Third test: Ballance, Moeen lead England fight-back

BIRMINGHAM: Moeen Ali’s late counter-attack lifted England to 297 all out on a fluctuating first day of the third test against Pakistan here on Wednesday.

Fast bowler Sohail Khan took four wickets to put the hosts in trouble at 158 for five but Gary Ballance made a 70 and Moeen 63 to leave the match delicately poised.

Hales was the first man out for 17. Root, who made 254 in the last test, was caught at first slip by Mohammad Hafeez for three and captain Alastair Cook was trapped lbw by Rahat Ali for 45 before England took lunch on 100 for three.

Vince played nicely for his 39 but edged right-armer Sohail to second slip where Younus Khan took a fine low catch. Bairstow, on 12, tried to cut a ball too close to him and gave Sarfraz another easy chance and Pakistan sensed the opportunity to dismiss England for less than 200.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 4^th, 2016.