On how England should bat on day two: "Alastair Cook will block an end up but the rest should play the way they feel comfortable. You've got to pick the way that's best for you."
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RunMattRun: What a superb effort from England, after losing the toss. Great blend of guts and skill.
Bowser: Incredible effort from England. Superb stuff.
Player reaction
England bowler Stuart Broad: "Ben Stokes has got a sling on at the moment. If he shows pain it's generally pretty bad because he's a tough boy. We're not sure what he can do in the rest of the match but we're hopeful he can play some part."
On Stokes' shoulder injury: "I shouldn't think he's fit to bowl, and there's huge question mark over whether he will bat."
Player reaction
More from Stuart Broad: "We have got strength in both our batting and bowling that can cover an injury. I thought Samit bowled really well today, he really threatened.
"Jimmy showed what an outstanding bowler he is - he creates chances on the flattest wickets. Cooky classes it as a badge of honour to get through a 90-over fielding day without flagging and we've really taken that on."
"Pakistan's batting was pretty ropey. Here they were found out - they didn't adapt to conditions. If England had Underwood and Swann bowling, they would have got 150.
"When Anderson and Broad were bowling there was nothing for Pakistan to hit, so there was always pressure on the batsmen. They were key.
"But we don't have quality spinners. Patel is a fill-in spinner, Moeen Ali does the best he can - his best asset is people think he's rubbish - and Adil Rashid could have had a catch at slip. The spinners were expensive and let the pressure off."
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Player reaction
England bowler Stuart Broad on Sky Sports: "It's an excellent day, I was distraught when we lost the toss, but I don't think anyone quite knows what a good score is. 240 is probably worth 280 or 290."
"We expected it to spin but not as much as we've seen on day one. There's a low score out there if you don't show the application and concentration needed in these conditions."
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Jen de Polo: Excellent day's play by England.
Dave: Guess we'll know if that's a good enough score by about 1pm tomorrow...
Post update
Big moment of the day? For me it was that Sarfraz shot. Just as he and Misbah were putting Pakistan back in the ascendancy, with all the momentum seemingly with the hosts following that injury to Ben Stokes, he absolutely gifted his wicket away with an inexplicably dozy heave. That allowed England to run through that wafer-thin Pakistan lower order.
"England will be happy - to bowl any side out on day one, you'd take that. But they'll be open and honest - and they didn't quite get it right with the spinners."
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Ben Fraser: Broad and Anderson: 6-30 off 28 overs... Wow!
Richie O'Hara Beamand: Phenomenal efforts from Broad and Anderson, astounding control and discipline.
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Close of play
Eng 4-0
It is going to be Yasir Shah from the other end: a test for Moeen Ali in the evening shadows. Oh hello, what a shot that is from Moeen Ali, picks the short length and absolutely whistles it to the deep midwicket boundary for a one-bounce four. And that's stumps. A very, very good day for England - they've given themselves a puncher's chance of levelling this series.
"I just do not get why you wouldn't bowl Wahab Riaz, your premier fast bowler."
Eng 0-0
Must say I'm a bit surprised to see Rahat take the ball - I'd have wagered it would be Wahab from one end and Yasir from the other. It's not a great set from the left-armer: too many leavable deliveries for Cook, who is quite content to see out a maiden.
Post update
Off we go. It looks like Rahat will take the ball, we think Alastair Cook and Moeen Ali have two overs to survive...
End-of-innings scorecard
Pakistan 234 (85.1 overs)
Misbah 71, Sarfraz 39, Malik 38
Fall of wickets: 5-1 (Azhar 0), 49-2 (Hafeez 27), 88-3 (Malik 38), 103-4 (Younus 31), 116-5 (Shafiq 5), 196-6 (Sarfraz 39), 196-7 (Riaz 0), 224-8 (Yasir 7), 224-9 (Misbah 71), 234 all out (Rahat 4); Not out: Babar 6
"Anderson and Broad have been outstanding. Apart from that, England have bowled poorly. The pitch has taken a huge amount of spin. You can understand Samit Patel because he hasn't played a lot of cricket, but Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid have bowled too many bad balls. 240 is probably worth 280.
"If Yasir Shah and Zulfiqar Babar get it right, there's a low score out there."
WICKET
Rahat c Moeen b Anderson 4 (Pak 234 all out)
And that is that. Anderson sends down an away-swinger that's far too good for Rahat Ali, and he prods it to Moeen in the slips. That is an outstanding first-day bowling performance by England, led by the utterly brilliant Anderson and Broad.
Alastair Cook and Moeen Ali will have a couple of tricky overs to negotiate before the close.
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Pak 234-9 (Zulfiqar 6, Rahat 4)
Come to think of it, that injury could well threaten Ben Stokes's participation in the South Africa tour. In which case, what do England do? Extra batsman? Move Moeen to six and open with Hales? Or a like-for-like all-rounder like Woakes? One for the selectorial brains trust to mull over.
Zulfiqar piles on some crucial runs for Pakistan with a leg glance for four.
Stokes injury update
News from the England and Wales Cricket Board on Ben Stokes' injury: "Ben Stokes has a right shoulder injury. He will not return to the field today and will have further scans tomorrow morning to determine the extent of the injury."
"I know it's early in the day but that could be a match-winning innings from Misbah."
Pak 226-9
So Rahat Ali joins Zulfiqar Babar at the crease. Crucial that England mop up this last wicket as quickly as possible. Both are off the mark with singles off Anderson.
"It swung! And a very sharp catch for this time of day, one of those ones that almost go past you at second slip. Joe Root threw two hands at it. Beauty."
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WICKET
Misbah c Root b Anderson 71 (Pak 224-9)
They're dropping like flies now, and this time it's the big wicket. Anderson gets one to shape away, Misbah fences and Root snaffles a sharp catch. This has been an absolute masterclass of seam bowling in unhelpful conditions from Anderson and Broad.
"Well deserved by Stuart Broad. He has bowled amazingly. Yasir was very happy with the shot - 'I've just hooked England's premier fast bowler' - but he picked out the man. He will be annoyed with himself."
WICKET
Yasir c Patel b Broad 7 (Pak 224-8)
You can't keep Samit Patel out of the game! This time he's underneath the ball as Yasir takes on Stuart Broad on the hook. That's a richly deserved wicket for Broad, who has bowled superbly today. England will be optimistic of polishing this Pakistan line-up off for less than 250, and having lost the toss, that would be a very very good result.
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Beth Young: I hope Ben Stokes' injury isn't as bad as it looked, wishing him a speedy recovery.
Paul Hawkins: I did that this time last yr. After an hour in A&E it popped itself back in. Horrible. Get well soon @benstokes38.
New ball
Pak 222-7
Pakistan have lost wickets but they're not far away from a competitive total on this raging turner. Anderson is immediately brought back to stem the bleeding. He restores order with a maiden.
"Four, four, then six. This is exactly how Misbah plays. In a tight match, these are important runs. No-one wants to bat last on this pitch."
Pak 222-7
Misbah is sweeping England to distraction here. Patel's first two deliveries are two leg-sidish and they're both reverse-swept past backward point for four. Misbah then paddles past long leg for four and tops it all with a massive straight six down the ground. Big, big over. Patel leaking like a porcupine's waterbed.
"I don't think England's spinners have bowled very well - too many loose balls. But I think Shah and Babar will bowl very well on here."
Pak 205-7 (Misbah 53, Yasir 7)
Discussion on the cricket desk: have Pakistan misread this pitch by not playing an extra spinner? England look to have been exactly right with their policy of playing three tweakers: this pitch is absolutely ragging. A strange miss if so, as Pakistan should now this pitch better than anyone - they ought to remember being destroyed by New Zealand offie Mark Craig the last time they played a Test here.
Moeen coughs up three singles and leg bye off his latest over.
"What a good delivery, wasted on Wahab in a way. It spun from leg stump - maybe outside - and hit middle and off. Wonderful ball - a left-armer's classic."
WICKET
Wahab b Patel 0 (Pak 196-7)
Samit the Destroyer! The big man has produced an absolute pearler to get rid of Wahab, pitching outside leg, gripping, turning past the bat and smashing into middle stump. England seizing control of this match again, and how brainless does that shot from Sarfraz look now?
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Post update
Pak 196-6
Yes he has. Clear glove. That's the end of that.
Umpire review
England haven't got another have they? Moeen again, Misbah struck on the pad, but has he gloved it?
"This is how he plays. He can frustrate you, but he thought the best way to operate on a track like this is to play shots, but he got it wrong. He's done a fairly good job."
WICKET
Sarfraz c Root b Moeen 39 (Pak 196-6)
Well, blow me down with a feather. For the second time today, Pakistan have absolutely gifted England (and Moeen) a crucial wicket. Just as the tourists had gone a bowler down, with Pakistan getting back on the front foot, Sarfraz has an inexplicable heave at Moeen and picks out Joe Root on the boundary. Ridiculous.
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Pak 196-5
Sarfraz pinches a single off Patel, who has now bowled as many overs as Moeen and Rashid combined, despite being theoretically England's third-choice spinner and having dislocated his finger. Weird.
"He's mentally very strong. Once again his defence has been so tight. It's a typical, dogged Misbah knock."
50 for Misbah
Pak 195-5
Misbah moves to his fourth consecutive 50+ score with a characteristic paddle sweep. Just when England think they've cracked open this Pakistan batting line-up, he's always there, block-block-blasting Pakistan back into the ascendancy. Another superb innings from the ageless 41-year-old.
"A dislocated shoulder is one of the most painful injuries you can suffer. I hope it's not that. It's a long process to come back."
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Matthew Mansfield: Blimey Stokesy, I felt that.
Post update
Stokes is being helped off the field with his arm in a sling. I'm not optimistic about his chances of playing any further part in this Test, I'm afraid.
"He nearly made a catch from nothing. It was a lollipop full toss. He leapt seven or eight feet into the air and nearly caught it because he's an athletic young man."
"He landed with his arms outstretched. His immediate reaction was to kick the turf with both legs. Immediately the players knew."
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Pak 190-5
Oh dear, this isn't good. It's a fantastic leaping effort at a catch from Ben Stokes, as Misbah paddles a Patel full toss, but as he crashes to earth he lands heavily on his shoulder. That looks like a dislocation I'm afraid.
I think Stokes is going to have to bee stretchered off here, and England are going to be a seamer - and probably a batsman - light.
Scorecard update
Pakistan 188-5 (74 overs) after winning toss
Batsmen: Misbah 47*, Sarfraz 36*
Fall of wickets: 5-1 (Azhar 0), 49-2 (Hafeez 27), 88-3 (Malik 38), 103-4 (Younus 31), 116-5 (Shafiq 5)
"The batsmen know there is going to be a bad ball from England's spinners at least once every two overs. The pressure is off."
Pak 186-5 (Misbah 47, Sarfraz 36)
Oh dear. That's ugly. Samit Patel is back into the attack but he immediately serves up a horrible half-tracker - which Misbah smashes powerfully for a one-bounce four. England are struggling to contain this counter-attacking partnership, which is now worth 70.
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Arslan Tahir: Misbah should be given credit for stability of Pak Test team, he should play tests for another 2 years and make Pak no.1
Pak 182-5
Sarfraz Ahmed is a good four or five feet out of his crease against Stokes - he's almost close enough to the England seamer to point out the pink patches that he missed with the suncream. It's a strategy that seems to be working for Sarfraz - he defends comfortably, with Stokes unable to pose any sort of threat.
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Pak 182-5
I'm not sure about this plan - Jimmy Anderson, a prowling tiger this morning, has been rather put on the leash by putting Bairstow up to the stumps. His accuracy is waning too - another leg-side delivery is nudged down the leg side by Misbah for four.
"You wouldn't say that was easy, but you'd think he would catch more than he drops. Maybe 7/10."
Sarfraz dropped on 33
Pak 178-5
Down! Tough chance for Jimmy Anderson in the slips, cut hard by Sarfraz and the ball crashes into Anderson's forearms before he can get his hands up. Glum skyward glances from the England fielders - that could be crucial, with this partnership looking dangerous.
"Monty and Swann would have bowled well on this. Shane Warne said Monty bowled one way - I don't agree with that. You need metronomic bowling on this. If you bowl at the stumps and don't give easy four-balls, you will bowl people out."
Pak 174-5
This partnership is looking pretty solid now, and from England's point of view, threatening - and they have it in them to pile on runs quickly when they get going. The plan of Anderson bowling stump-to-stump isn't really working - a wide delivery forces Jonny Bairstow to concede an untidy leg bye.
"The three England spinners that are playing are all in the side because they can bat and field - they are good cricketers. Spin bowling? You could play them with my stick of rhubarb."
Post update
Pak 171-5 (Misbah 38, Sarfraz 30)
Shouts of 'catch' as Misbah thrashes Rashid up in the air, but he's got enough on it - the ball landing just short of the boundary rope at mid-off. As he has throughout the series, the Pakistani skipper frustrating England with his idiosyncratic mix of dour blocking and occasional brutality. As if to prove the point, he larrups Rashid for another four of the final ball.
Pak 163-5
Now then, this could be pivotal: James Anderson, who despite the spin-friendly conditions and Broad's parsimony has been the most threatening bowler today. And he's got a new plan: Bairstow up to the stumps, in-out field, cutters. Misbah and Sarfraz negotiate Jimmy's opening salvo without too much trouble.
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Cricketing dogs
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Pak 161-5 (Rashid 8-1-29-0)
Pretty good from Rashid this, zoning in on a nice fullish length, not letting the batsmen free their arms. He's probably bowled the fewest bad balls of any England spinner today. The batsmen manage to scramble three singles.
"In these games, where it looks like it could be low-scoring, a hundred or a big partnership will be remembered. This partnership could be just that and get Pakistan to a really competitive total."
