DUBAI, (Reuters) – Joe Root made a half-century as England rallied to 130 for three at the close of the fourth day of the second test yesterday, 360 runs behind Pakistan after the hosts’ Younus Khan had made a swaggering 31st test century.
Root, 59 not out, put on 102 runs with Ian Bell (46), the duo’s second innings defiance giving the tourists hope of forcing an improbable draw.
Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq had declared in the early afternoon on 354 for six to set England a daunting victory target of 491.
Batting for a second time, England appeared as if they cared little for the scoreboard and were simply aiming to get through potentially more than 140 overs without losing 10 wickets.
Pakistan were similarly unconcerned by the run rate, positioning four slips as Misbah began with an all-seam attack of Wahab Riaz and Imran Khan.
Moeen Ali (1) lasted 15 balls in another miserable outing for the novice opener, his series average now just 12 after a thick edge carried to Younus at second slip off Imran Khan.
In came Bell to partner skipper Alastair Cook, who appeared to be struggling with an injury that left him labouring between the wickets.
