Pakistan v England - how day four unfolded

Ian Probert: Bell is quality undergoing a crisis of confidence. Let him work through it and he will once again be a valuable asset.

"Cook has a bad back, I'm told, through his efforts in Abu Dhabi and here he's been on the field a lot, and he just seized up a little bit. Then we had the best batting from Ian Bell we've seen in some time - he made 46, got a ball which turned out of the rough, tried to let it go but couldn't get his hands out of the way."

Has he saved his place?

"I'm not so sure. He may get one game, he might just save his place but I'm not sure it's the right way to go."

Jay: England should hold regular domestic matches between the pretenders (current players) & challengers & select based on that. Easy.

Francis Edwards: I'd be much more concerned over Bairstow, Buttler and the fact we only have one opener, Hales is a slogger, don't need that.

"If Root goes quickly tomorrow, it's game over. I'd be trying to frustrate the bowlers, make sure you're there at lunch, then tea."

Can Bairstow do that?

"He's normally an attacking player. It will help him if Joe's still there, as Stokes and Buttler are out of form. But I shouldn't wake up tomorrow with too much hope."

"If Pakistan had slogged and got out, they wouldn't have got their target as their tail isn't great, they were worried they'd fall well short. Our bowlers weren't bad, but the seamers couldn't make it seam or swing, so if England can get their act together and bat properly, there's no terrors in the pitch. Moeen Ali showed he's a square peg in a round hole and nicked it to slip. He either goes over-defensive or his natural way playing shots, which won't work against good new-ball bowlers. At number eight he's very dangerous playing flashing drives to the old ball. He gets a few wickets and he's a nice little cricketer, but he gave his wicket away."

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England assistant coach Paul Farbrace, speaking to Sky Sports: "We talked about resilience this morning. We know we didn't show enough character yesterday and it's a key thing for us moving forward.

"Speaking to Belly when he came off, he thinks if you're watchful and play down the right line there are not too many demons in the pitch. It's important for all the batsmen to have a plan - like when Wahab comes round the wicket and tails it away, that's tough. But just play down the line of the stumps.

"The way Belly played was very good, he needed a score and he wants to contribute big runs to the team. He was a little unlucky to get out the way he did but I thought he batted well.

"Alastair is OK. He's not the best mover, I don't think there's any problems - he's got a bad back like a lot of opening batsmen get if they bat for long periods."

Adam Ferjani: Personally I like the look of Jason Roy. Reminds me of a right-handed Tresco. No foot movement so to speak but does not miss all too often. The one-dayers could be his platform to get in as opener over and above Hales. Taylor for me has to come into the Test team.

"Pakistan made one mistake this morning - Misbah tried to slog Jimmy Anderson and hit it kneecap-high to mid-off. After that, it was like stealing candy from children. Probably the best batsman was Shafiq, who looks well organised, a cocky, confident batsman and they took runs quite easily."

Carrie Dalby: I have listened to TMS for 60 years. Bill Frindle was brilliant, but Andrew Samson has surpassed him. Since he joined the team, I have found cricket even more fascinating.

Do England have any hope?

"Small - very tiny - as you've got Bairstow and Root, then you're down to people who failed - Ben Stokes, a keeper out of nick and a tail who won't be able to read the leg-spinner. If Adil Rashid plays a shot like he did in the first innings, it'll be over pretty quickly. There's no swing and seam, just nice slow turn."

Right then... it's time to see what Geoffrey thinks about it all.

Elliot GC: We backed Cook when he went through a barren spell and he came back with a bang. Why not support Bell too?

Daniel Dyer: Give Bell a bit longer. Taylor has to come in, a good player of spin. Root to tidy up the opening spot. Team for final Test: Cook, Root, Bell, Taylor, Moeen, Bairstow, Stokes, Rashid, Broad, Wood, Anderson.

