Alastair Cook’s 263 against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi second-highest individual Test score in UAE

England captain Alastair Cook was dismissed for a score of 263 during the fourth day of the first Test against Pakistan at Abu Dhabi on Friday. The left-handed opening batsman came close to achieving several milestones during his innings, one of which was the highest score by any batsman in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Cook however, surpassed Pakistan batsman Shoaib Malik in the list of the highest individual Test scores in the country, and fell 16 runs short of surpassing the record currently held by leading South African batsman AB de Villiers, who struck an unbeaten 278 against Pakistan at the same venue in 2010. England were comfortably perched at the time of Cook’s dismissal, leading Pakistan’s massive first innings score of 523 for 8 decl. by 26 runs. SCORECARD: Pakistan vs England 2015, 1st Test at Abu Dhabi, Day 3

Malik had earlier struck a flamboyant 245 during his landmark innings. Making his comeback into the Test side after a gap of five long years, The right-handed batsman smashed 24 fours and four sixes during his stay at the crease, played a major role in guiding his side to the massive score, with Asad Shafiq (107) and Mohammad Hafeez (98) playing their part in the run-fest. UPDATES: Pakistan vs England 2015, 1st Test at Abu Dhabi, Day 3

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England however, have outbatted their opponents so far in the game, with the visitors looking set to cross the 600-run mark. Aside from the record for the highest individual score in the UAE, Cook also finishes second in the list of highest individual scores by England batsmen against Pakistan in Tests, which is currently topped by Dennis Compton (278).

Cook’s innings is also the ninth-longest in terms of minutes consumed, with the England skipper having spent 773 minutes at the crease. The record is currently held by Pakistan’s Hanif Mohammad (970 mins).