Eng Test tour of Pak, Dec 1-21

[Durhamfootman]

I just assumed the light was a bit too iffy for anything other than spin and England wanted to get in as many overs as possible at the end in the hope of lifting a cheap wicket

[alfie]

I just assumed the light was a bit too iffy for anything other than spin and England wanted to get in as many overs as possible at the end in the hope of lifting a cheap wicket

Think that is probably right. Light wasn't too bad but we know it fades fast here. Pity they couldn't snare a wicket but after coming back from 4 down early to get a modest lead I reckon they'll feel it was an OK day.

Very open from here . They'll doubtless fancy chasing anything But I'd hope they don't let Pakistan get too many as batting might be tough on day four...

[bigfluffylemon]

Handy lead. My usual formula now is two wickets at scores level is a 50-50 game.

You got your even game, AC.

[Durhamfootman]

3 wickets for Leach this morning and Pakistan are 99-3 at lunch

I know I keep banging on about this, but despite bowling spin for half of them, England only managed 24 overs

unless the start was delayed or there was a rain break or something, that's astonishingly poor even by England standards

[Arthur Crabtree]

Great spell from Ahmed.

Was in pub last night with bloke whose daughter was in his year at school. Was supposed to be very, er, confident!

[Arthur Crabtree]

Batted at eight, so maybe can hold a bat.

[Durhamfootman]

Rehan has turned the match on it's head again after Pakistan were threatening to get themselves back in control of it

[Arthur Crabtree]

Going to be an interesting target.

One more needed for Ahmed's first 5-fer.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Yes, 5-48. Well done to our local leggie.

167 to win. Could be a thriller...

[Arthur Crabtree]

Youngest ever debut 5-fer.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Batted at eight, so maybe can hold a bat.

Has a first class ton.

[Gingerfinch]

England want it done today by the looks of it.

[Arthur Crabtree]

167 to win. Could be a thriller...

Thought that might happen.

[Durhamfootman]

Youngest ever debut 5-fer.

I think that is what's known as an unqualified success

[bigfluffylemon]

My word, what a spectacular debut. I hope we'll be seeing more from the young lad (and that he doesn't go the way of so many young England spinners - although not many have a successful debut...).

From 164/3 it was looking like Pakistan were bedding in to set a tough total, then 216 all out. Of course England could collapse too given they need 55 runs to win, but barring a horrendous collapse they are on course for a 3-0 clean sweep, which is unprecedented. As far as I can tell, no away side has ever won three tests in a series in Pakistan. Waugh's Australia won 3-0 away against Pakistan in 2002, but that series was played in Sri Lanka and the UAE.

Truly remarkable stuff from England. And a huge amount of credit has to go to the bowlers for bowling Pakistan out six times on these tracks.