England dominate Day 3 of first Test against Pakistan at Abu Dhabi

England have dominated Day 3 of the first Test against Pakistan at Abu Dhabi on Thursday as they resisted with sheer courage and temperament against the formidable bowling attack of Pakistan. England started their day 56 for no loss with Alastair Cook and Moeen Ali at the crease. They started this morning with total composure and were serenely progressing towards the set total. After accompanying Cook for  116 runs stand, Moeen Ali was dismissed by Imran Khan for a well played 35. In came Ian Bell, who looked bereft of oomph in the start but somehow stuck to his guns and played a much needed knock of 63. Cook and Bell accounted for 165 runs partnership between them and threatened to take this game away from Pakistan before the latter was dismissed by Wahab Riaz when he drove one only to give a simple catch to Mohammad Hafeez at backward point. LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD: Pakistan vs England 2015, 1st Test at Abu Dhabi, Day 2

Cook was the centre of attraction as he played the entire day with immense confidence and registered his maiden century in UAE. He led the side and made batting look easy. He  was equally effective against the pacers as well as spinners. England almost ended the day on a high but Wahab Riaz had other ideas, he also got rid of night watchman Mark Wood which wouldn’t make much of a difference to the English side as they bat really deep. Joe Root and Cook are still alive at the crease and will take on the proceedings on Day 4. Much of England’s fate in this game will depend on this partnership as they have been the most prolific English batsmen in the recent times. England will hope them to put a good partnership which will let the English middle-order fire at will. LIVE CRICKET BLOG: Pakistan vs England, 1st Test at Abu Dhabi,Day 3

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At stumps, England were 290 for 3 and are trailing by 233 runs with seven wickets to spare. The destiny of this Test will totally depend on Day 4 and will be much interesting to see England’s approach as the ball is in their court at the moment. Pakistani bowlers had a dreadful time as the pitch had nothing to offer and their fielders too let them down. They failed to capitalise upon the chances provided by English batsmen and dropped a few catches. On the contrary, the pitch hardly had enough bounce in it to carry the edges to the fielders. Thier spinner remained wicketless throughout the day and will seek for a revival of fortunes on Day.

Brief scores: 

Pakista 523 for 8 (Shoaib Malik 245, Asad Shafiq 107; Ben Stokes 4 for 57) lead England 290 for 3 (Alastair Cook 168*, Ian Bell 63; Wahab Riaz 2 for 79) by 233 runs.

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