Root (62) and James Vince did much of the hardest work on a slow-burn fourth day of the third Investec Test – but Bairstow (82no) and Mooen (60no) also had to dig in to earn the freedom with which they played in a unbroken century stand before stumps.
England’s resulting 414 for five gives them a lead of 311 and the opportunity to dictate the remaining course of this pivotal match, depending on Alastair Cook’s sense of adventure in a series poised at 1-1 with one more Test to come at The Oval next week.
England’s openers Cook (66) and Alex Hales (54) managed to add only a combined six runs to the 114 they had at the start of play.
WICKET: Vince caught at slip off Amir for 42. England 257-4, a lead of 154 #EngvPak https://t.co/Pdu1ocqkAX
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 6, 2016
How important is this knock from Mo? #EngvPak https://t.co/32QPzpv2Ci
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 6, 2016
WICKET: Joe Root gone for 62. New batsman is Gary Ballance & England 221-3 They lead by 118 #EngvPak https://t.co/Xy3se6b7Wp
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 6, 2016
Stumps - Day 4: England 414/5 (125 Ov). England lead by 311 runs #ENGvPAK #DunyaKoBataaDo pic.twitter.com/2ubflfAQGc
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) August 6, 2016