Sohail's four-man slip cordon is now a three-man slip cordon. Has Misbah found a better use for the spare? Or has the fielder simply got bored and gone for a wander? I had a chap in my village club once who fancied a sandwich so left our long off vacant for about 15 minutes. We made up by conceding most of our runs at deep square leg. Sohail gives away just one, and was there one delivery that kept a bit lower there? I think so. Hales straight-batted it away no problem.

Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

I know he's got a double hundred batting at three, but I'd have kept Root at four. You've got two world-class batsmen in him and Cook, so I want to split them a bit. You know what I feel about the other three batsmen.

A Bristol Balloon fiesta that doesn't have balloons would be just the Bristol fiesta surely? Wahab runs in from over the wicket with an action that reminds me a bit of Mitchell Johnson actually. Except maybe Johnson's was a bit more side-arm. But a similar sort of wristy motion. Anyway, Wahab falls foul of the umpire as he steps into the danger zone and receives an official warning.

Justin: I'm so bored at the Bristol Balloon Fiesta. No balloons. And I want no more England wickets.

That'll wake 'em up. Root ploughs into Sohail's first delivery to get a four through point. I can finally hear some much-needed clapping and cheering in England's favour. A few more of those will let the hosts breathe a bit easier after stumps.

Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

Joe Root's got to be careful. If he plays like he did at Manchester, he can make a big score. But if he plays like he did in the first innings, he'll get out.

Some fine pink hats in the crowd, complete with fancy flowers. I'm not personally into fancy hats, but I can appreciate one that has a lot of love gone into its creation. Pakistan's slip cordon line up like four hungry tigers waiting to pounce. Root gets a single off the Wahab Riaz over.

Si in Chester

I hope your weekends are not dependent on how England perform today. What are you doing tonight anyway? Any cricket-themed parties? A Geoffrey Boycott's greatest hits box-set? I need ideas. 

I'm not going to fall into the trap of Super Saturday here - I'll leave that to the Olympic bods - but Pakistan do look like they're enjoying this. England take five off the Amir over though, so could we see the faintest hints of a recovery?

Richard Panday: Pakistan showed that this is a reasonable batting pitch, England need to be positive, knock up runs and get the team motivated.

Oliver Ridout: 150 all out coming right up. And to think I have tickets for tomorrow.

So, Pakistan off to a better start than the time I walked into a buffet restaurant after two days without a main meal. Although Wahab does sully the over slightly with a bouncer that only a man standing atop another would have caught behind the stumps. Wicketkeeper Sarfraz can't prevent the four byes.

Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician

This will be Cook's highest strike rate for a Test series - 67.68.

Ramiz Raja
Former Pakistan captain on BBC Test Match Special

It was sharp by Wahab Riaz - we've seen many a drop in the slip cordon, but this was a good catch. What a breakthrough.

Close but not close enough. Amir gets the ball to swing awa just enough from Cook, who fends at it but edges, the ball falling just short of the man at first slip. Groans from all the Pakistan men, before an unseen player shouts "wicket coming, wicket coming" in Urdu.

Michael Davis: Eight off seven overs = afraid. Innings defeat on the cards. What a match - poor batting, dropped catches... not a number one performance YET.

I imagine about half of Sohail Khan's sweat drops are a result of his vocal chords trying to add a bit of extra oomph to his bowling. It's like when I try to add extra pace to my tennis serves by yelling "Ole" at the point of contact. It works. This time Sohail does manage to get a maiden in.

Edward Taylor: Alex Hales. This your moment. Bat well, bat long and become a hero.

Ramiz Raja
Former Pakistan captain on BBC Test Match Special

Amir's stock ball to the left-hander is an outswinger, but he's been bowling that well. Cook has been watchful.