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Pak 158-5
Broad concedes more than one run off a delivery for the first time today as Misbah punches him down the ground for two.
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Pak 156-5 (Misbah 26, Sarfraz 27)
Ooh, big swish out of the rough by Sarfraz, thick outside edge but it flies quickly and low away from Ben Stokes's attempted grasp. The kind of catch that Chris Jordan might have taken, but not many others. Decent start by Rashid.
"Stuart Broad's 48 consecutive dot balls is the longest by an England seamer since Andy Caddick's 52 against West Indies at The Oval in 2000."
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Pak 152-5
As I turn over to the TV commentary, I'm just in time to hear Sir Ian Botham conclude an anecdote with the words "you just have the smell of it on you for days afterwards". Tantalising. Meanwhile, statisticians across the globe weep as Broad's proud run of 48 dot balls is finally brought to an end by a back-foot punch by Sarfraz. Strangled lbw appeal off the last ball, definite inside edge.
"Is it only Chinese restaurants than have dim sum, or do Japanese ones have it too?"
Pak 151-5 (Misbah 26, Sarfraz 22)
Adil Rashid is given the ball from the other end. After a wide first ball which Sarfraz swats to backward point for a couple, it's a pretty good set from the leggie - landing them nicely on a good length. Promising.
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Pak 148-5
A rather low-key start to the evening session - there's precious little pace or bounce in this wicket and Misbah isn't going to take any risks immediately after the interval. He just watches Stuart Broad's deliveries sail, or rather dribble, by. 46 consecutive dot balls for Broad now.
Post update
Stuart Broad with cherry in hand - can England's pacemen make another decisive breakthrough at the start of this session?
Post update
Thank you Stephan. England have had a great day so far but they really need a strong final session if they're not to leave themselves at the mercy of Yasir Shah in the second part of this match.
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Post update
The players have barely had time to take their boots off - a tea break of 20 minutes is hardly long enough to get back the dressing room. Either way, they're set to resume. James Gheerbrant is here to talk you through the evening session.
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Paul Turnbull: Extraordinary figures for Anderson and Broad!
'I fancy a bowl on this'
Lancashire and England spinner Simon Kerrigan approves of the pitch in Sharjah.
Post update
Tom, we need to know more about that dog. What's his name? Where will he be searching for cricket balls? In fact, I want to know of all the cricketing dogs. It's high time we celebrated those unsung heroes of the game.
"England will be happy with that having lost the toss. Well bowled, the seamers - they have stuck to their task brilliantly. They might be batting tonight - that's what they'll be thinking."
Tea scorecard
Pakistan 148-5 (60 overs) after winning toss
Batsmen: Misbah 26*, Sarfraz 19*
Fall of wickets: 5-1 (Azhar 0), 49-2 (Hafeez 27), 88-3 (Malik 38), 103-4 (Younus 31), 116-5 (Shafiq 5)
"The ball is spinning more than we saw in the whole of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. If Pakistan get to 250 that would be on par on this surface.
"The England spinners have bowled nicely in periods but they have also released pressure with bad balls. Yasir Shah and Zulfiqar Babar will like to have a bowl on this wicket."
Tea
Pak 148-5
Pakistan get through to the break, not without another scare as Sarfraz almost pulls Rashid to mid-on. Very much England's session, but you can't help but feel that one Pakistan partnership could put them in a good position, especially with Yasir Shah set to bowl on this raging turner.
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Close!
Pak 146-5
Close! Misbah gets on the sweep to the returning Moeen Ali, top-edging just out of the reach of Joe Root at short fine leg. Root is quite close, his jump and outstretched hand unable to get anything on the ball. Risky from Misbah when that man is lurking around the corner. Only one over to go before tea.
Tea time on TMS
Pak 140-5 (partnership 24)
Big turn for Adil Rashid as a woman in the crowd cuddles what can only be described as a giant stuffed tiger. I wonder what possesses someone to take a cuddly tiger to the cricket? Things not to forget - ticket, suncream, cuddly tiger. Meanwhile, Sarfraz launches Rashid high into the unblemished sky, taking a couple as the running of mid-on and mid-off fails to create a chance.
"Sarfraz looks aggressive. He has come out with intent."
Pak 137-5 (Stokes 9-3-21-0)
Jonny Bairstow is wearing a white gumshield, one that he constantly displaces between deliveries, as if he is creating a belated Halloween costume. His opposite number Sarfraz continues to look for opportunities to score, crouching low as Stokes runs in, then calmly guiding through the vacant third-man area for four. If this turns out to be a low-scoring Test, an hour of Sarfraz could be very important.
There he goes! Not Sarfraz, but Misbah, planting his front dog to smash Adil Rashid over long-on for six. Block, block, block, smash from the Pakistan skipper. Perhaps he just doesn't rate Rashid.
Pak 126-5
England replace Patel with Rashid. A decent option against the charging Sarfraz.
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Jamie Gordon: Currently following from the London to Brighton car rally - suspect the car is quicker than Pakistan's scoring rate.
Pak 126-5 (55 overs)
There's a very curious picture of Sachin Tendulkar inside the stadium. It's an advertising board which Ben Stokes runs towards, with a slightly portlier than usual Tendulkar looming a smile over the empty stadium. It's a little bit creepy. If I tell you that Misbah is facing an England seamer, you know the outcome. It's a maiden. 61 of the 69 balls that Misbah has faced have been dots.
Is rain coming?
Pak 126-5 (Misbah 13, Sarfraz 10)
Seatbelts. Patel v Sarfraz could be quite a ride. Sarfraz has his dancing shoes on, which has got Patel thinking about his length. When Sarfraz gets his levers out to belt a sweep, it brings only the second boundary of the session. Like busses, a second come along straight away, this time slogged in the direction of cow corner. Pakistan are being jolted into life by their cattle-prod-wielding keeper.
"Samit Patel is playing his sixth Test match, but that's his first wicket since his third Test, when he removed Yuvraj Singh at Ahmedabad three years ago."
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Pak 118-5
While Misbah will continue to play the sponge, soaking the pressure, Sarfraz will be an energetic, arm-flailing counter-puncher. He's batting out of his crease, jumping back and defending with a flourish. His intent is what Pakistan need - they have been inert since lunch. There's still 25 minutes until tea - how England would dearly love to be into the tail by the break.
"With Wahab Riaz at eight, Pakistan's strength is not the strength of their tail."
Pak 117-5 (Patel 17-3-49-1)
Shafiq walked off with his head in his hand. "How did I get out to Samit?" I'll tell you how, Asad. You got a very good ball. The angle from round the wicket drew Shafiq into playing, the turn was just enough to get an edge. Sarfraz Ahmed is the new man, so expect a change of tempo. For some reason, the wicket has drawn the Pakistan fans into life - they are cheering and chanting.
"It's a really good ball: good pace, sharp spin, and the angle draws Shafiq into playing. It's a good catch by Bairstow: he's had a good day in conditions that aren't easy. Shafiq is a real key wicket: he's looked Pakistan's best player in this series."
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WICKET
Shafiq c Bairstow b Patel 5 (Pak 116-5)
Samit Patel! You just felt like this was coming, England getting more rewards for their excellent bowling in the afternoon session. There's turn from Patel, a touch of bounce too, and Asad Shafiq's defensive thrust can only feather an edged through to Jonny Bairstow. England are in charge of this match.
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Pak 116-4
England will be very, very happy with what has happened since lunch. They have bowled well, sticking to their plans of dot after dot, while Pakistan are going nowhere. It's all a bit of a stalemate, but compelling nevertheless. That's what happens when the ball is competing with the bat.
"England have bowled 17 overs of spin before lunch on the first day on three previous occasions this century. They also did it at Abu Dhabi on their last tour of the UAE in 2012, at Galle that year, and at Mirpur in 2010."
Pak 116-4 (Misbah 13, Shafiq 5)
Despite Rashid getting loose, Patel continues, with England getting excited when Shafiq almost cuts in the air to the covers. He's not looking patient, Shafiq, charging down the pitch and mis-hitting along the ground to mid-on. England might feel there is more chance of dislodging the number six than captain Misbah,
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Bill Beeby in Dover: We lost the toss again but have made a great start this time getting their top four out. This time batting second we need to outscore them on first innings then we can level this series. Pakistan are not playing for a draw so far. Anderson and Broad excellent.
Pak 114-4
There's no great finesse about this England plan. Spin from one end, pace at the other. Ben Stokes replaces James Anderson, with Adil Rashid getting loose to possibly come on for Samit Patel. In the pin-drop silence of a largely empty stadium, Stokes slips his tattoos in to Misbah, who is again intent on defending the pacers. Misbah has faced 23 balls of pace and scored one run, compared to 12 runs from 30 balls of spin.
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Small Man Peaky: England's bowling this series, by and large, has been very very good. Showing the application and discipline of 2010-11.
Pitched Outside Leg: I do cricket updates for my nephew, currently travelling. Got 'Pakistan won toss, batting, early wicket for Jimmy' on cut and paste.
Pak 114-4 (Patel 15-3-46-0)
Pakistan are showing patience, soaking up the pressure, rolling with the punches, eyeing a time when England's grip is loosened. England will be thinking that more wicket will have them right on top. Shafiq wafts and dances, eventually getting Patel through the leg side for a couple. This is a good contest. For the first time in the series, the ball has a chance.
"You just get the feeling that Shafiq is losing a little bit of patience. He's starting to punch at fuller-length balls. If Anderson can get one to grab or seam, the two men on the drive are right in the game."
Pak 112-4
Unbelievably, James Anderson has conceded a run. Leg stump, Misbah guiding through the vacant square leg area for a single. That's the first in living memory given away by an England pacer. Feeling expensive, Anderson returns to his full length, forcing Shafiq to play straight. When Anderson errs once more, Shafiq takes yet another single. Very, very costly over from Anderson. Two from it.
"The world's getting faster, people want everything quicker these days. And yet over rates are getting slower."
Pak 110-4 (Misbah 12, Shafiq 0)
Patel, who has bowled more overs than Moeen and Rashid put together, skips in after drinks, Misbah just about keeping the scoreboard ticking with his favourite sweep shot. Alastair Cook, at short cover, is almost in business with a drive that falls just short. I reckon Misbah really would retire if he got out that way to Patel. There's some increased noise inside the ground. From who, I'm not sure.
"From the end that Broad and Anderson have been bowling, since lunch it's eight overs, eight maidens."
Drinks break
Pak 105-4
Anderson has a little treatment before his over begins, I'm not sure what on. He's good to go, though, continuing this tighter-than-Inzamam's-belt spell from the England pacers. I'm trying to think of all the things that have happened since Broad and Anderson conceded a run. Pakistan have well and truly dropped anchor, hoping England will wilt in the heat.
Scorecard update
Pakistan 105-4 (44 overs) after winning toss
Batsmen: Misbah 7*, Shafiq 0*
Fall of wickets: 5-1 (Azhar 0), 49-2 (Hafeez 27), 88-3 (Malik 38), 103-4 (Younus 31)
It's like two different sports out there. From one end is the threat and strangle of the seamers, at the other is Patel's search for consistency. This is better from Samit, who is looking for dots with a defensive field. If the plan is to drag Misbah into a stroke, the Pakistan skipper isn't biting. Yet. England on top.
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Saad: I think Bell should have been dropped for this Test, giving Alex Hales a chance to show his worth to the selectors before the South Africa series. This would allow Moeen to play at number eight, where he can play his natural game. This would strengthen both the top and lower order.
Pak 105-4 (Misbah 7, Shafiq 0)
Lots and lots of company for Asad Shafiq, three slips and two catchers in front of the bat. Anderson is shielding the ball, giving no clue as to which way it might hoop. I think there's some chatter. Apparently the England players have been telling the Pakistanis about what might happen next summer in the UK, with Misbah retorting that he might retire before then. Yet another maiden from an England seamer. Runs from this end as rare as clouds in the sky.
"That's just the second time in the last 10 partnerships between Younus and Misbah in the UAE that they haven't added at least 50. The average of their last nine partnerships was 138."
Pak 105-4
Since lunch, between them Anderson and Broad have bowled 5-5-0-2. Patel is still twirling, his twinkling toes dancing his fuller figure towards the crease. Sometimes it's loopy, sometimes it's a bit short. A few allsorts in the empty Sharjah bowl.
"I don't think Pakistan are any better than England. England almost won the first Test and Pakistan managed to win the second."
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Pak 103-4 (Anderson 7-3-6-2)
The replay makes it look all the more odd. Younus pretty much fell over, probably in eagerness to capitalise on a rare loose ball. On a dust bowl, England's seamers have turned in three wickets. The correct Asad Shafiq is the new man, repelling some Anderson reverse swing. If England's spinners could do the job of their pacemen, Pakistan would be right in the gravy right now.
"Anderson has gone past Shaun Pollock into eighth place on the all-time Test wicket-takers list, with 422. Next in his sights is Sir Richard Hadlee, with 431."
WICKET
Younus lbw Anderson 31 (Pak 103-4)
What a way for Younus Khan to go. It's an odd way for England to take their fourth wicket, but you can't say they don't deserve it. In fact, you should probably chalk this one down to Stuart Broad, who has bowled dot ball after dot ball. He's probably livid to be withdrawn, only for James Anderson to get an lbw with a horrible full toss. Younus, batting out of his crease, simply missed it, saw the ball cannon into his shin, and the replays show it would have splattered leg stump.
How has Younus missed this? A James Anderson full toss is surely demolishing the stumps? Younus doesn't believe the umpire's finger, so will look again...
"It's more difficult for the modern player to come in mid-series and do well. They don't play the warm-up matches between Tests like you used to. Net practice isn't the same - you need time in the middle. It applies to James Taylor as much as Samit Patel. And it does affect you - look at Azhar Ali."
