Rain stops playpublished at 41.1 overs

41.1 overs

Pak 121-2

It's dark and gloomy. There's a bit of rain. On come the covers. Let's hope this delay isn't too long. And maybe England could do with a bit of a breather and regroup.

Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

England are chasing the game here, they have been so poor since lunch.

50 for Azampublished at 41 overs

41 overs

Pak 121-2

Oh, hello!

Babar Azam takes a few steps down the wicket and goes big, clonking Bess over mid-wicket for a one-bounce four.

Another single brings up his 50. He's batted brilliantly so far.

Jason Newman: Another chance missed by Buttler. Keep him as a middle order batsmen and bring in Foakes.

They serve a different purpose, Tysoe? What do you all make of that? Let us know.

After encouraging signs in his previous over, Dom Bess will continue after drinks.

Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport at Emirates Old Trafford

It's getting dark. The cloud is coming over the Point like the spaceship settling over the White House in Independence Day.

Jofra Archer peppers Babar Azam with some short stuff. The Pakistan number four is up to the challenge as he punches a rising ball through the covers for a boundary.

Time for drinks. Pakistan going along nicely. England looking to break up this partnership which is now worth 70.

Vic Marks
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

That's a chance, I'm afraid.

Dropped catchpublished at 14:43 British Summer Time 5 August 2020

14:43 BST 5 August 2020

Pak 109-2

For the first time in his spell, Dom Bess causes Pakistan a bit of trouble. The spinner has the ball turning away from Shan Masood, there's a faint noise but Jos Buttler can't hold on. It was a tough chance but Buttler will be disappointed.

Adam Carter: Why can't no-balls be automatic like in the bowling alley, rather than the third umpire having to watch it all day?

That's some shout. Is that your 'unpopular cricket opinion', Ian?

More runs for Pakistan, this time Shan Masood is in on the act.

Jofra Archer, as he did in the previous over, goes full and on leg stump and it's clipped through square leg for four.

Isa Guha
Ex-England bowler on BBC Test Match Special

The sound off the bat of Babar Azam is lovely. He's really getting into a nice groove now.

Pak 100-2published at 14:34 British Summer Time 5 August 2020

14:34 BST 5 August 2020

Shot!

Dom Bess floats it in full and Babar Azam elegantly drives through the covers for four glorious runs. A textbook boundary. One for the showreel.

And again! This time it's driven between point and extra cover but it's a splendid strike again.

Runs are coming thick and fast for Pakistan. And the 100 is up.

Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport at Emirates Old Trafford

Mohammad Abbas has a Test batting average of 7.23. Number nine seems high enough for him to need breathing apparatus. Pakistan have three number 11s and a number eight with a Test ton against Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon.

I think that last entry might just spark a reaction from some of you.

Beautiful from Babar. Jofra Archer replaces Stuart Broad and is greeted by a drive back down the wicket for four. Fantastically timed.

We all knew Babar Azam is a quality limited-overs cricketer but he's really upped his Test game.

Five from the over.

Warning: Watch the following clip with caution.

Chandresh from India called into Greg James' Radio 1 show to offer this unpopular opinion...

Are you offended by Chandresh's controversial view? Or do you agree?

We also want you to get in touch and let us know know your most unpopular cricket opinions.

Dom Bess continues and Pakistan look comfortable in defending against the off-spinner. Maiden.

Dark clouds hover over Old Trafford. It could be one of those days where we have short little stoppages of play throughout.

Vic Marks
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

It must be exhausting watching for no-balls. You're effectively spending the day looking at feet and a line. Usually as third umpire, there's moments of leisure... but not in this new role.