Daijiworld Media Network

Dubai, Jan 19: Welcome to day 3 of the first Test between Pakistan and England from Dubai. Attrional is the best word to describe all the action that took place on day 2. Pakistan dominated the first session but the England bowlers kept plugging away. They bowled with discipline and towards the end of the day, they have kept England in the hunt. Pakistan will be looking to score some quick runs and extend their advantage. Stay tuned for the action that begins in 30 minutes.

Day 2: An excellent end to the day's play for the persevering English team. The bowling was disciplined and was backed up by some sharp fielding. They never lost heart even as Hafeez and Umar were going great guns. Pakistan will be disappointed at how the day ended. Hafeez, Umar and Misbah got past fifties but did not convert it into the three figure mark. England were right on the money with respect to the UDRS and will fancy making a comeback into this Test. Pakistan lead by 96 runs, but have lost the chance of batting out England.

Hafeez: The conditions prevented me from playing my shots. The plan was to play solid cricket. The England bowlers bowled well. They did not bowl many bad balls and we had to work hard for the runs. Broad bowled in the right areas and he troubled us a lot. I really worked hard on my technique. During my time away from the team, I focused on this aspect. The batsmen have to work hard. We have to give a lead of 130-150 and with the variety we possess, it will be hard for England. We are ready to chase any total in the fourth innings as we are very confident.

Pitch Report: There are one and two rough areas in the pitch. It might trouble the left handed batsmen. This is a belter of a pitch and there are runs on offer.