Pak 103-3 (Younus 31, Misbah 5)
Patel is bowling some good deliveries, threatening the outside edge, but in between he's bowling some pies, mainly short. On a bunsen burner, England have only a slip around the bat. That might say something about how well Misbah plays spin, but also how much England think Patel needs protecting.
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Mike Bell: Lose the toss. Field. Pakistan rack up runs. England graft in the heat. Lose the toss. Field. Pakistan... #Groundhogfirstday
Pak 100-3
Misbah might have a wide blade, but he's decided he needs to change it. He's only scored three from 23 balls. Maybe a new weapon will bring the big licks.
"I wouldn't like to bowl to Misbah. He's got a big, wide blade and he plays everything so slowly and deliberately, a bit like Andrew Strauss. You've really got to force it past his outside edge."
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Pak 100-3 (Broad 8-7-1-1)
It's hard to think of Stuart Broad, a man who has grown up playing for England, as a wily old campaigner. He's going through all the tricks here, not least going wide on the crease to create an angle. His appealing hasn't improved, mind. He asks for lbw when Misbah has edged the cover off it. Yet another maiden for Broad, who has now bowled 40 dots balls in a row.
"England's spinners haven't been economical enough in this series. As a spinner, you want to be going at two-and-a-half runs an over, three maximum. If you're going at four an over, you're not doing your job."
Pak 100-3 (Patel 10-2-34-0)
Samit Patel replaces the up-and-down Moeen Ali, delivering his slow left-arm from round the wicket. Walk, then jog, economical action. A touch too short, allowing the Pakistan 100 to be notched. It's so curious to see the seamers provide the greater threat on a pitch so helpful to the spinners.
Are you Mourinho in disguise?
The Test Match Special team of Geoffrey Boycott, Michael Vaughan and Phil Tufnell 'do a Jose Mourinho' - after the Chelsea manager goes all uncooperative following his side's defeat by Liverpool.
Still the miserly Broad, who hasn't conceded a run since his eighth delivery of the day. Long legs, sweatbands, hair like Draco Malfoy all grown up. Probe on off stump, hint of reverse, Younus unsure whether to play or not. A fifth (yes, fifth) consecutive maiden for Broad. Very, very good.
"A feature of people who play the hard square sweep well is that they extend their wrists. Kevin Pietersen did it."
Pak 99-3 (Moeen 9-2-34-1)
Misbah is so fond of the sweep that I'm put in mind of Trigger from Only Fools and Horses. This bat has had 17 new blades and 14 new handles. Learning something from his skipper, Younus also gets down on one knee, taking Moeen for four. This wily old pair are intent on not letting England's spinners settle. Moeen is going at almost four an over.
What does history tell us?
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Pak 92-3 (35 overs)
Misbah has pulled up the drawbridge to the seamers in this series, barely tempted to play a short. Broad is looking for reverse swing and bite from the pitch, with three very close slips in place - third slip Joe Root even as a helmet on. Good from Broad, beating a Misbah poke. A big period, this. Misbah plays spin so well, so will be key in this match where spin will play such a big part. Broad has five maidens from his six overs.
Mixed marital fortunes
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08:51 GMT: Shoaib Malik is dismissed by Stuart Broad.
08:52 GMT: Shoaib Malik's wife Sania Mirza wins the WTA Finals doubles title with her partner Martina Hingis.
That'll cheer him up, I'm sure.
Pak 92-3 (Younus 24, Misbah 1)
Moeen looks a different animal from round the wicket, the turn back into Younus bringing leg slip and short leg into play. For some reason, he's back over the wicket to Misbah, which appears to make using the spin a little easier for the batsman. Every so often, Moeen serves up some filth, this time a full toss that has short-leg fielder James Taylor checking his private health cover.
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Rachel T: To paraphrase Doc Brown in BTTF, "Where Broad is going, we don't need any spinners."
Pak 88-3 (Broad 5-4-1-1)
Replays do Malik no favours. In fact, the shot looks even worse. His bat was in a different post code to his body. The silver lining for Pakistan is that Misbah-ul-Haq is now at the crease, reprising his double-act with Younus that has brought eight fifty partnerships in their last nine stands together. If England manage to winkle one of these out, then they have to contend with Asad Shafiq. The hard work starts now.
"No feet from Malik, he just had a waft at it. It was a good line and length delivery but nothing special, but when the wicket is this flat you can get a bit lazy against the seamers. We were wondering whether it was the right decision to have a seamer on after lunch, but Alastair Cook has been proved right."
WICKET
Malik c Bairstow b Broad 38 (Pak 38-3)
Gone this time! Stuart Broad strikes, another England seamer doing the business on a snake-pit of a turner. It's pretty awful from Shoaib Malik, a flat-footed, limp-wristed poke at a ball outside off stump. No real need to play, no conviction, an edge through to Jonny Bairstow. In fairness, to Broad, it's just done a little off the seam. A real boost for England.
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Tattz: Until tiring, Patel offered far more control than Ali or Rashid. Cannot believe that these are our three best spinners though.
Pak 88-2 (Malik 38, Younus 21)
A slip and a short leg for Moeen to Shoaib Malik. There's the strain of a song from the England fans, but it's quiet enough to hear the chatter of the fielders. Malik tries to skip, then gets right back to force a single through the off side. Moeen comes round the wicket for his final ball - a good move for an offie getting big turn, it brings lbw into the game.
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Sachin Mainkar: I am tipping Stuart Broad to produce a fiery session of bowling that will surprise everyone.
Pak 87-2
Moeen Ali sharing duties after lunch. He was loose, but strangely dangerous in the morning session.
"Are England standing a bit too far back? We seem to say it a lot over here..."
Pak 87-2
Yep, the arm-swinging of Bruce Oxenford confirms it. There was a big inside-edge from a nip-backer, Younus playing with a curtain rail bat. Bairstow couldn't have known that the ball bounced - it was so close to the rubber of his gloves. However, it definitely fell short. Move on.
Third umpire
Pak 87-2
It's bounced...
Third umpire
Pak 87-2
The on-field umpires have indicated that they think it didn't carry. The third umpire has to find evidence to suggest otherwise...
"I think England's spin bowlers need to keep their lines and lengths and let the pitch do it for them. They got a bit worked up and started trying to bowl magic balls."
Post update
The players are back out under the cloudless Sharjah sky, fully sandwiched up after lunch. England bowled 17 overs of spin before the break, is that a record for an England team on day one? No spin here, though. Stuart Broad has the ball.
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Dick in KL: Those morning bowling figures imply it's a spin attack with the fast bowlers 'holding up an end'...
Post update
For some reason, a tale from A Lot Of Hard Yakka, the excellent book by Simon Hughes, springs to mind. In 1982, the retired Fred Titmus was a spectator at a Middlesex game. When he poked his head around the door before the game began, Middlesex captain Mike Brearley saw his appearance as a stroke of luck on a Lord's turner and pressed the off-spinner into action. England could do worse than getting Phil Tufnell from the TMS box.
Post update
Thanks, James. A curious old morning that. This pitch is already twisting and turning like a twisty-turny thing. There's been encouragement for England's slow bowlers, but if all-rounders like Moeen and Samit can get it to rag square, what might Yasir Shah do?
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Tom Ward: Pakistan look in charge for now, but, a few quick wickets after lunch and it could all change...
Post update
Time for me to hand over to Stephan Shemilt to take you through the afternoon session...
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Anand Sangha: Why would England play Samit over Plunkett? So far, England's best bowlers have been seamers, and the Pakistan batsmen will lick their lips at a spinner lower down in the pecking order than Ali and Rashid. I think England just love to have protection in the batting at number eight.
"It looks like it's going to be a long day in the field. The sun is out, the pitch is flat... As a fielding unit, you're looking at a few hours in the dirt."
Lunchtime on TMS
Lunch report
Pakistan reached 87-2 on the first morning of the third and final Test against England in Sharjah.
The hosts won the toss and batted for the third time in the series in what looks to be a significant advantage on a pitch already showing signs of prodigious turn.
James Anderson had Azhar Ali caught behind and Moeen Ali had Mohammad Hafeez pull a long hop to deep square leg to reduce Pakistan to 49-2.
That would have been 51-3 had Shoaib Malik not successfully overturned as lbw decision given to Moeen.
He remains on 37, Younus Khan has 21 and Samit Patel, in as a third spinner for his first Test since 2012, has 0-33 from eight overs.
"Having won the toss and seeing the way the pitch is played, Pakistan will be delighted to be 87-2. In the first two matches, you felt the pitch would stay true. Only 30 overs into this game, this pitch is playing tricks we didn't see until late in the last two Tests. The one positive for England is that they have a very deep batting line-up."
Lunch interval
Pak 87-2
Whoa, another freebie from Rashid, a juicy full toss that Malik clips to the boundary. England feeding these Pakistani batsmen four-balls at the moment. However, Rashid responds well, bamboozling Younus with a real beauty that is unlucky not to find the edge. And that will be lunch.
Pak 80-2
Patel is beginning to flag a bit - he's throwing in some rank half-trackers now. Another one is dispatched to the fence by the assured Malik.
Text 81111
Mark W: Why not toss for the first Test in any series then give the team losing the toss the choice for the following game and continue alternate for the rest of the series? If it's an odd number toss again for the last game. Seems an obviously much fairer system to me.
Pak 75-2 (Malik 28, Younus 18)
Rashid is going to get a bowl. A tidy start from the leggie - he begins with a maiden.
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Andy Horrill: The way this pitch is playing it could be a very quick Test match.
Jack Allum: Why on earth is Ali not bowling round the wicket? Bowling over is virtually ruling out LBW as a mode of dismissal
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Pak 75-2
Patel, like most all-rounders, will throw in a few poor balls occasionally, but he is definitely threatening the outside edge - he gets another one to straighten sharply and zip past Younus's edge. But he releases the pressure with a short wide ball which Younus smokes for four.
Pak 66-2 (Moeen 6-1-22-1)
Moeen races through an over. England would love another wicket before the interval.
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Pak 66-2
Younus sweeps Patel for four. Will Cook think of giving Rashid an over before lunch?
"This is good for the game. Seeing some action for the spinners has livened everything up."
Pak 61-2
This could be over by day three. Moeen is getting it to spit like a cobra. Short leg in the game. Younus, though, has seen this all before, he won't be fazed.
Pak 58-2 (Malik 26, Younus 3)
Patel releases the pressure with a drag-down which is hammered for four by Malik.
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Post update
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Bob Hawkins: This match will be over by tomorrow evening..
David: Fail to see how hawk eye can get spin correct. However this is turning an outrageous amount for day 1 session 1
Pak 51-2
Tell you what, it's really ragging out there - especially if you believe that DRS verdict, which has the ball missing leg by a good foot or so. England's call on three spinners could be a good one. Maiden for Moeen.
"I'm not having that, not missing by that distance. I can see it going down, but not by that much. In only the 22nd over of the match, there is such sharp spin. It makes it more exciting."
Pak 51-2
Ah. Drat. The DRS shows the ball would have spun miles past leg stump. A good review for Pakistan, a bitter blow for England.
"The only thing that can help Shoaib is the impact. It's not going over the top. There was spin again."
Umpire review
Pak 51-2
Oh, hello there! Moeen fires one in, Malik plays all around it and up goes the finger! That could be a big breakthrough, but Malik wants another look...
"That's a warning sign. If Samit is getting that sort of purchase, this is a crusty one."
Pak 51-2
So, happy days for England - now all they have to do is run through Pakistan's three best batsmen. Tell you what, Patel is bowling beautifully here - he gets two consecutive balls to grip and turn agonisingly past Younus Khan's outside edge.
"He got the delivery he wanted, but the lack of pace made it stick in the wicket. It did spin, Hafeez got a top edge and Broad took a comfortable catch. It's a bonus for England."
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WICKET
Hafeez c Broad b Moeen 27 (Pak 49-2)
Well well, that's a big bonus for England. Hafeez has taken a liking a to Moeen and strikes him powerfully down the ground for a one-bounce four. However, next ball he perishes, short ball from Moeen, Hafeez tries to marmalise it for six and succeeds only in directing it straight up in the air. Broad collects. That, I believe, is what they call 'drowning in honey'.
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Pak 43-1 (Patel 4-1-7-0)
Malik is looking increasingly confident against the slightly flatter spin stylings of Patel and cuts him towards the boundary for two.
"I think the seam bowlers can change their boots - they won't be doing much bowling."
Pak 39-1
The Pakistani batsmen are definitely enjoying the flighted deliveries of Moeen Ali - Hafeez, who is looking in good touch, strikes three into the covers, then scoops over the leg-side field for two.
"A spinner has got to enjoy bowling dots on here. You've got to see that as a victory."
Pak 33-1 (Hafeez 17, Malik 16)
So, we're 16 overs into the first morning of a Test match and England have essentially got two batsmen bowling in tandem. Madness, or genius? Sometimes the line between the two is very fine. Patel is looking the more parsimonious of the two bowlers and restricts the batsmen to one.
"A good short leg anticipates that shot. It would have been a great catch."
Pak 32-1
Spin from both ends for England - Moeen Ali is going to whirl away from the other end. Mohammad Hafeez has looked to dominate Moeen throughout the series and immediately he gets on one knee and lap sweeps him over the infield for four. Hafeez goes for it again off the final ball of the over but this time James Taylor shows the anticipation of a kung-fu master and materialises exactly where Hafeez wants to put the shot. He just gets a fingertip to it but the shot comes too quickly to hang on to. I'm in a generous mood this morning, so I'm going to spare Taylor the indignity of the BBC Sport 'dropped catch' graphic.
"Jonny Bairstow has kept in 77 out of 118 first-class matches before this.
