Postpublished at 06:41 Greenwich Mean Time 18 December 2022
Image source, Getty ImagesAustralia are 24-4 chasing 34 for victory!
They couldn't, could they?
Summary
Pakistan survive tricky late spell to reach 21-0
England recover from 145-5 to end with 50-run first-innings lead
Classy Brook hits third century in three Tests (111 off 150 balls)
Foakes offers support with steady 64 off 121 balls
Stokes run out after mix-up with Brook
Pope hits 51 before being bowled by Abrar
Nauman removes Duckett for 26 & Root (0) in consecutive deliveries
Postpublished at 06:41 Greenwich Mean Time 18 December 2022
Image source, Getty Images
Eng 118-4published at 06:41 Greenwich Mean Time 18 December 2022
Oh, that's not nice. Ben Stokes has swept the ball right onto Abdullah Shafique's helmet at short leg.
I think he's OK.
Postpublished at 06:39 Greenwich Mean Time 18 December 2022
Vic Marks
Former England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
Image source, PCBIt is turning into a fascinating game. There is just enough going on, ebbing and flowing. At the moment Pakistan are probably just in front.
Eng 118-4published at 26 overs
Brook 31, Stokes 10
A big hit from Stokes!
Only four. Was he eyeing the record there?
get involved Get Involved - England's morning in songpublished at 06:37 Greenwich Mean Time 18 December 2022
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Stop The Pakistani Cavalry... And by now I bet England "wish they could be home by Christmas".
Em, West Denton
Eng 110-4published at 25 overs
Trail by 194
There's a game within a game here. Ben Stokes is currently tied for the record number of sixes in Test cricket.
The man he's tied with? Just a certain Brendon McCullum.
We know both men are aware of this stat. How long will Stokes wait?
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 06:35 Greenwich Mean Time 18 December 2022
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Jason: Wickets this morning have all been thanks to good balls. Still like the positivity of the batting by England. But now, how will Stokes play it...
Eng 108-4published at 24 overs
Brook 28, Stokes 3
Image source, Getty ImagesCan people please accept the commentator's curse isn't a thing? We've just had a tweet asking us not to praise a batter during their innings.
That would make my job quite difficult.
The Aussies are 9-2 with David Warner out, by the way. They only need another 25 to win, however.
Postpublished at 06:31 Greenwich Mean Time 18 December 2022
Waqar Younis
Former Pakistan fast bowler on TMS
Image source, Getty ImagesHarry Brook is the only batsman who looks in control. Throughout the whole series has had not had any issues.
He is very positive and scores runs quickly.
Eng 105-4published at 23 overs
Meanwhile, Harry Brook pumps another six down the ground.
He's going to be a star, isn't he?
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 06:27 Greenwich Mean Time 18 December 2022
#bbccricket via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply)
Arjun Singh: Wow, there have been some beauties bowled today. Pope and Root can consider themselves unlucky to get very good balls.
Eng 99-4published at 06:27 Greenwich Mean Time 18 December 2022
Ben Stokes is in and England are still 206 runs behind.
Pope shrugged there as if to say "too good".
It was a lovely, spinning delivery.
Postpublished at 06:24 Greenwich Mean Time 18 December 2022
Waqar Younis
Former Pakistan fast bowler on TMSThat was a beautiful delivery. It spun enough just to take the off stump.
A man in good form who has played really well has gone. It's a big wicket.
WICKETpublished at 22.2 overs
Pope b Abrar 51 (Eng 98-4)
Image source, Getty ImagesFifty and out! Ollie Pope gets a beauty from leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed and is completely beaten.
A fine innings ends too quickly from England's perspective.
50 for Ollie Popepublished at 22 overs
Another fifty for Ollie Pope. This is a little sketchy - the ball slapped in the air - but it brings him another boundary.
He has held England together through a wobble this morning.
Eng 89-3published at 21 overs
Image source, PCBI can't remember a period when England boundaries have felt like relief rather than the normality in this series. That's a credit to how well Pakistan have bowled in this session.
Abrar gets a little too leg side at the end of the over and Brook sweeps him fine to the rope.
Eng 84-3published at 20 overs
Not for the first time we're left wondering where a Pakistan bowler has been all series. Nauman is varying his pace and using all of his experience.
Postpublished at 06:15 Greenwich Mean Time 18 December 2022
Daniel Norcross
BBC Test Match SpecialNauman Ali is getting the ball to turn here and from the Pavilion End, which hasn't spun so much so far.
Eng 84-3published at 19.1 overs
Pakistan only have one review left now. That may be important with the spinners, Nauman Ali in particular, bowling well.
Postpublished at 06:12 Greenwich Mean Time 18 December 2022
Daniel Norcross
BBC Test Match SpecialThat's a terrible review.