Azhar Ali struck a superb century as Pakistan took charge of the third Investec Test on day two at Edgbaston.
In a masterful display of concentration and clinical strokeplay, the 31-year-old hit his 10th Test century and first outside Asia only to fall to Chris Woakes for 139 on the final ball of the day.
Azhar, who shared a 181-run partnership with obdurate 20-year-old opener Sami Aslam, hung his head as he left the field but he will reflect with pride on his team’s overnight total of 257-3, just 40 runs behind.
James Anderson had earlier struck with the fourth ball of the day – his 50th wicket against Pakistan – but England toiled in the field for long periods and must improve on day three to limit a likely first-innings deficit.
Anderson looked marginally embarrassed to take a wicket with a short, wide delivery outside off stump as experienced opener Mohammad Hafeez, eyes bulging at such an easy opportunity to get off the mark, slapped the ball straight to Gary Ballance at backward point.
Aslam was playing his third Test match in place of Shan Masood and after recovering from the shock of losing his partner without facing a ball, applied himself with calmness beyond his years.
England’s bowlers failed to make him play on enough and, in tandem with Azhar, he gradually complied runs alongside judicious leaving outside off-stump. The duo reached lunch at 72-1, still 225 runs behind.
Joe Root spilled a chance to dismiss Azhar at second slip in the first over back and the classy batsman brought up his half century soon after. Aslam followed with his maiden Test 50, guiding Moeen Ali fine down the leg side to reach the milestone.
Pakistan were 154-1 at tea – Ali missed a sharp caught and bowled chance with 0.482 seconds reaction time – but the breakthrough finally arrived in the evening session.
Excellent running was a feature of the 181-run stand but Aslam, on 82, was slightly on his heels when Azhar called and James Vince’s dead-eye direct hit gave him no chance.
England were pumped up but Azhar completed his century – bringing up Pakistan’s 200 in the process – with a gloved boundary off Stuart Broad. Almost inevitably, a salute and press ups celebration followed with Younis Khan beaming by his side.
Azhar crashed 15 fours and one six in serene progress to 139 but after 89.1 overs without a wicket for a bowler, Woakes to produced an edge that Alastair Cook clung onto at first slip.
Younis will start again tomorrow on 20, joined by captain Misbah-ul-Haq.
You can still secure your seats for the Royal London One Day International between England and Pakistan in Cardiff on Sunday September 4 by clicking here.