Pak 23-1 (Stokes 4-0-16-0)
Who says Alastair Cook can't do funky fields? The England captain puts his disco shoes on and stations two men in short catching positions in front of the bat for Ben Stokes. Malik drives to deep cover for two.
Post update
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Pak 20-1
Patel is strapped up, but he's still grinning and it looks like he's going to continue. Don't rip up that Hollywood script just yet - the Samit ten-for is still on. He completes a maiden.
"I'm trying to understand why he has been brought on before Rashid or Moeen. Pakistan often like giving the new ball to their left-arm spinner. His angle might bring some natural variation."
Drinks break
Pak 20-1
He's back. The big man. Samit Patel is going to have a bowl, 53 minutes into a Test match. Hang on, what's happened here? Patel sends two balls down and suddenly he's clutching his hand. It looks like he's dislocated the little finger on his bowling hand doing an innocuous bit of fielding. That, you would have to say, is unlucky. We're going to take drinks while the physios attend to him.
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Pak 20-1 (Hafeez 10, Malik 10)
Not much encouragement for the seamers after that early wicket. Stokes, who is looking as threatening as a de-clawed gerbil, is milked down to third man for four.
"Moeen is not an opener. I don't care if he gets a hundred. If they play him long enough, he'll probably get some runs because he has talent. That doesn't make him an opener. Watch him against South Africa - I won't miss a ball when he's facing Steyn and Morkel. They've missed an opportunity to find an opener."
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Pak 16-1
Jimmy Anderson, you would wager, is coming to the end of his first spell here. How England would love it if he could nip another man out. But Hafeez defends solidly for a maiden.
"You can always argue that you should play to your strengths and if your strength is fast bowling, so be it. However, Pakistan have sometimes struggled against left-arm spin."
Pak 16-1 (Hafeez 10, Malik 6)
Shoaib Malik nudges Stokes off his hips for a couple.
"This is the 10th time that England have lost all three tosses of a three-match series. They have only won all three tosses four times."
Pak 14-1
For those interested - and I'm sure that will be many of you - Misbah is now three short of the world record for consecutive toss wins in Test matches, held by England's Colin Cowdrey with nine. Anderson wangs down another maiden.
"I saw Misbah practising his toss just before Cook came out of the dressing room. He was there flipping the coin up."
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Toby Tarrant: Don't really see the point in the Patel selection. Only 2 spinners can bowl at any one time plus the seamers have done well.
Pak 14-1 (Hafeez 10, Malik 4)
Talking of pumpkins, a man of roughly the same hue, Ben Stokes, is going to have a bowl. He allows Shoaib Malik to finally get off the mark with a delightful drive, as smooth and velvety as pumpkin pie. I'll stop now.
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Moon: Anderson has woken up this household on a very foggy Slovakian morning!
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Pak 7-1
I'm told that in one British city, the local authorities have constructed a 'Pumpkin Path' to entice kids away from trick-or-treating. Now, I like pumpkins as much as the next man, but that feels a bit optimistic to me.
Shoaib Malik is going more slowly than a sloth driving a milkfloat through treacle - he's yet to score off 16 deliveries.
"James Taylor has been sat on his bum and then come in here. I'd have played him right from the beginning and told him he was getting three Tests."
Pak 7-1
Trick or treating: does it bring out the curmudgeon in you too? Reports on the cricket desk that grown men and women have been spotted doing it in one colleague's hometown - that can't be right, surely? Anyway, Pakistan continue their sedate start - another maiden.
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Michael Blighe: The Burnley Express is running an early service today!
Pak 7-1
Ian Bell by the way, who has been responsible for more drops than a dubstep concert in this series, has been quietly ushered out of the slip cordon - he's fielding at gully. Malik's wait for a first run continues.
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Adam Davies: England selected Patel to give Ali less overs and justify opening? Seems negative as Patel is a confessed batsman over bowler.
Pak 6-1
Hafeez pulls Broad off his hips for one. Malik still yet to get off the mark.
"That's typical of a guy who hasn't played for a long time. He got caught it two minds in that perfect length, in the corridor of uncertainty. Shall I go forward, shall I go back? He went forward, then back, played away from his body. It's all over and he'd have been better off staying in Pakistan."
WICKET
Azhar c Bairstow b Anderson 0 (Pak 5-1)
Azhar Ali has been itching to get bat on ball. He probably would have wanted to get a bit more than this though - the faintest of edges on an away-nipper from Jimmy Anderson, and new keeper Jonny Bairstow takes the catch.
Anderson once again proves his ability to get new-ball wickets even in the most inhospitable conditions, and Azhar trudges off - as returns go, it wasn't exactly Dirty Den in EastEnders.
"There are very few spectators here. Those that are here are England supporters."
Pak 2-0 (Hafeez 2, Azhar 0)
Four men in the slip cordon for England. Nothing like a bit of optimism, is there? Now then, here's our first look at Azhar Ali in this series. He could well be an improvement on walking wicket Shan Masood: Azhar averages 44 in Tests and a very rosy 54 in the UAE. Ominous. Broad begins with a maiden.
"That's a pretty good over - as good as you can do without getting a wicket. You have to try and make the new ball work because after that it's a work in progress all day long, in the heat."
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Pak 2-0
Anderson's first ball is on the money, defended by Hafeez. Hang on a minute, what's this? Hafeez has spotted a hole in the wall behind the bowlers' arm. There's a brief pause before a homespun solution is decided on, and someone stuffs a rolled-up bit of paper in there. It's not exactly DIY SOS, but it'll do. Hafeez is off the mark with a drive for two.
"Jos Buttler is a destructive player. He just needs time out of the Test arena, away from the prying eyes.
"He'll definitely come back in. Joe Root was dropped after the Sydney Ashes Test in January 2014. But Jos can go away and have the same motivation that Joe had - that next time I get back in, I won't throw it away."
"James Taylor has got to go and state his case. He's a good player of spin. He'll look to occupy the crease and bat time.
"This dynamic batting line-up like to play their shots, but Taylor will give it a bit of stability and settle it down a little bit."
Post update
England's poor seamers. Jimmy Anderson and co would have been dreaming of a day with their feet up: crossword in hand, maybe even a bit of a doze on the balcony. But for the third time this series, they will be slogging their guts out on the first day of the Test.
"I think this pitch will spin a lot more than the last two - it's a little bit more crusty. But if it's going to crumble, it won't until day four.
"It would have been nice to see it the other way round with England batting first. But they've got to do what they did in Abu Dhabi. They can't do what they did on the third morning in Dubai."
"Misbah was having a net with the coin. I'm taking him to Vegas with me - he'll make me a fortune."
Post update
Well, what do we make of that decision to go with three spinners? Pakistan's batsmen have played England's twirlers much better than the seamers so far in this series, so in that context it might be a bit of a surprise.
However, New Zealand off-spinner Mark Craig took ten wickets in the last Test at Sharjah, so perhaps that came into England's thinking.
Post update
James Taylor's on the telly. "I've been lucky enough to go on a few Lions tours to the subcontinent where I've faced spin and I enjoy it," he says.
Does that count as fighting talk?
Post update
Line-ups
Pakistan XI: Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Shoaib Malik, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah, Zulfiqar Babar, Rahat Ali.
England XI: Alastair Cook (capt), Moeen Ali, Ian Bell, Joe Root, James Taylor, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Samit Patel, Adil Rashid, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.
Umpires: Chris Gaffaney (New Zealand), Bruce Oxenford (Australia); TV umpire: Paul Reiffel (Australia)
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That's the spirit
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Team news
Alastair Cook confirms that Samit Patel comes in for Mark Wood for England, and James Taylor - another who hasn't played a Test for three years - replaces Jos Buttler.
Two changes for Pakistan too - Azhar Ali comes in for Shan Masood at the top of the order, and Rahat Ali replaces injured paceman Imran Khan.
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Captain's view
England captain Alastair Cook on the decision to pick Samit Patel as a third spinner: "It was a tough one. The four seamers have worked well in terms of controlling Pakistan.
"But in the two warm-up games here it turned. It's the same square, it's dry and everyone I have asked says it will turn."
On his own fitness following a groin problem in the second Test: "I'm 100% fit."
Captain's view
England captain Alastair Cook: "I just had another look from all the fast bowlers. I gave them the option of what I should call...
"It is an advantage on this wicket - we think it's going to turn. It means some more hard work but that's what we've got to do.
"We need to stay in the game and put Pakistan under pressure on days four and five."
Captain's view
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has now won six tosses in a row. Some people have all the luck.
He reveals that Pakistan have opted not to go with three spinners. "We were thinking about that," he says.
"But the pitch might not turn like that. The seamers have a role to play with reverse swing. The new ball swings in Sharjah so we think that's the right balance.
"We want to win the game - it's not the right approach to go for the draw."
Pakistan win toss
Would you believe it...the coin goes up, Misbah calls, and for the third time in the series he's got it right. The Pakistani skipper bends double with laughter; Alastair Cook...not so much. As stony-faced as one of those Easter Island heads.
Pakistan, you may not be shocked to learn, are going to have a bat.
Three spinners for England?
So, it looks like England have gone with Samit Patel over Liam Plunkett to replace Mark Wood, meaning a first appearance since 2012 for the, ahem, burly all-rounder.
And that means they'll play three spinners for the first time since...help me out here?
England pick Patel
Wood chopped; Buttler out of service
We already know a little bit about the make-up of England's XI: namely that Mark Wood and Jos Buttler will not be in it.
Fast bowler Wood, who impressed in the second Test, has been rested with a long-term ankle niggle.
And keeper Buttler has been dropped after a run of low scores; Jonny Bairstow will take the gloves for this match.
Good morning
Hello and welcome to live text commentary of the third Test between England and Pakistan, at Sharjah.
Alastair Cook's men are 1-0 down in the series; can they get a win to square the series?
The toss is coming up at around 05:30.
Desert pain
"In the desert," sang rock band America on their 1972 hit 'A Horse with no Name', "You can remember your name/For there ain't no-one to give you no pain."
Only as England have discovered, that isn't strictly true. They've found a whole host of men ready to give them pain on this tour of the deserts of the UAE: impenetrable batsman Misbah ul-Haq, fiery pace bowler Wahab Riaz and wily leg-spinner Yasir Shah to name just a few.
Remember their name? England will need a much-improved performance in this third Test in Sharjah if they're to go down in history.
Live Reporting
James Gheerbrant and Stephan Shemilt
All times stated are UK
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Latest PostGoodbye
Right, that's it for today. See you back here bright and early tomorrow for the second day at about 05:40. Until then, sayonara.
Day in summary
James Anderson and Stuart Broad gave England the better of the first day of the third and final Test against Pakistan in Sharjah.
Anderson took 4-17 and Broad 2-13 as the hosts were bowled out for 234, Misbah-ul-Haq resisting with 71, before England closed on 4-0 from two overs.
But, on a pitch showing prodigious turn, England spinners Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid and Samit Patel disappointed.
And England all-rounder Ben Stokes also left the field with a shoulder injury.
For the whole story, have a gander at Stephan Shemilt's report.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
On how England should bat on day two: "Alastair Cook will block an end up but the rest should play the way they feel comfortable. You've got to pick the way that's best for you."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
RunMattRun: What a superb effort from England, after losing the toss. Great blend of guts and skill.
Bowser: Incredible effort from England. Superb stuff.
Player reaction
England bowler Stuart Broad: "Ben Stokes has got a sling on at the moment. If he shows pain it's generally pretty bad because he's a tough boy. We're not sure what he can do in the rest of the match but we're hopeful he can play some part."
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
On Stokes' shoulder injury: "I shouldn't think he's fit to bowl, and there's huge question mark over whether he will bat."
Player reaction
More from Stuart Broad: "We have got strength in both our batting and bowling that can cover an injury. I thought Samit bowled really well today, he really threatened.
"Jimmy showed what an outstanding bowler he is - he creates chances on the flattest wickets. Cooky classes it as a badge of honour to get through a 90-over fielding day without flagging and we've really taken that on."
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Pakistan's batting was pretty ropey. Here they were found out - they didn't adapt to conditions. If England had Underwood and Swann bowling, they would have got 150.
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"When Anderson and Broad were bowling there was nothing for Pakistan to hit, so there was always pressure on the batsmen. They were key.
"But we don't have quality spinners. Patel is a fill-in spinner, Moeen Ali does the best he can - his best asset is people think he's rubbish - and Adil Rashid could have had a catch at slip. The spinners were expensive and let the pressure off."
Player reaction
England bowler Stuart Broad on Sky Sports: "It's an excellent day, I was distraught when we lost the toss, but I don't think anyone quite knows what a good score is. 240 is probably worth 280 or 290."
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Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"It will be interesting tomorrow to see how England will go about it. If someone can just get in and smash a quick 70 or 80..."
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
On where the balance of power lies: "I would say slightly England.
"These two teams are very even - there's not much to choose between them. But if England believe they can win this..."
Close-of play scorecard
England 4-0 (2 overs) - trail by 230
Batsmen: Cook 0*, Moeen 4*
Bowling figures: Rahat 1-1-0-0, Yasir 1-0-4-0
Pakistan 234: Misbah 71, Sarfraz 39, Malik 38; Anderson 4-17, Broad 2-13, Moeen 2-49, Patel 2-85
Pakistan won toss
Full scorecard
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"We expected it to spin but not as much as we've seen on day one. There's a low score out there if you don't show the application and concentration needed in these conditions."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Jen de Polo: Excellent day's play by England.
Dave: Guess we'll know if that's a good enough score by about 1pm tomorrow...
Post update
Big moment of the day? For me it was that Sarfraz shot. Just as he and Misbah were putting Pakistan back in the ascendancy, with all the momentum seemingly with the hosts following that injury to Ben Stokes, he absolutely gifted his wicket away with an inexplicably dozy heave. That allowed England to run through that wafer-thin Pakistan lower order.
