Chris Parker: Great session from Cook and Hales. England favourites from here maybe?

Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

It's been an absolutely splendid day's cricket - cut and thrust. Anybody who hasn't got a ticket, go and get one.

I could sense the entire England-supporting population holding its breath as the last ball from Sohail was bowled. Pakistan lost Azhar Ali to the day's final ball yesterday, but Hales has no such worries, cutting it through point for a single which also brings up his half-century. His first after six innings I think.

But like Tim earlier, it's time to put your feet up and have a breather.

Pakistan look as likely to take a wicket as a Chesterfield sofa with a couple of space travellers is likely to turn up in the middle of Lord's on the final day of the Ashes series. Yasir tweaks away in vain, still trying to hit the foot marks. Hales gets a single to keep Pakistan frustrated.

David: England have absolutely bossed this day, great series, with the recent Windies great escape. Test cricket is alive.

There's a collection of England players in the dressing room sat around Paul Farbrace and staring away at something as the coach points and gestures. Either they're discussing the state of play or an episode of Only Connect is on and they're playing the Connecting Wall section. Another general lull in play on the field as Sohail Khan runs in. Just three from the over, and even the crowd sound like they're winding down. A few shouts of "stand up if you're..." but not much else.

I love iguanas. I mean, they're like the ultimate "look at this fabulous body and weep" creatures. I would love one as a pet. Also, is that some sort of holiday exercise session in the pool or just everyone deciding to compare sponges?

Yasir Shah stems the flow of runs by giving away just two.

Lovely. Poolside, in Vegas. No, Chrissy, I'm not jealous at all. Nope. Not one bit. Feel free to send a bit of that sunshine my way. Also, cake.

Keep those pictures flowing, as England keep the runs coming. Sohail Khan back in the attack but when you're on top, everything clicks, as Cook and Hales take a boundary each. Hales in particular would have enjoyed the shot off the back foot.

Ouch! That would have hurt Misbah, who called for the review after some consultation with his team. Replays show Yasir's delivery pitched just outside the line of leg stump and the review is taken no further. A shame as it was a really good delivery, which got Hales to play forward but got just enough turn to miss bat and clip the pad. A game of inches, as I said earlier.

Ed Smith
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

That looks like trouble for Hales.

Ramiz Raja
Former Pakistan captain on BBC Test Match Special

Pakistan were desperate and Misbah was pushed into it.

Yasir gets Hales playing forward, and there's a big appeal for lbw, not given. Pakistan go upstairs.

Ramiz Raja
Former Pakistan captain on BBC Test Match Special

This a big performance from England. Let's not forget that they must have been under a lot of pressure, with Pakistan looking for early blows. They've played beautifully.

Ian, the best suggestion would be to make a pit stop in Salford with some cake. I'm sure the airline won't mind. Have faith in the power of cake. England celebrate another minor milestone for the innings, but a big one in the context of the match, as Cook's single off Amir brings up the hundred partnership.

Huzzaah! My anti-mockers have worked. Hales strokes one off the back foot for four through covers. Yasir looks puzzled after what was a tight line and a fuller delivery, but Hales gets his first boundary for 20 deliveries. Well played.