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"The big talking point is Ian Bell - he batted much better today, but his place is still in jeopardy. You've got to start looking back at the last 15-20 Test matches... is he still one of England's best six batsmen in this party? If he is, keep playing him."

Samuel Harvey-O'Connell: I feel Moeen Ali's position should also be in question. Neither specialist batsman or bowler, he seems to have survived on being able to do a bit of both. I think Rashid deserves a run in the side. Full-time spinner with the potential to bat. With confidence he could establish himself as a proper number seven or eight and solve our current spin issue. All these part-time spinners are not the answer. Moeen, Bell, Buttler to go please. Taylor and Rashid in. I'm unsure as to the opening batsman issue but I would like to see how James Vince fares.

"Moeen's proved what we all knew - he's not an opening batsman. They thought it was the only way they could play spinners, but they could drop Buttler, give Bairstow the gloves, put Moeen back in the middle order and open with Alex Hales. And get James Taylor in at three, a good Notts lad."

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When Pakistan finally declared after lunch, England lost Moeen Ali and Alastair Cook with just 19 on the board. Perhaps more worryingly, skipper Cook was clearly hindered by injury and looks like he could be a doubt for the final Test.

Pakistan's hopes of winning on the fourth day were quickly snuffed out by Joe Root and Ian Bell, who were almost chance-less until the latter was caught behind off Zulfiqar.

Root (59) and a nervy Jonny Bairstow (6) saw England through to the close.

Kendall: I want to see every time-wasting trick in the book from England after the last day of the previous Test.

"The fact that they've only lost three wickets is kudos to England. Very poor misjudgement from Pakistan to bat on after lunch, they were very laissez-faire. But England won't be thinking about scoring 361 more, unless they get within 50 with five or more wickets left."

England 130-3 (54 overs) - victory target 491

Batsmen: Root 59*, Bairstow 6*

Fall of wickets: 9-1 (Moeen 1), 19-2 (Cook 10), 121-3 (Bell 46)

Bowling figures: Imran 6-2-16-1, Riaz 8-1-15-0, Yasir 16-5-37-1, Malik 6-0-32-0, Zulfiqar 18-7-24-1.

Pakistan 378 (Misbah 102, Shafiq 83) & 354-6 dec (Younus 118, Misbah 87, Shafiq 79, Hafeez 51)

England first innings 242 (Root 88, Cook 65, Riaz 4-66, Yasir 4-93)

Pakistan won toss

Full scorecard

So, let's recap on the day.

It started with Pakistan batting, and the hosts increased their lead slowly but surely to set England an improbable world-record chase of 491. Younus Khan top-scored with 118 while Asad Shafiq played well for his 79. James Anderson was the pick of the England bowlers with 2-22 off 15 overs.

As the players troop off, England coach Trevor Bayliss inhales sharply up on the players' balcony. It could have been a lot worse but for Joe Root's superb 59 from 134 balls.

Phew... it's been a nerve-wracking final half hour, but England reach the close without further loss. Jonny Bairstow plays out a maiden. Never in doubt.

Rick, London: Ridiculous to think someone with one or two failed Test match innings and no recent cricket would do better than a player with 7500 Test runs and four Ashes victories. Well played today Belly!

As the floodlights begin to take over from natural light, the sweat glistens on Joe Root's face - which, by the way, is a study in concentration. He might be a cheeky chappy, but he knows when to knuckle down. Maiden over, and England have just one more set of six to survive.

"Bowling at Northampton was a help and a hindrance as I knew how to bowl on turning pitches, but didn't know how to bowl on flat ones. I improved as a bowler after moving to Notts."

Yasir Shah rips one out of the rough and Jonny Bairstow is nowhere near it. He looks like a rabbit in the headlights. I want him to succeed... but does he have the game to?

JoElle: So do England stick with Bell, or pick another player who's prepared to be the whipping boy for the vocal minority of whingers?

Alastair McCloskey: Bell averaging 39 in the series so far - not amazing, but seems odd to drop now rather than earlier in the summer.