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Charles Dagnall
BBC Test Match Special
"England have done their first job - they have bowled Pakistan out and survived two overs."
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"England will be happy - to bowl any side out on day one, you'd take that. But they'll be open and honest - and they didn't quite get it right with the spinners."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Ben Fraser: Broad and Anderson: 6-30 off 28 overs... Wow!
Richie O'Hara Beamand: Phenomenal efforts from Broad and Anderson, astounding control and discipline.
Close of play
Eng 4-0
It is going to be Yasir Shah from the other end: a test for Moeen Ali in the evening shadows. Oh hello, what a shot that is from Moeen Ali, picks the short length and absolutely whistles it to the deep midwicket boundary for a one-bounce four. And that's stumps. A very, very good day for England - they've given themselves a puncher's chance of levelling this series.
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"I just do not get why you wouldn't bowl Wahab Riaz, your premier fast bowler."
Eng 0-0
Must say I'm a bit surprised to see Rahat take the ball - I'd have wagered it would be Wahab from one end and Yasir from the other. It's not a great set from the left-armer: too many leavable deliveries for Cook, who is quite content to see out a maiden.
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Off we go. It looks like Rahat will take the ball, we think Alastair Cook and Moeen Ali have two overs to survive...
End-of-innings scorecard
Pakistan 234 (85.1 overs)
Misbah 71, Sarfraz 39, Malik 38
Fall of wickets: 5-1 (Azhar 0), 49-2 (Hafeez 27), 88-3 (Malik 38), 103-4 (Younus 31), 116-5 (Shafiq 5), 196-6 (Sarfraz 39), 196-7 (Riaz 0), 224-8 (Yasir 7), 224-9 (Misbah 71), 234 all out (Rahat 4); Not out: Babar 6
Bowling figures: Anderson 15.1-7-17-4, Broad 13-8-13-2, Stokes 11-4-23-0, Patel 23-3-85-2, Moeen 13-3-49-2, Rashid 10-1-41-0
Pakistan won toss
Full scorecard
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"Anderson and Broad have been outstanding. Apart from that, England have bowled poorly. The pitch has taken a huge amount of spin. You can understand Samit Patel because he hasn't played a lot of cricket, but Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid have bowled too many bad balls. 240 is probably worth 280.
"If Yasir Shah and Zulfiqar Babar get it right, there's a low score out there."
WICKET
Rahat c Moeen b Anderson 4 (Pak 234 all out)
And that is that. Anderson sends down an away-swinger that's far too good for Rahat Ali, and he prods it to Moeen in the slips. That is an outstanding first-day bowling performance by England, led by the utterly brilliant Anderson and Broad.
Alastair Cook and Moeen Ali will have a couple of tricky overs to negotiate before the close.
Pak 234-9 (Zulfiqar 6, Rahat 4)
Come to think of it, that injury could well threaten Ben Stokes's participation in the South Africa tour. In which case, what do England do? Extra batsman? Move Moeen to six and open with Hales? Or a like-for-like all-rounder like Woakes? One for the selectorial brains trust to mull over.
Zulfiqar piles on some crucial runs for Pakistan with a leg glance for four.
Stokes injury update
News from the England and Wales Cricket Board on Ben Stokes' injury: "Ben Stokes has a right shoulder injury. He will not return to the field today and will have further scans tomorrow morning to determine the extent of the injury."
Post update
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"I know it's early in the day but that could be a match-winning innings from Misbah."
Pak 226-9
So Rahat Ali joins Zulfiqar Babar at the crease. Crucial that England mop up this last wicket as quickly as possible. Both are off the mark with singles off Anderson.
Post update
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"It swung! And a very sharp catch for this time of day, one of those ones that almost go past you at second slip. Joe Root threw two hands at it. Beauty."
WICKET
Misbah c Root b Anderson 71 (Pak 224-9)
They're dropping like flies now, and this time it's the big wicket. Anderson gets one to shape away, Misbah fences and Root snaffles a sharp catch. This has been an absolute masterclass of seam bowling in unhelpful conditions from Anderson and Broad.
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Simon Mann
BBC Test Match Special
"Shah has to drag himself off - he can barely believe it."
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Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"Well deserved by Stuart Broad. He has bowled amazingly. Yasir was very happy with the shot - 'I've just hooked England's premier fast bowler' - but he picked out the man. He will be annoyed with himself."
WICKET
Yasir c Patel b Broad 7 (Pak 224-8)
You can't keep Samit Patel out of the game! This time he's underneath the ball as Yasir takes on Stuart Broad on the hook. That's a richly deserved wicket for Broad, who has bowled superbly today. England will be optimistic of polishing this Pakistan line-up off for less than 250, and having lost the toss, that would be a very very good result.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Beth Young: I hope Ben Stokes' injury isn't as bad as it looked, wishing him a speedy recovery.
Paul Hawkins: I did that this time last yr. After an hour in A&E it popped itself back in. Horrible. Get well soon @benstokes38.
New ball
Pak 222-7
Pakistan have lost wickets but they're not far away from a competitive total on this raging turner. Anderson is immediately brought back to stem the bleeding. He restores order with a maiden.
Post update
Ed Smith
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Four, four, then six. This is exactly how Misbah plays. In a tight match, these are important runs. No-one wants to bat last on this pitch."
Pak 222-7
Misbah is sweeping England to distraction here. Patel's first two deliveries are two leg-sidish and they're both reverse-swept past backward point for four. Misbah then paddles past long leg for four and tops it all with a massive straight six down the ground. Big, big over. Patel leaking like a porcupine's waterbed.
Post update
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"I don't think England's spinners have bowled very well - too many loose balls. But I think Shah and Babar will bowl very well on here."
Pak 205-7 (Misbah 53, Yasir 7)
Discussion on the cricket desk: have Pakistan misread this pitch by not playing an extra spinner? England look to have been exactly right with their policy of playing three tweakers: this pitch is absolutely ragging. A strange miss if so, as Pakistan should now this pitch better than anyone - they ought to remember being destroyed by New Zealand offie Mark Craig the last time they played a Test here.
Moeen coughs up three singles and leg bye off his latest over.
Post update
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"That's what you like to see as a spin bowler - not as an England batsman perhaps..."
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Ed Smith
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"A crucial double blow for England."
Pak 201-7
Yasir Shah is the new man, and he begins by cutting Patel past point for four.
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Ramiz Raja
Ex-Pakistan captain on BBC Test Match Special
"What a good delivery, wasted on Wahab in a way. It spun from leg stump - maybe outside - and hit middle and off. Wonderful ball - a left-armer's classic."
WICKET
Wahab b Patel 0 (Pak 196-7)
Samit the Destroyer! The big man has produced an absolute pearler to get rid of Wahab, pitching outside leg, gripping, turning past the bat and smashing into middle stump. England seizing control of this match again, and how brainless does that shot from Sarfraz look now?
Post update
Pak 196-6
Yes he has. Clear glove. That's the end of that.
Umpire review
England haven't got another have they? Moeen again, Misbah struck on the pad, but has he gloved it?
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Ramiz Raja
Ex-Pakistan captain on BBC Test Match Special
"This is how he plays. He can frustrate you, but he thought the best way to operate on a track like this is to play shots, but he got it wrong. He's done a fairly good job."
WICKET
Sarfraz c Root b Moeen 39 (Pak 196-6)
Well, blow me down with a feather. For the second time today, Pakistan have absolutely gifted England (and Moeen) a crucial wicket. Just as the tourists had gone a bowler down, with Pakistan getting back on the front foot, Sarfraz has an inexplicable heave at Moeen and picks out Joe Root on the boundary. Ridiculous.
Pak 196-5
Sarfraz pinches a single off Patel, who has now bowled as many overs as Moeen and Rashid combined, despite being theoretically England's third-choice spinner and having dislocated his finger. Weird.
Post update
Ramiz Raja
Ex-Pakistan captain on BBC Test Match Special
"He's mentally very strong. Once again his defence has been so tight. It's a typical, dogged Misbah knock."
50 for Misbah
Pak 195-5
Misbah moves to his fourth consecutive 50+ score with a characteristic paddle sweep. Just when England think they've cracked open this Pakistan batting line-up, he's always there, block-block-blasting Pakistan back into the ascendancy. Another superb innings from the ageless 41-year-old.
Post update
Ramiz Raja
Ex-Pakistan captain on BBC Test Match Special
"A dislocated shoulder is one of the most painful injuries you can suffer. I hope it's not that. It's a long process to come back."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Matthew Mansfield: Blimey Stokesy, I felt that.
Post update
Stokes is being helped off the field with his arm in a sling. I'm not optimistic about his chances of playing any further part in this Test, I'm afraid.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"He nearly made a catch from nothing. It was a lollipop full toss. He leapt seven or eight feet into the air and nearly caught it because he's an athletic young man."
Post update
Charles Dagnall
BBC Test Match Special
"He landed with his arms outstretched. His immediate reaction was to kick the turf with both legs. Immediately the players knew."
Pak 190-5
Oh dear, this isn't good. It's a fantastic leaping effort at a catch from Ben Stokes, as Misbah paddles a Patel full toss, but as he crashes to earth he lands heavily on his shoulder. That looks like a dislocation I'm afraid.
I think Stokes is going to have to bee stretchered off here, and England are going to be a seamer - and probably a batsman - light.
Scorecard update
Pakistan 188-5 (74 overs) after winning toss
Batsmen: Misbah 47*, Sarfraz 36*
Fall of wickets: 5-1 (Azhar 0), 49-2 (Hafeez 27), 88-3 (Malik 38), 103-4 (Younus 31), 116-5 (Shafiq 5)
Bowling figures: Anderson 13-6-15-2, Broad 11-8-4-1, Stokes 11-4-23-0, Patel 19-3-61-1, Moeen 10-2-40-1, Rashid 10-1-41-0
Full scorecard
Drinks break
Pak 188-5
And that's drinks. England could really do with a wicket here.
Post update
As we suspected.
Umpire review
The ball has ended up in Joe Root's hands - the umpires are checking, but it's clearly a bump ball...
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"The batsmen know there is going to be a bad ball from England's spinners at least once every two overs. The pressure is off."
Pak 186-5 (Misbah 47, Sarfraz 36)
Oh dear. That's ugly. Samit Patel is back into the attack but he immediately serves up a horrible half-tracker - which Misbah smashes powerfully for a one-bounce four. England are struggling to contain this counter-attacking partnership, which is now worth 70.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Arslan Tahir: Misbah should be given credit for stability of Pak Test team, he should play tests for another 2 years and make Pak no.1
Pak 182-5
Sarfraz Ahmed is a good four or five feet out of his crease against Stokes - he's almost close enough to the England seamer to point out the pink patches that he missed with the suncream. It's a strategy that seems to be working for Sarfraz - he defends comfortably, with Stokes unable to pose any sort of threat.
Pak 182-5
I'm not sure about this plan - Jimmy Anderson, a prowling tiger this morning, has been rather put on the leash by putting Bairstow up to the stumps. His accuracy is waning too - another leg-side delivery is nudged down the leg side by Misbah for four.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"You wouldn't say that was easy, but you'd think he would catch more than he drops. Maybe 7/10."
Sarfraz dropped on 33
Pak 178-5
Down! Tough chance for Jimmy Anderson in the slips, cut hard by Sarfraz and the ball crashes into Anderson's forearms before he can get his hands up. Glum skyward glances from the England fielders - that could be crucial, with this partnership looking dangerous.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Monty and Swann would have bowled well on this. Shane Warne said Monty bowled one way - I don't agree with that. You need metronomic bowling on this. If you bowl at the stumps and don't give easy four-balls, you will bowl people out."
Pak 174-5
This partnership is looking pretty solid now, and from England's point of view, threatening - and they have it in them to pile on runs quickly when they get going. The plan of Anderson bowling stump-to-stump isn't really working - a wide delivery forces Jonny Bairstow to concede an untidy leg bye.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"The three England spinners that are playing are all in the side because they can bat and field - they are good cricketers. Spin bowling? You could play them with my stick of rhubarb."
Post update
Pak 171-5 (Misbah 38, Sarfraz 30)
Shouts of 'catch' as Misbah thrashes Rashid up in the air, but he's got enough on it - the ball landing just short of the boundary rope at mid-off. As he has throughout the series, the Pakistani skipper frustrating England with his idiosyncratic mix of dour blocking and occasional brutality. As if to prove the point, he larrups Rashid for another four of the final ball.
Pak 163-5
Now then, this could be pivotal: James Anderson, who despite the spin-friendly conditions and Broad's parsimony has been the most threatening bowler today. And he's got a new plan: Bairstow up to the stumps, in-out field, cutters. Misbah and Sarfraz negotiate Jimmy's opening salvo without too much trouble.
Cricketing dogs
Get Involved
Pak 161-5 (Rashid 8-1-29-0)
Pretty good from Rashid this, zoning in on a nice fullish length, not letting the batsmen free their arms. He's probably bowled the fewest bad balls of any England spinner today. The batsmen manage to scramble three singles.
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"In these games, where it looks like it could be low-scoring, a hundred or a big partnership will be remembered. This partnership could be just that and get Pakistan to a really competitive total."
Pak 158-5
Broad concedes more than one run off a delivery for the first time today as Misbah punches him down the ground for two.
Cricketing dogs
Get Involved
Pak 156-5 (Misbah 26, Sarfraz 27)
Ooh, big swish out of the rough by Sarfraz, thick outside edge but it flies quickly and low away from Ben Stokes's attempted grasp. The kind of catch that Chris Jordan might have taken, but not many others. Decent start by Rashid.
How's stat?!
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"Stuart Broad's 48 consecutive dot balls is the longest by an England seamer since Andy Caddick's 52 against West Indies at The Oval in 2000."
