Anderson double wicket strike leaves Pakistan in trouble

England paceman James Anderson enlivened an otherwise dull first Test with two wickets to leave Pakistan struggling at 35-2 at lunch on the fifth and final day in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Anderson dismissed opener Shan Masood (one) and Shoaib Malik (nought) in the third over as Pakistan's second innings started disastrously on a weary Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch.

Mohammad Hafeez (32) and Younis Khan (two) restored calm, but Pakistan still trailed by 40 after England took a 75-run lead in the first innings.

England announced closure of their first innings at 598-9 in reply to Pakistan's 523-8 declared.

That left the first Test heading for a tame draw, barring an extraordinary Pakistan collapse in the second innings, which initially looked possible.
Masood, who was bowled after a short delivery from Anderson deflected onto the stumps from the grill of his helmet in the first innings, played on to the same bowler.

Malik, who scored a career best 245 in the first knock, lasted three deliveries before Anderson's bouncer surprised him as his evasive shot landed safely in Jonny Bairstow's hands.

Younis also survived a shaky start, but Hafeez, fresh from his 98 in the first knock, hit four boundaries and a six to ease some of the pressure.

Earlier, England, resuming at 569-8, lost Adil Rashid for 12 in the seventh over of the day, bowled by paceman Imran Khan who finished with 2-74.

Stuart Broad (17) and Anderson (three) remained unbeaten as England batted for a marathon 206 overs on a flat pitch, with skipper Alastair Cook knocking an epic 263 on Friday.
Left-arm paceman Wahab Riaz was the pick of Pakistan bowlers with 3-125 while spinner Zulfiqar Babar finished with 1-183 off 72 overs.

Source: AFP