England captain Alastair Cook marched towards a 28th Test century on day three of the first Test against Pakistan as the runs continued to build in Abu Dhabi.
Cook’s 163* guided England to 290-3 at the close of play, still 233 runs in arrears.
He was ably supported by Ian Bell and the pair’s partnership for the second wicket was worth 165 when Bell fell late in the day, carving Wahab Riaz to Mohammad Hafeez at backward point for 63.
– #360view: TMS comments about UAE short sighted
– GALLERY: Pictures from first Test in Abu Dhabi
– #360view: Cook is the toast of Asia for England
– Follow: Live cricket scores from around the world
Riaz struck twice under the lights to give Pakistan fans enjoying the Hijri New Year public holiday something to cheer.
It was a welcome return to form for England’s number three, although he played a far more resilient than it was fluent innings.
In contrast, Cook was supreme throughout and moved above Ricky Ponting in the list of all-time run scorers in Asia by batsman outside the continent.
He now only sits behind South African Jacques Kallis, 88 runs off the record having played 6 less Tests in Asia than the all-rounder.
The century also placed Cook above Kevin Pietersen atop the list of combined England centuries in Tests and ODIs.
He’s batted all day. Captain Cook leaves the field after compiling 168* against Pakistan. Leading by example. pic.twitter.com/WnOFaqHJyp
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) October 15, 2015
England began the day 56-0, 467 runs adrift of their hosts and in need of a good day in the desert office.
They got off to the perfect start as Cook and new opening partner Moeen Ali negated Pakistan’s attack with ease for the majority of the first session.
The pair continued their fine record together at the crease, this time at the top of the order, putting on 116 for the first wicket before Ali departed.
England’s seventh attempt to fill the void left by Andrew Strauss alongside Cook, Ali edged Imran Khan to Sarfraz Ahmed for 35.
Coming from 131 balls, it was a far more patient approach than we are used to seeing from Ali, but here in Abu Dhabi it was exactly what his team needed.
In his first audition for the role of opener, Ali did himself no favours.
Ali’s departure brought Bell to the wicket with a tricky half hour to negotiate before lunch; one he looked stratchy during, but ultimately survived.
Bell found runs hard to come by at any great rate, while Cook went on his merry way.
In going to three figures, Cook has now scored a Test ton in every country he has played.
Much like England’s stint in the field the previous day, Pakistan fed off scraps for large parts until chances fell their way in the final session.
First, Cook – on 149 at the time – put a rare foot wrong, top edging Babar down deep square-leg’s throat but substitute fielder Fawad Alam could only grass the chance.
Night watchman Mark Wood then edged Riaz between first and second slip, each looking at the other as the ball flew to the boundary.
Riaz would have Wood two overs later as he played on attempting a drive off the back foot.
The wicket brought Joe Root to the crease with four overs in the day left to play, which he and Cook negotiated without further loss.