Pak 152-5
As I turn over to the TV commentary, I'm just in time to hear Sir Ian Botham conclude an anecdote with the words "you just have the smell of it on you for days afterwards". Tantalising. Meanwhile, statisticians across the globe weep as Broad's proud run of 48 dot balls is finally brought to an end by a back-foot punch by Sarfraz. Strangled lbw appeal off the last ball, definite inside edge.
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"Is it only Chinese restaurants than have dim sum, or do Japanese ones have it too?"
Pak 151-5 (Misbah 26, Sarfraz 22)
Adil Rashid is given the ball from the other end. After a wide first ball which Sarfraz swats to backward point for a couple, it's a pretty good set from the leggie - landing them nicely on a good length. Promising.
Cricketing dogs
Get Involved
Pak 148-5
A rather low-key start to the evening session - there's precious little pace or bounce in this wicket and Misbah isn't going to take any risks immediately after the interval. He just watches Stuart Broad's deliveries sail, or rather dribble, by. 46 consecutive dot balls for Broad now.
Post update
Stuart Broad with cherry in hand - can England's pacemen make another decisive breakthrough at the start of this session?
Post update
Thank you Stephan. England have had a great day so far but they really need a strong final session if they're not to leave themselves at the mercy of Yasir Shah in the second part of this match.
Cricket dogs
Get Involved
Post update
The players have barely had time to take their boots off - a tea break of 20 minutes is hardly long enough to get back the dressing room. Either way, they're set to resume. James Gheerbrant is here to talk you through the evening session.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Paul Turnbull: Extraordinary figures for Anderson and Broad!
'I fancy a bowl on this'
Lancashire and England spinner Simon Kerrigan approves of the pitch in Sharjah.
Post update
Tom, we need to know more about that dog. What's his name? Where will he be searching for cricket balls? In fact, I want to know of all the cricketing dogs. It's high time we celebrated those unsung heroes of the game.
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Simon Mann
BBC Test Match Special
"You get the feeling is that every run is going to be vital."
Tea report
England's bowlers made an impressive start to the final Test despite Pakistan winning the toss for the third successive match.
James Anderson claimed 2-8 from 10 overs and Stuart Broad 1-1 from eight as Pakistan took tea on the opening day in Sharjah on 148-5.
Captain Misbah-ul-Haq is unbeaten on 26 and Sarfraz Ahmed 19, Shoaib Malik having made 38.
Samit Patel - one of three spinners in the England side - claimed a wicket in his first Test since 2012.
Pakistan need only a draw to win the series.
Post update
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"England will be happy with that having lost the toss. Well bowled, the seamers - they have stuck to their task brilliantly. They might be batting tonight - that's what they'll be thinking."
Tea scorecard
Pakistan 148-5 (60 overs) after winning toss
Batsmen: Misbah 26*, Sarfraz 19*
Fall of wickets: 5-1 (Azhar 0), 49-2 (Hafeez 27), 88-3 (Malik 38), 103-4 (Younus 31), 116-5 (Shafiq 5)
Bowling figures: Anderson 10-6-8-2, Broad 8-7-1-1, Stokes 9-3-21-0, Patel 18-3-57-1, Moeen 10-2-40-1, Rashid 5-1-19-0
Full scorecard
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"The ball is spinning more than we saw in the whole of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. If Pakistan get to 250 that would be on par on this surface.
"The England spinners have bowled nicely in periods but they have also released pressure with bad balls. Yasir Shah and Zulfiqar Babar will like to have a bowl on this wicket."
Tea
Pak 148-5
Pakistan get through to the break, not without another scare as Sarfraz almost pulls Rashid to mid-on. Very much England's session, but you can't help but feel that one Pakistan partnership could put them in a good position, especially with Yasir Shah set to bowl on this raging turner.
Close!
Pak 146-5
Close! Misbah gets on the sweep to the returning Moeen Ali, top-edging just out of the reach of Joe Root at short fine leg. Root is quite close, his jump and outstretched hand unable to get anything on the ball. Risky from Misbah when that man is lurking around the corner. Only one over to go before tea.
Tea time on TMS
Pak 140-5 (partnership 24)
Big turn for Adil Rashid as a woman in the crowd cuddles what can only be described as a giant stuffed tiger. I wonder what possesses someone to take a cuddly tiger to the cricket? Things not to forget - ticket, suncream, cuddly tiger. Meanwhile, Sarfraz launches Rashid high into the unblemished sky, taking a couple as the running of mid-on and mid-off fails to create a chance.
Post update
Simon Mann
BBC Test Match Special
"Sarfraz looks aggressive. He has come out with intent."
Pak 137-5 (Stokes 9-3-21-0)
Jonny Bairstow is wearing a white gumshield, one that he constantly displaces between deliveries, as if he is creating a belated Halloween costume. His opposite number Sarfraz continues to look for opportunities to score, crouching low as Stokes runs in, then calmly guiding through the vacant third-man area for four. If this turns out to be a low-scoring Test, an hour of Sarfraz could be very important.
Post update
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"Misbah does this. He blocks and blocks and blocks then, all of a sudden, pops out of the bunker and absolutely smashes one."
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Simon Mann
BBC Test Match Special
"Misbah loves the spinners. He loves Rashid."
Pak 133-5 (Misbah 19, Sarfraz 11)
There he goes! Not Sarfraz, but Misbah, planting his front dog to smash Adil Rashid over long-on for six. Block, block, block, smash from the Pakistan skipper. Perhaps he just doesn't rate Rashid.
Pak 126-5
England replace Patel with Rashid. A decent option against the charging Sarfraz.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Jamie Gordon: Currently following from the London to Brighton car rally - suspect the car is quicker than Pakistan's scoring rate.
Pak 126-5 (55 overs)
There's a very curious picture of Sachin Tendulkar inside the stadium. It's an advertising board which Ben Stokes runs towards, with a slightly portlier than usual Tendulkar looming a smile over the empty stadium. It's a little bit creepy. If I tell you that Misbah is facing an England seamer, you know the outcome. It's a maiden. 61 of the 69 balls that Misbah has faced have been dots.
Is rain coming?
Pak 126-5 (Misbah 13, Sarfraz 10)
Seatbelts. Patel v Sarfraz could be quite a ride. Sarfraz has his dancing shoes on, which has got Patel thinking about his length. When Sarfraz gets his levers out to belt a sweep, it brings only the second boundary of the session. Like busses, a second come along straight away, this time slogged in the direction of cow corner. Pakistan are being jolted into life by their cattle-prod-wielding keeper.
How's stat?!
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"Samit Patel is playing his sixth Test match, but that's his first wicket since his third Test, when he removed Yuvraj Singh at Ahmedabad three years ago."
Pak 118-5
While Misbah will continue to play the sponge, soaking the pressure, Sarfraz will be an energetic, arm-flailing counter-puncher. He's batting out of his crease, jumping back and defending with a flourish. His intent is what Pakistan need - they have been inert since lunch. There's still 25 minutes until tea - how England would dearly love to be into the tail by the break.
Post update
Ed Smith
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"With Wahab Riaz at eight, Pakistan's strength is not the strength of their tail."
Pak 117-5 (Patel 17-3-49-1)
Shafiq walked off with his head in his hand. "How did I get out to Samit?" I'll tell you how, Asad. You got a very good ball. The angle from round the wicket drew Shafiq into playing, the turn was just enough to get an edge. Sarfraz Ahmed is the new man, so expect a change of tempo. For some reason, the wicket has drawn the Pakistan fans into life - they are cheering and chanting.
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"It's a really good ball: good pace, sharp spin, and the angle draws Shafiq into playing. It's a good catch by Bairstow: he's had a good day in conditions that aren't easy. Shafiq is a real key wicket: he's looked Pakistan's best player in this series."
WICKET
Shafiq c Bairstow b Patel 5 (Pak 116-5)
Samit Patel! You just felt like this was coming, England getting more rewards for their excellent bowling in the afternoon session. There's turn from Patel, a touch of bounce too, and Asad Shafiq's defensive thrust can only feather an edged through to Jonny Bairstow. England are in charge of this match.
Pak 116-4
England will be very, very happy with what has happened since lunch. They have bowled well, sticking to their plans of dot after dot, while Pakistan are going nowhere. It's all a bit of a stalemate, but compelling nevertheless. That's what happens when the ball is competing with the bat.
How's stat?!
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"England have bowled 17 overs of spin before lunch on the first day on three previous occasions this century. They also did it at Abu Dhabi on their last tour of the UAE in 2012, at Galle that year, and at Mirpur in 2010."
Pak 116-4 (Misbah 13, Shafiq 5)
Despite Rashid getting loose, Patel continues, with England getting excited when Shafiq almost cuts in the air to the covers. He's not looking patient, Shafiq, charging down the pitch and mis-hitting along the ground to mid-on. England might feel there is more chance of dislodging the number six than captain Misbah,
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Bill Beeby in Dover: We lost the toss again but have made a great start this time getting their top four out. This time batting second we need to outscore them on first innings then we can level this series. Pakistan are not playing for a draw so far. Anderson and Broad excellent.
Pak 114-4
There's no great finesse about this England plan. Spin from one end, pace at the other. Ben Stokes replaces James Anderson, with Adil Rashid getting loose to possibly come on for Samit Patel. In the pin-drop silence of a largely empty stadium, Stokes slips his tattoos in to Misbah, who is again intent on defending the pacers. Misbah has faced 23 balls of pace and scored one run, compared to 12 runs from 30 balls of spin.
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Small Man Peaky: England's bowling this series, by and large, has been very very good. Showing the application and discipline of 2010-11.
Pitched Outside Leg: I do cricket updates for my nephew, currently travelling. Got 'Pakistan won toss, batting, early wicket for Jimmy' on cut and paste.
Pak 114-4 (Patel 15-3-46-0)
Pakistan are showing patience, soaking up the pressure, rolling with the punches, eyeing a time when England's grip is loosened. England will be thinking that more wicket will have them right on top. Shafiq wafts and dances, eventually getting Patel through the leg side for a couple. This is a good contest. For the first time in the series, the ball has a chance.
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"You just get the feeling that Shafiq is losing a little bit of patience. He's starting to punch at fuller-length balls. If Anderson can get one to grab or seam, the two men on the drive are right in the game."
Pak 112-4
Unbelievably, James Anderson has conceded a run. Leg stump, Misbah guiding through the vacant square leg area for a single. That's the first in living memory given away by an England pacer. Feeling expensive, Anderson returns to his full length, forcing Shafiq to play straight. When Anderson errs once more, Shafiq takes yet another single. Very, very costly over from Anderson. Two from it.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"The world's getting faster, people want everything quicker these days. And yet over rates are getting slower."
Pak 110-4 (Misbah 12, Shafiq 0)
Patel, who has bowled more overs than Moeen and Rashid put together, skips in after drinks, Misbah just about keeping the scoreboard ticking with his favourite sweep shot. Alastair Cook, at short cover, is almost in business with a drive that falls just short. I reckon Misbah really would retire if he got out that way to Patel. There's some increased noise inside the ground. From who, I'm not sure.
How's stat?!
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"From the end that Broad and Anderson have been bowling, since lunch it's eight overs, eight maidens."
Drinks break
Pak 105-4
Anderson has a little treatment before his over begins, I'm not sure what on. He's good to go, though, continuing this tighter-than-Inzamam's-belt spell from the England pacers. I'm trying to think of all the things that have happened since Broad and Anderson conceded a run. Pakistan have well and truly dropped anchor, hoping England will wilt in the heat.
Scorecard update
Pakistan 105-4 (44 overs) after winning toss
Batsmen: Misbah 7*, Shafiq 0*
Fall of wickets: 5-1 (Azhar 0), 49-2 (Hafeez 27), 88-3 (Malik 38), 103-4 (Younus 31)
Bowling figures: Anderson 8-5-6-2, Broad 8-7-1-1, Stokes 4-0-16-0, Patel 13-3-39-0, Moeen 9-2-34-1, Rashid 2-1-7-0
Full scorecard
Pak 105-4 (last 10 overs - 13-1)
It's like two different sports out there. From one end is the threat and strangle of the seamers, at the other is Patel's search for consistency. This is better from Samit, who is looking for dots with a defensive field. If the plan is to drag Misbah into a stroke, the Pakistan skipper isn't biting. Yet. England on top.
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Saad: I think Bell should have been dropped for this Test, giving Alex Hales a chance to show his worth to the selectors before the South Africa series. This would allow Moeen to play at number eight, where he can play his natural game. This would strengthen both the top and lower order.
Pak 105-4 (Misbah 7, Shafiq 0)
Lots and lots of company for Asad Shafiq, three slips and two catchers in front of the bat. Anderson is shielding the ball, giving no clue as to which way it might hoop. I think there's some chatter. Apparently the England players have been telling the Pakistanis about what might happen next summer in the UK, with Misbah retorting that he might retire before then. Yet another maiden from an England seamer. Runs from this end as rare as clouds in the sky.
How's stat?!
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"That's just the second time in the last 10 partnerships between Younus and Misbah in the UAE that they haven't added at least 50. The average of their last nine partnerships was 138."
Pak 105-4
Since lunch, between them Anderson and Broad have bowled 5-5-0-2. Patel is still twirling, his twinkling toes dancing his fuller figure towards the crease. Sometimes it's loopy, sometimes it's a bit short. A few allsorts in the empty Sharjah bowl.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"I don't think Pakistan are any better than England. England almost won the first Test and Pakistan managed to win the second."
Pak 103-4 (Anderson 7-3-6-2)
The replay makes it look all the more odd. Younus pretty much fell over, probably in eagerness to capitalise on a rare loose ball. On a dust bowl, England's seamers have turned in three wickets. The correct Asad Shafiq is the new man, repelling some Anderson reverse swing. If England's spinners could do the job of their pacemen, Pakistan would be right in the gravy right now.
