Pakistan v England: Watch The Story of Day Three
Cook hits 28th Test hundred as England chip away at deficit
Tuesday 20 October 2015 09:07, UK
Not a lot in it for the bowlers - which is just how Alastair Cook likes it.
That's the deal with this Abu Dhabi pitch, with England reaching 290-3 at stumps on day three in reply to Pakistan's Shoaib Malik-inspired 523-8 declared - the deficit 233.
England Cook (168no) led the tourists' charge, compiling his 28th Test century - and eighth in Asia - as well as surpassing 1,000 Test runs in 2015, something only team-mate Joe Root has also achieved.
Ian Bell (63) made a stuttering start to his innings - dropped at silly point by Shan Masood on one - but grew in confidence as the day wore on before gifting his wicket away shortly before stumps.
Watch the video above to see how Cook and Bell fashioned a second-wicket stand of 165 after Moeen Ali - on his first appearance as a Test opener - was dismissed for 35.
Wahab Riaz picked up his second wicket of the innings just before the close when nightwatchman Mark Wood dragged on, leaving Cook to see out the day with Joe Root (3no).
Coverage of Pakistan and England's first Test continues at 6.30am on Sky Sports 2 on Friday. You can also watch without a contract on NOW TV.