Maiden over from Zulfiqar. England still in there fighting as we debate the top line in our match report.

Is it that England are facing defeat? Or is there still hope?

"I would only go over the wicket to left-handers as a final act of desperation, and even then, pitch the ball on leg stump and try to get them lbw or caught at slip. I wouldn't bowl outside leg stump, even into rough.

"If I go round the wicket to left-handers, I try to pitch it on middle and leg and get them lbw, bowled or caught. That's why I enjoyed bowling to left-handers more than right-handers."

Jonny Bairstow, despite being relentlessly chirped by the close fielders, survives. Four overs left in the day if the light holds.

Lewis James: I think that's time up for Bell. Excellent servant for English cricket, but we have introduce James Taylor into this team.

Arbab Bhatti: Why did Bell not walk?! Wasn't even close he knew it hit his glove!

Joe Parkes: ...and cue the Bell Whingers...

A number four should never have to protect a number five batsmen, but you sense Joe Root taking a single and exposing Jonny Bairstow to Yasir Shah for five deliveries might not be the wisest thing to do...

Steve Clark: Getting a 40 or 50 every five innings isn't enough. Time to say thanks and goodbye to Bell.

Seb Waddington: If Bell's going to pad that away his hands have to be higher! Shouldn't get out like that.

David: Stop the Ian Bell abuse, such a great player.

Oh my days! Jonny Bairstow is playing extravagant leaves to Zulfiqar who is getting straighter and straighter in his line before he's almost cleaning out the off stump. Who's the nightwatchman? Get padded up.

Ben Bartlett: Would love to see Scott Borthwick get a chance as number three. Has become a classy and consistent batsmen for Durham with over 1,200 runs again last year, and along with Root can offer some overs of spin to back up Ali in SA.

Team for South Africa: Cook, Hales, Borthwick, Root, Taylor, Stokes, Bairstow, Ali, Broad, Wood, Anderson.

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Yasir Shah is also going round the wicket - if he lands one in the rough it could spin a country mile. Knowing, however, he's unlikely to be given out lbw with this line of attack the batsman is happy to stick his back pad out. Root plays out a maiden.

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If you missed the teatime chat with Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan, it's available to listen again as a TMS podcast.

He discusses the chances of international cricket returning to Pakistan - and the possibility of the country boycotting next year's World Twenty20 if the current stand-off with India continues.

Zulfiqar tries the same mode of attack to Joe Root which got rid of Ian Bell. Root, however, drops his hands and waits for the single opportunity to come around. Jonny Bairstow is less convincing.

Peter Swales: So what has Bairstow done wrong? Kept well - as opposed to Buttler - scores consistently - fields well too; what's to dislike.

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Joe Root, by the way, has been doing back exercises with the physio every time there's a break in play. Let's hope it's more preventative than something more sinister. I dread to think how England would fare if both Root and skipper Alastair Cook were ruled out of the next Test.

The 95th: Ian Bell only seems to score runs nowadays in the innings before he's about to get dropped.

CDNesbitt: Bell departs. Is that it for England in this match? And is that it for Bell's international career?

Chris Harden: So is that Ian Bell's last Test match innings for England? If so then well played and thanks for the memories!

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It's down to Yorkshire to see England to the close now, and Jonny Bairstow gets off the mark with a smart cut for four.

Ireland are going well on day two of their four-day ICC Intercontinental Cup game against Namibia in Windhoek. Having bowled the hosts out for 251 this morning, the Irish are 239-1 with captain William Porterfield 101 not out, and Ed Joyce unbeaten on 121.

"Yasir Shah caused a bit of a threat going round the wicket, then Babar went over the wicket and got the ball to spit out of the rough. It's a shame for Bell - playing like that, I'd like to see him get another Test match in Sharjah. His game was back, and he played nicely."

"Oh, it's hit the glove. He's gone. He would have known."

