Pakistan in full control at Old Trafford

Pakistan ended the first session of the third day in complete control as hosts England were still 167 runs behind them at lunch. Despite losing only one wicket in the session, England could only muster up to 159-5, courtesy of some fine seam bowling. 

Pakistan had made inroads into the English batting lineup the previous day as they picked up all of their top four by the end of the day. Ollie Pope and Jos Buttler were at the crease when play resumed on the third day and the travelling bowlers started right from where they left off overnight. 

Both Pope and Butler had to be persevering throughout the first hour as only 19 runs came off 14 overs. Mohammad Abbas, who picked up Dom Sibley and Ben Stokes on day two, were extraordinarily meagre as he gave out a single run in his seven overs in the first hour. 

But despite incredible accurate bowling, Pope and Buttler held the fort as Pope went to pick up his fifth Test fifty. It started to look like only something special could break their stand and that special came from teenager Naseem Shah. 

A good length delivery from the 17-year old quick jumped up spontaneously and before Pope had any idea where the ball was, he was already caught at gully. His stand with Buttler was of 65 runs, costing more than 24 overs. 

Rain came in to play spoilsport for a few minutes but proved to be only a passing cloud as play resumed soon. Woakes and Buttler picked up some quick runs before the session came to a close but Pakistan were well in the driving seat. At lunch, Buttler was unbeaten on 38 with Woakes on 15.

Brief score 

Pakistan: 326 (Masood 156, Babar 69, Broad 3-54, Archer 3-59)

England: 159-5 (Pope 62, Butler 38*, Abbas 2-33,  Naseem 1-37)