How's stat?!
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"Anderson has gone past Shaun Pollock into eighth place on the all-time Test wicket-takers list, with 422. Next in his sights is Sir Richard Hadlee, with 431."
WICKET
Younus lbw Anderson 31 (Pak 103-4)
What a way for Younus Khan to go. It's an odd way for England to take their fourth wicket, but you can't say they don't deserve it. In fact, you should probably chalk this one down to Stuart Broad, who has bowled dot ball after dot ball. He's probably livid to be withdrawn, only for James Anderson to get an lbw with a horrible full toss. Younus, batting out of his crease, simply missed it, saw the ball cannon into his shin, and the replays show it would have splattered leg stump.
Post update
Charles Dagnall
BBC Test Match Special
"I would be surprised if this is overturned."
Umpire review
Pak 103-3
How has Younus missed this? A James Anderson full toss is surely demolishing the stumps? Younus doesn't believe the umpire's finger, so will look again...
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"It's more difficult for the modern player to come in mid-series and do well. They don't play the warm-up matches between Tests like you used to. Net practice isn't the same - you need time in the middle. It applies to James Taylor as much as Samit Patel. And it does affect you - look at Azhar Ali."
Pak 103-3 (Younus 31, Misbah 5)
Patel is bowling some good deliveries, threatening the outside edge, but in between he's bowling some pies, mainly short. On a bunsen burner, England have only a slip around the bat. That might say something about how well Misbah plays spin, but also how much England think Patel needs protecting.
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Mike Bell: Lose the toss. Field. Pakistan rack up runs. England graft in the heat. Lose the toss. Field. Pakistan... #Groundhogfirstday
Pak 100-3
Misbah might have a wide blade, but he's decided he needs to change it. He's only scored three from 23 balls. Maybe a new weapon will bring the big licks.
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Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"I wouldn't like to bowl to Misbah. He's got a big, wide blade and he plays everything so slowly and deliberately, a bit like Andrew Strauss. You've really got to force it past his outside edge."
Pak 100-3 (Broad 8-7-1-1)
It's hard to think of Stuart Broad, a man who has grown up playing for England, as a wily old campaigner. He's going through all the tricks here, not least going wide on the crease to create an angle. His appealing hasn't improved, mind. He asks for lbw when Misbah has edged the cover off it. Yet another maiden for Broad, who has now bowled 40 dots balls in a row.
Post update
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"England's spinners haven't been economical enough in this series. As a spinner, you want to be going at two-and-a-half runs an over, three maximum. If you're going at four an over, you're not doing your job."
Pak 100-3 (Patel 10-2-34-0)
Samit Patel replaces the up-and-down Moeen Ali, delivering his slow left-arm from round the wicket. Walk, then jog, economical action. A touch too short, allowing the Pakistan 100 to be notched. It's so curious to see the seamers provide the greater threat on a pitch so helpful to the spinners.
Are you Mourinho in disguise?
The Test Match Special team of Geoffrey Boycott, Michael Vaughan and Phil Tufnell 'do a Jose Mourinho' - after the Chelsea manager goes all uncooperative following his side's defeat by Liverpool.
Watch the video here.
Pak 99-3
Still the miserly Broad, who hasn't conceded a run since his eighth delivery of the day. Long legs, sweatbands, hair like Draco Malfoy all grown up. Probe on off stump, hint of reverse, Younus unsure whether to play or not. A fifth (yes, fifth) consecutive maiden for Broad. Very, very good.
Post update
Ed Smith
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"A feature of people who play the hard square sweep well is that they extend their wrists. Kevin Pietersen did it."
Pak 99-3 (Moeen 9-2-34-1)
Misbah is so fond of the sweep that I'm put in mind of Trigger from Only Fools and Horses. This bat has had 17 new blades and 14 new handles. Learning something from his skipper, Younus also gets down on one knee, taking Moeen for four. This wily old pair are intent on not letting England's spinners settle. Moeen is going at almost four an over.
What does history tell us?
Pak 92-3 (35 overs)
Misbah has pulled up the drawbridge to the seamers in this series, barely tempted to play a short. Broad is looking for reverse swing and bite from the pitch, with three very close slips in place - third slip Joe Root even as a helmet on. Good from Broad, beating a Misbah poke. A big period, this. Misbah plays spin so well, so will be key in this match where spin will play such a big part. Broad has five maidens from his six overs.
Mixed marital fortunes
08:51 GMT: Shoaib Malik is dismissed by Stuart Broad.
08:52 GMT: Shoaib Malik's wife Sania Mirza wins the WTA Finals doubles title with her partner Martina Hingis.
That'll cheer him up, I'm sure.
Pak 92-3 (Younus 24, Misbah 1)
Moeen looks a different animal from round the wicket, the turn back into Younus bringing leg slip and short leg into play. For some reason, he's back over the wicket to Misbah, which appears to make using the spin a little easier for the batsman. Every so often, Moeen serves up some filth, this time a full toss that has short-leg fielder James Taylor checking his private health cover.
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Rachel T: To paraphrase Doc Brown in BTTF, "Where Broad is going, we don't need any spinners."
Pak 88-3 (Broad 5-4-1-1)
Replays do Malik no favours. In fact, the shot looks even worse. His bat was in a different post code to his body. The silver lining for Pakistan is that Misbah-ul-Haq is now at the crease, reprising his double-act with Younus that has brought eight fifty partnerships in their last nine stands together. If England manage to winkle one of these out, then they have to contend with Asad Shafiq. The hard work starts now.
Post update
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"No feet from Malik, he just had a waft at it. It was a good line and length delivery but nothing special, but when the wicket is this flat you can get a bit lazy against the seamers. We were wondering whether it was the right decision to have a seamer on after lunch, but Alastair Cook has been proved right."
WICKET
Malik c Bairstow b Broad 38 (Pak 38-3)
Gone this time! Stuart Broad strikes, another England seamer doing the business on a snake-pit of a turner. It's pretty awful from Shoaib Malik, a flat-footed, limp-wristed poke at a ball outside off stump. No real need to play, no conviction, an edge through to Jonny Bairstow. In fairness, to Broad, it's just done a little off the seam. A real boost for England.
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Tattz: Until tiring, Patel offered far more control than Ali or Rashid. Cannot believe that these are our three best spinners though.
Pak 88-2 (Malik 38, Younus 21)
A slip and a short leg for Moeen to Shoaib Malik. There's the strain of a song from the England fans, but it's quiet enough to hear the chatter of the fielders. Malik tries to skip, then gets right back to force a single through the off side. Moeen comes round the wicket for his final ball - a good move for an offie getting big turn, it brings lbw into the game.
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Sachin Mainkar: I am tipping Stuart Broad to produce a fiery session of bowling that will surprise everyone.
Pak 87-2
Moeen Ali sharing duties after lunch. He was loose, but strangely dangerous in the morning session.
Post update
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"Are England standing a bit too far back? We seem to say it a lot over here..."
Pak 87-2
Yep, the arm-swinging of Bruce Oxenford confirms it. There was a big inside-edge from a nip-backer, Younus playing with a curtain rail bat. Bairstow couldn't have known that the ball bounced - it was so close to the rubber of his gloves. However, it definitely fell short. Move on.
Third umpire
Pak 87-2
It's bounced...
Third umpire
Pak 87-2
The on-field umpires have indicated that they think it didn't carry. The third umpire has to find evidence to suggest otherwise...
Post update
Charles Dagnall
BBC Test Match Special
"I just wonder if it's bounced before Bairstow."
Third umpire
Pak 87-2
Gone, surely? Younus inside-edges Broad, Bairstow dives to take the catch. Has it carried? Younus stands.
Post update
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"I think England's spin bowlers need to keep their lines and lengths and let the pitch do it for them. They got a bit worked up and started trying to bowl magic balls."
Post update
The players are back out under the cloudless Sharjah sky, fully sandwiched up after lunch. England bowled 17 overs of spin before the break, is that a record for an England team on day one? No spin here, though. Stuart Broad has the ball.
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Dick in KL: Those morning bowling figures imply it's a spin attack with the fast bowlers 'holding up an end'...
Post update
For some reason, a tale from A Lot Of Hard Yakka, the excellent book by Simon Hughes, springs to mind. In 1982, the retired Fred Titmus was a spectator at a Middlesex game. When he poked his head around the door before the game began, Middlesex captain Mike Brearley saw his appearance as a stroke of luck on a Lord's turner and pressed the off-spinner into action. England could do worse than getting Phil Tufnell from the TMS box.
Post update
Thanks, James. A curious old morning that. This pitch is already twisting and turning like a twisty-turny thing. There's been encouragement for England's slow bowlers, but if all-rounders like Moeen and Samit can get it to rag square, what might Yasir Shah do?
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Tom Ward: Pakistan look in charge for now, but, a few quick wickets after lunch and it could all change...
Post update
Time for me to hand over to Stephan Shemilt to take you through the afternoon session...
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Anand Sangha: Why would England play Samit over Plunkett? So far, England's best bowlers have been seamers, and the Pakistan batsmen will lick their lips at a spinner lower down in the pecking order than Ali and Rashid. I think England just love to have protection in the batting at number eight.
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"It looks like it's going to be a long day in the field. The sun is out, the pitch is flat... As a fielding unit, you're looking at a few hours in the dirt."
Lunchtime on TMS
Lunch report
Pakistan reached 87-2 on the first morning of the third and final Test against England in Sharjah.
The hosts won the toss and batted for the third time in the series in what looks to be a significant advantage on a pitch already showing signs of prodigious turn.
James Anderson had Azhar Ali caught behind and Moeen Ali had Mohammad Hafeez pull a long hop to deep square leg to reduce Pakistan to 49-2.
That would have been 51-3 had Shoaib Malik not successfully overturned as lbw decision given to Moeen.
He remains on 37, Younus Khan has 21 and Samit Patel, in as a third spinner for his first Test since 2012, has 0-33 from eight overs.
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"Moeen just has the knack of getting wickets. He bowls some tidy spells, he bowls some rubbish, but he's got a golden arm."
Lunch scorecard
Pakistan 87-2 (30 overs) after winning toss
Batsmen: Malik 37*, Younus 21*
Fall of wickets: 5-1 (Azhar 0), 49-2 (Hafeez 27)
Bowling figures: Anderson 6-3-6-1, Broad 3-2-1-0, Stokes 4-0-16-0, Patel 8-0-33-0, Moeen 6-2-22-1, Rashid 2-1-7-0
Full scorecard
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"Having won the toss and seeing the way the pitch is played, Pakistan will be delighted to be 87-2. In the first two matches, you felt the pitch would stay true. Only 30 overs into this game, this pitch is playing tricks we didn't see until late in the last two Tests. The one positive for England is that they have a very deep batting line-up."
Lunch interval
Pak 87-2
Whoa, another freebie from Rashid, a juicy full toss that Malik clips to the boundary. England feeding these Pakistani batsmen four-balls at the moment. However, Rashid responds well, bamboozling Younus with a real beauty that is unlucky not to find the edge. And that will be lunch.
Pak 80-2
Patel is beginning to flag a bit - he's throwing in some rank half-trackers now. Another one is dispatched to the fence by the assured Malik.
Text 81111
Mark W: Why not toss for the first Test in any series then give the team losing the toss the choice for the following game and continue alternate for the rest of the series? If it's an odd number toss again for the last game. Seems an obviously much fairer system to me.
Pak 75-2 (Malik 28, Younus 18)
Rashid is going to get a bowl. A tidy start from the leggie - he begins with a maiden.
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Andy Horrill: The way this pitch is playing it could be a very quick Test match.
Jack Allum: Why on earth is Ali not bowling round the wicket? Bowling over is virtually ruling out LBW as a mode of dismissal
Pak 75-2
Patel, like most all-rounders, will throw in a few poor balls occasionally, but he is definitely threatening the outside edge - he gets another one to straighten sharply and zip past Younus's edge. But he releases the pressure with a short wide ball which Younus smokes for four.
Pak 66-2 (Moeen 6-1-22-1)
Moeen races through an over. England would love another wicket before the interval.
Pak 66-2
Younus sweeps Patel for four. Will Cook think of giving Rashid an over before lunch?
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"This is good for the game. Seeing some action for the spinners has livened everything up."
Pak 61-2
This could be over by day three. Moeen is getting it to spit like a cobra. Short leg in the game. Younus, though, has seen this all before, he won't be fazed.
Pak 58-2 (Malik 26, Younus 3)
Patel releases the pressure with a drag-down which is hammered for four by Malik.
Post update
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Bob Hawkins: This match will be over by tomorrow evening..
David: Fail to see how hawk eye can get spin correct. However this is turning an outrageous amount for day 1 session 1
Pak 51-2
Tell you what, it's really ragging out there - especially if you believe that DRS verdict, which has the ball missing leg by a good foot or so. England's call on three spinners could be a good one. Maiden for Moeen.
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"I'm not having that, not missing by that distance. I can see it going down, but not by that much. In only the 22nd over of the match, there is such sharp spin. It makes it more exciting."
Pak 51-2
Ah. Drat. The DRS shows the ball would have spun miles past leg stump. A good review for Pakistan, a bitter blow for England.
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"The only thing that can help Shoaib is the impact. It's not going over the top. There was spin again."
Umpire review
Pak 51-2
Oh, hello there! Moeen fires one in, Malik plays all around it and up goes the finger! That could be a big breakthrough, but Malik wants another look...
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"That's a warning sign. If Samit is getting that sort of purchase, this is a crusty one."
Pak 51-2
So, happy days for England - now all they have to do is run through Pakistan's three best batsmen. Tell you what, Patel is bowling beautifully here - he gets two consecutive balls to grip and turn agonisingly past Younus Khan's outside edge.
