England in driving seat as Azhar-Fawad look to rebuild

James Anderson struck for the fourth time in Pakistan's first innings, leaving the visitors reeling at 30 for four. But Pakistan captain Azhar Ali and Fawad Alam stitched an unbroken partnership of 45 as of an hour later after lunch on day three of the third and final Test between England and Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. 

Anderson needs three more wickets to become the first-ever fast bowler in the history of Test cricket to take 600 wickets. The 38-year old will become the fourth bowler ever to achieve the feat if he does so.

Azhar Ali was unbeaten on 25 and he was partnered by Fawad Alam who was unbeaten on 21. Pakistan were 75 for four, rebuilding the innings after a top-order collapse.

Anderson sent back Shan Masood, Abid Ali and Babar Azam in the evening session on day two as Pakistan ended the day in rather sorry fashion. The visitors resumed the proceedings on day three with scores of 24 for three.

Shortly after the start of play, James Anderson produced yet another outswinger to induce the edge of Asad Shafiq's bat and Joe Root in the slips made no mistake. Immediately after that, the players were forced off the ground due to rain. But the break wasn't long and play resumed soon. The showers returned once again, forcing to take an early lunch half an hour before the scheduled time. 

Azhar and Fahad batted out an hour after lunch safely.

England posted a huge total of 583 for eight thanks to the magnum opus from Zak Crawley. The Kent batsman was dismissed for a magnificent 267. Jos Buttler also brought up his highest Test score of 152, eventually getting out to Fawad Alam. 

Pakistan still trail by 508 runs. England are 1-0 up, winning the first of the three-match series.

Brief score

England: 583-8 dec (Crawley 267, Buttler 152, Shaheen 2-121, Fawad 2-46)

Pakistan: 75-4  (Azhar 25*, Fawad 21*, Anderson 4-21)