Daijiworld Media Network

Abu Dhabi, Oct 15 : Welcome to our live coverage as we build up to a massive third day. Yesterday evening, England's rejigged opening duo of Alastair Cook and Moeen Ali did a fine job of surviving the tricky final period up to stumps to bring some calmness and ensure a good night's sleep. A mad hour of play could have spelt doom. It's just a small stride though as the visitors look to make up for lost ground.

Looking at the broader picture, the day belonged to Shoaib Malik. Heck, this Test will belong to him whatever the result. He kicked on to register a first ever double-hundred. Just loved his approach today. Knew that every Test run is priceless and doesn't come easy, and despite his team being in such a strong position, there was no shot played in anger. Until he was dismissed of course. Soon after, the declaration was made. The English opening batsmen have had an answer to most things thrown at them. But Wahab Riaz's short burst told me that he will be a handful to deal with.
The first mission accomplished for England, with the openers carrying their bats undefeated. So, an engrossing final session after a couple of drab ones. There was plenty of activity with Pakistan pushing for a declaration. Wickets came in a flurry. I can't believe I just wrote that, but yeah they did and Ben Stokes was the major beneficiary with 4 wickets to his name. 4/57 he finished with. Gosh, numbers can be deceiving. And on the other hand, after 7 years in the first class circuit, debutant Adil Rashid has this to show: 34-0-163-0. Don't worry young lad, you'll have better days. If you are a Rashid supporter, look away now - His figures are the most expensive by any debutant who has gone wicketless.

Now coming to my favourite part - the weather. Hot, scorching, unreasonable conditions are waiting for the players. It's been real hard work so far and it will be that way. Wonder if Malik has recovered fully after a night's sleep, looked to be exhausted and dehydrated after his marathon. Pakistan surely need his off-spin today. Any one who can roll their arm over would be welcome.
Jayawardene: 'Generally trying to help the guys with the gameplan. Just to clear the mindset of how to use these conditions to their advantage. The new guys are quite keen to learn. It's a process, not going to happen overnight and gotta keep working on it. For me, it's just two weeks - a short duration. So I am trying to get involved and contribute in whatever way I can. Mark (England's batting coach Mark Ramprakash) is doing a good job. At different times the approach was quite different, it's about finding new ways and methods. You can't go to the middle with doubts in your mind. Very important to have a clear mindset. In England, it's crucial not to fiddle around outside off stump. The gameplans change in every part of the world. Like I said, it's a process, need to keep working on it. I have worked quite a bit with the spinners, the first couple of days in a Test match are hard for them. I thought Mo (Moeen Ali) bowled quite well - kept it nice and simple. Rash (Rashid) will learn from this experience. He might have had a lot of butterflies in the stomach. It's a good flat wicket. I don't think it will disintegrate. Should slow down if anything. I expect it to stay the same for another day or two. Might see turn on day 5.'
'It's flat, there's no reason why England can't bat all day today and all day tomorrow as well,' boasts Sir Ian Botham in his pitch report.

For me, Riaz and Babar will be the major threats. How England cope with them might well decide how this goes. This is completely unchartered territory for many of the English batsmen, so it's up to the likes of Cook, Bell and Root to guide the rest through.

Astonishingly, this is Ali's first crack at opening the batting in his first-class career. And what was good to see was his preparedness to adapt as he played out of character suppressing his attacking instinct. Cook looked the more fluent batsman. But, the bowlers will come back fresh today and the duo need to start all over again. Misbah can afford to attack all day with close-in catchers throughout.