Post update
Charles Dagnall
BBC Test Match Special
"That's a gift of a wicket for England."
Post update
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"He got the delivery he wanted, but the lack of pace made it stick in the wicket. It did spin, Hafeez got a top edge and Broad took a comfortable catch. It's a bonus for England."
WICKET
Hafeez c Broad b Moeen 27 (Pak 49-2)
Well well, that's a big bonus for England. Hafeez has taken a liking a to Moeen and strikes him powerfully down the ground for a one-bounce four. However, next ball he perishes, short ball from Moeen, Hafeez tries to marmalise it for six and succeeds only in directing it straight up in the air. Broad collects. That, I believe, is what they call 'drowning in honey'.
Pak 43-1 (Patel 4-1-7-0)
Malik is looking increasingly confident against the slightly flatter spin stylings of Patel and cuts him towards the boundary for two.
Post update
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"I think the seam bowlers can change their boots - they won't be doing much bowling."
Pak 39-1
The Pakistani batsmen are definitely enjoying the flighted deliveries of Moeen Ali - Hafeez, who is looking in good touch, strikes three into the covers, then scoops over the leg-side field for two.
Post update
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"A spinner has got to enjoy bowling dots on here. You've got to see that as a victory."
Pak 33-1 (Hafeez 17, Malik 16)
So, we're 16 overs into the first morning of a Test match and England have essentially got two batsmen bowling in tandem. Madness, or genius? Sometimes the line between the two is very fine. Patel is looking the more parsimonious of the two bowlers and restricts the batsmen to one.
Post update
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"A good short leg anticipates that shot. It would have been a great catch."
Pak 32-1
Spin from both ends for England - Moeen Ali is going to whirl away from the other end. Mohammad Hafeez has looked to dominate Moeen throughout the series and immediately he gets on one knee and lap sweeps him over the infield for four. Hafeez goes for it again off the final ball of the over but this time James Taylor shows the anticipation of a kung-fu master and materialises exactly where Hafeez wants to put the shot. He just gets a fingertip to it but the shot comes too quickly to hang on to. I'm in a generous mood this morning, so I'm going to spare Taylor the indignity of the BBC Sport 'dropped catch' graphic.
Post update
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"A good decision by Alastair Cook to give Samit Patel the first bowl - get him in the game, with two right-handers in."
Pak 25-1
Samit's got Malik on toast here - he gets the Pakistani batsman to waft at one that rags past the outside edge. It's on. It's so on.
How's stat?!
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"Jonny Bairstow has kept in 77 out of 118 first-class matches before this.
Pak 23-1 (Stokes 4-0-16-0)
Who says Alastair Cook can't do funky fields? The England captain puts his disco shoes on and stations two men in short catching positions in front of the bat for Ben Stokes. Malik drives to deep cover for two.
Post update
Pak 20-1
Patel is strapped up, but he's still grinning and it looks like he's going to continue. Don't rip up that Hollywood script just yet - the Samit ten-for is still on. He completes a maiden.
Post update
Ramiz Raja
Ex-Pakistan captain on BBC Test Match Special
"I'm trying to understand why he has been brought on before Rashid or Moeen. Pakistan often like giving the new ball to their left-arm spinner. His angle might bring some natural variation."
Drinks break
Pak 20-1
He's back. The big man. Samit Patel is going to have a bowl, 53 minutes into a Test match. Hang on, what's happened here? Patel sends two balls down and suddenly he's clutching his hand. It looks like he's dislocated the little finger on his bowling hand doing an innocuous bit of fielding. That, you would have to say, is unlucky. We're going to take drinks while the physios attend to him.
Pak 20-1 (Hafeez 10, Malik 10)
Not much encouragement for the seamers after that early wicket. Stokes, who is looking as threatening as a de-clawed gerbil, is milked down to third man for four.
Post update
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Moeen is not an opener. I don't care if he gets a hundred. If they play him long enough, he'll probably get some runs because he has talent. That doesn't make him an opener. Watch him against South Africa - I won't miss a ball when he's facing Steyn and Morkel. They've missed an opportunity to find an opener."
Pak 16-1
Jimmy Anderson, you would wager, is coming to the end of his first spell here. How England would love it if he could nip another man out. But Hafeez defends solidly for a maiden.
Post update
Ramiz Raja
Ex-Pakistan captain on BBC Test Match Special
"You can always argue that you should play to your strengths and if your strength is fast bowling, so be it. However, Pakistan have sometimes struggled against left-arm spin."
Pak 16-1 (Hafeez 10, Malik 6)
Shoaib Malik nudges Stokes off his hips for a couple.
How's Stat?!
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"This is the 10th time that England have lost all three tosses of a three-match series. They have only won all three tosses four times."
Pak 14-1
For those interested - and I'm sure that will be many of you - Misbah is now three short of the world record for consecutive toss wins in Test matches, held by England's Colin Cowdrey with nine. Anderson wangs down another maiden.
Post update
Charles Dagnall
BBC Test Match Special
"I saw Misbah practising his toss just before Cook came out of the dressing room. He was there flipping the coin up."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Toby Tarrant: Don't really see the point in the Patel selection. Only 2 spinners can bowl at any one time plus the seamers have done well.
Pak 14-1 (Hafeez 10, Malik 4)
Talking of pumpkins, a man of roughly the same hue, Ben Stokes, is going to have a bowl. He allows Shoaib Malik to finally get off the mark with a delightful drive, as smooth and velvety as pumpkin pie. I'll stop now.
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Moon: Anderson has woken up this household on a very foggy Slovakian morning!
Pak 7-1
I'm told that in one British city, the local authorities have constructed a 'Pumpkin Path' to entice kids away from trick-or-treating. Now, I like pumpkins as much as the next man, but that feels a bit optimistic to me.
Shoaib Malik is going more slowly than a sloth driving a milkfloat through treacle - he's yet to score off 16 deliveries.
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"James Taylor has been sat on his bum and then come in here. I'd have played him right from the beginning and told him he was getting three Tests."
Pak 7-1
Trick or treating: does it bring out the curmudgeon in you too? Reports on the cricket desk that grown men and women have been spotted doing it in one colleague's hometown - that can't be right, surely? Anyway, Pakistan continue their sedate start - another maiden.
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Michael Blighe: The Burnley Express is running an early service today!
Pak 7-1
Ian Bell by the way, who has been responsible for more drops than a dubstep concert in this series, has been quietly ushered out of the slip cordon - he's fielding at gully. Malik's wait for a first run continues.
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Adam Davies: England selected Patel to give Ali less overs and justify opening? Seems negative as Patel is a confessed batsman over bowler.
Pak 6-1
Hafeez pulls Broad off his hips for one. Malik still yet to get off the mark.
How's stat?!
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"Jimmy Anderson now has 421 Test wickets - he's joint eighth with Shaun Pollock on the all-time list."
Pak 5-1
New batsman Shoaib Malik survives the remaining three balls of the over without scoring.
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"That's typical of a guy who hasn't played for a long time. He got caught it two minds in that perfect length, in the corridor of uncertainty. Shall I go forward, shall I go back? He went forward, then back, played away from his body. It's all over and he'd have been better off staying in Pakistan."
WICKET
Azhar c Bairstow b Anderson 0 (Pak 5-1)
Azhar Ali has been itching to get bat on ball. He probably would have wanted to get a bit more than this though - the faintest of edges on an away-nipper from Jimmy Anderson, and new keeper Jonny Bairstow takes the catch.
Anderson once again proves his ability to get new-ball wickets even in the most inhospitable conditions, and Azhar trudges off - as returns go, it wasn't exactly Dirty Den in EastEnders.
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"It's very sad. But do they care? All they're interested in is TV money."
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Simon Mann
BBC Test Match Special
"There are very few spectators here. Those that are here are England supporters."
Pak 2-0 (Hafeez 2, Azhar 0)
Four men in the slip cordon for England. Nothing like a bit of optimism, is there? Now then, here's our first look at Azhar Ali in this series. He could well be an improvement on walking wicket Shan Masood: Azhar averages 44 in Tests and a very rosy 54 in the UAE. Ominous. Broad begins with a maiden.
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Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"That's a pretty good over - as good as you can do without getting a wicket. You have to try and make the new ball work because after that it's a work in progress all day long, in the heat."
Pak 2-0
Anderson's first ball is on the money, defended by Hafeez. Hang on a minute, what's this? Hafeez has spotted a hole in the wall behind the bowlers' arm. There's a brief pause before a homespun solution is decided on, and someone stuffs a rolled-up bit of paper in there. It's not exactly DIY SOS, but it'll do. Hafeez is off the mark with a drive for two.
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Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"You just get the feeling with his Pakistan line-up that they've got a collapse in them. And that's what the bowlers have got to think."
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We're almost ready to go in Sharjah. Mohammad Hafeez and new man Azhar Ali tapping their bats on the pitch, James Anderson with ball in hand...
'Jos Buttler will be back'
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"Jos Buttler is a destructive player. He just needs time out of the Test arena, away from the prying eyes.
"He'll definitely come back in. Joe Root was dropped after the Sydney Ashes Test in January 2014. But Jos can go away and have the same motivation that Joe had - that next time I get back in, I won't throw it away."
'James Taylor will give stability'
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"James Taylor has got to go and state his case. He's a good player of spin. He'll look to occupy the crease and bat time.
"This dynamic batting line-up like to play their shots, but Taylor will give it a bit of stability and settle it down a little bit."
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England's poor seamers. Jimmy Anderson and co would have been dreaming of a day with their feet up: crossword in hand, maybe even a bit of a doze on the balcony. But for the third time this series, they will be slogging their guts out on the first day of the Test.
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Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"I think this pitch will spin a lot more than the last two - it's a little bit more crusty. But if it's going to crumble, it won't until day four.
"It would have been nice to see it the other way round with England batting first. But they've got to do what they did in Abu Dhabi. They can't do what they did on the third morning in Dubai."
'I'm taking Misbah to Vegas...'
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"Misbah was having a net with the coin. I'm taking him to Vegas with me - he'll make me a fortune."
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Well, what do we make of that decision to go with three spinners? Pakistan's batsmen have played England's twirlers much better than the seamers so far in this series, so in that context it might be a bit of a surprise.
However, New Zealand off-spinner Mark Craig took ten wickets in the last Test at Sharjah, so perhaps that came into England's thinking.
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James Taylor's on the telly. "I've been lucky enough to go on a few Lions tours to the subcontinent where I've faced spin and I enjoy it," he says.
Does that count as fighting talk?
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Line-ups
Pakistan XI: Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Shoaib Malik, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah, Zulfiqar Babar, Rahat Ali.
England XI: Alastair Cook (capt), Moeen Ali, Ian Bell, Joe Root, James Taylor, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Samit Patel, Adil Rashid, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.
Umpires: Chris Gaffaney (New Zealand), Bruce Oxenford (Australia); TV umpire: Paul Reiffel (Australia)
That's the spirit
Team news
Alastair Cook confirms that Samit Patel comes in for Mark Wood for England, and James Taylor - another who hasn't played a Test for three years - replaces Jos Buttler.
Two changes for Pakistan too - Azhar Ali comes in for Shan Masood at the top of the order, and Rahat Ali replaces injured paceman Imran Khan.
Captain's view
England captain Alastair Cook on the decision to pick Samit Patel as a third spinner: "It was a tough one. The four seamers have worked well in terms of controlling Pakistan.
"But in the two warm-up games here it turned. It's the same square, it's dry and everyone I have asked says it will turn."
On his own fitness following a groin problem in the second Test: "I'm 100% fit."
Captain's view
England captain Alastair Cook: "I just had another look from all the fast bowlers. I gave them the option of what I should call...
"It is an advantage on this wicket - we think it's going to turn. It means some more hard work but that's what we've got to do.
"We need to stay in the game and put Pakistan under pressure on days four and five."
Captain's view
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has now won six tosses in a row. Some people have all the luck.
He reveals that Pakistan have opted not to go with three spinners. "We were thinking about that," he says.
"But the pitch might not turn like that. The seamers have a role to play with reverse swing. The new ball swings in Sharjah so we think that's the right balance.
"We want to win the game - it's not the right approach to go for the draw."
Pakistan win toss
Would you believe it...the coin goes up, Misbah calls, and for the third time in the series he's got it right. The Pakistani skipper bends double with laughter; Alastair Cook...not so much. As stony-faced as one of those Easter Island heads.
Pakistan, you may not be shocked to learn, are going to have a bat.
Three spinners for England?
So, it looks like England have gone with Samit Patel over Liam Plunkett to replace Mark Wood, meaning a first appearance since 2012 for the, ahem, burly all-rounder.
And that means they'll play three spinners for the first time since...help me out here?
England pick Patel
Wood chopped; Buttler out of service
We already know a little bit about the make-up of England's XI: namely that Mark Wood and Jos Buttler will not be in it.
Fast bowler Wood, who impressed in the second Test, has been rested with a long-term ankle niggle.
And keeper Buttler has been dropped after a run of low scores; Jonny Bairstow will take the gloves for this match.
Good morning
Hello and welcome to live text commentary of the third Test between England and Pakistan, at Sharjah.
Alastair Cook's men are 1-0 down in the series; can they get a win to square the series?
The toss is coming up at around 05:30.
Desert pain
"In the desert," sang rock band America on their 1972 hit 'A Horse with no Name', "You can remember your name/For there ain't no-one to give you no pain."
Only as England have discovered, that isn't strictly true. They've found a whole host of men ready to give them pain on this tour of the deserts of the UAE: impenetrable batsman Misbah ul-Haq, fiery pace bowler Wahab Riaz and wily leg-spinner Yasir Shah to name just a few.
Remember their name? England will need a much-improved performance in this third Test in Sharjah if they're to go down in history.