got to stay in the game early on, and our seamers can give control. It's going to be hard again here, it looks a good wicket but we've got to keep our fighting spirit and make sure we're still in the game in the last couple of days."

Line-ups

England: Cook, Ali, Bell, Root, Bairstow, Stokes, Buttler, Rashid, Broad, Wood, Anderson.

Pakistan: Hafeez, Masood, Malik, Younus, Misbah, Shafiq, Sarfraz, Riaz, Babar, Imran Khan, Shah.

Captain's view

Pakistan captain Misbah smiled when the call came down in his favour. His team make one change - leg-spinner Yasir Shah will replace Rahat Ali.

"If you see the previous records, it's helpful for the spinners as the match goes on and the rough patches emerge," said the Pakistan skipper. "We think Yasir and Zulfiqar are our main spin bowlers, they always perform well in Dubai, and we have Shoaib Malik too."

From the press box

Toss

Pakistan won the toss and will bat first...

England are unchanged.

Toss stats

After the opening Test in this series, you might be thinking it's all about winning the toss and batting first. But what if I told you that the team winning the toss and batting first here has only won twice in seven attempts?

In fact, in the seven instances where a team has lost the toss and been asked to field... the side bowling first has won three times.

Stokes fit to play?

We'll bring you the toss shortly, but all of the pre-match talk has centred on the fitness of Ben Stokes. The press pack out in the UAE reckon the Durham all-rounder should be fit to play. Good news for England fans.

Morning!

Reuters

It's a dead pitch, they said. They'll never force a result on this, they said. Boring, they said.

How wrong they were.

Just a few days on from that thrilling climax to the first Test in Abu Dhabi, when only bad light prevented England from completing a memorable victory, the two teams meet again.

This time we're in Dubai. I've got a feeling we're in for a cracker - but this time from ball one.