"I think it flicked the glove. Bell looks pretty casual out there."

Please don't lynch me if this is out.

You know Babar, the innocuous-looking fella, well he goes over the wicket to Ian Bell who sticks out his back pad. The ball grips and flies to the wicketkeeper. Not out... but Pakistan are convinced.

"The physio's just had a trot out to have a word with Joe Root, who always seems to have a bad back, and give it a good stretch. It's probably superstitious as he's scored a lot of runs with the physio coming out. It can't be that bad, the way he's played over the last few months."

Cries of 'Rooooooooootttt' echo round the stadium as Joe Root edges four past slip to bring up his 16th Test fifty. He knocks them out at will now, doesn't he? In 12 matches this year, he has reached 50 eight times. Not too shabby.

Moments later, two byes bring up the 100 partnership between he and Ian Bell. England going along nicely.

Ben: Five months ago, Geoffrey said Cook was "arrogant", "so far up himself", "thought himself untouchable". Now he's world best opener.

Zulfiqar will be hoping to evoke the spirit of Dubai 2014 as he attempts to spin Pakistan to victory here. It's just turned 12 months since the slow left-armer took 5-74 against Australia.

His biggest wicket that day was David Warner, with Yasir Shah getting rid of both Michael Clarke and Steve Smith cheaply.

Stephen Gardner: Hoping spirit of St. Crispin's Day & #Agincourt600 inspires English batsmen Bell & Root in final hour's play & all tomorrow.

Is Joe Root a once-in-a-generation cricketer? He can't have seen very much leg-spin, certainly quality leg-spin, in his career yet he looks good against Yasir Shah. Sitting back in his crease, he forces a single into the off side before England benefit from three byes.

Back to the leg-spin of Yasir Shah...

Mark Savile: Babar looking innocuous? Potential mockers if ever I've heard.

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The shadows are lengthening now and there's a few flutters in the England dressing room when Babar rips one past Joe Root's outside edge. Told you he was good.

Charles Isere: Getting a bit ahead of myself... Imagine the grief Misbah will get if England bat this out with only 350 on the scoreboard.

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Wahab has cranked up the pace now, testing out Joe Root's dodgy back with some chin music. The batsman plays it well though, forces the bowler to try from round the wicket and then smashes a short ball through cover for four. Class. And off the back foot too.

"This is where Riaz did the damage yesterday, ripping through the middle order. England have got to be on their mettle."

I'm struggling to see how Zulfiqar Babar has ever been a match-winner for Pakistan. He's looking innocuous here, especially as he comes round the wicket. Two more runs for England.

Mike Norwich: I get really frustrated by the comments that it's only in the recent period that players try to score fast and do not defend enough. As long ago as the 1970s batsmen such as: Barry Richards, Viv Richards, Gary Sobers, Gordon Greenidge, Mike Procter and Clive Lloyd scored as fast as most today and played all round the wicket.

"Did you see that little set-to between Joe Root and, we think, Wahab Riaz? There was an indication that Root wasn't happy with someone standing on the ball. We'll keep an eye on that one."

Mmm... this doesn't look good. It appears that one of the Pakistan players has kicked the ball during the drinks break. Joe Root is furious and lets his feelings be known. He's not happy, believing it could give the hosts an unfair advantage if spikes were involved.

Ian Bell, meanwhile, is lucky not to chop on to his own stumps when he gets into a tangle with a Wahab bouncer. Wisely, he drops his hands to the next one and it sails through to the keeper. He then manages a single to allow Wahab and Root to resume hostilities.

Ben: Glad Bell is finally scoring but is it worth the previous innings he hasn't? Would rather have open door rotation of in/out of form players than persist with a few out of loyalty.

Matt Warwick: I have nothing against Bell, but he is a mediocre player these days. Over the last four years (48 Tests) he has averaged 34. He had one good series against Australia, but nothing else of note.

For those ticking off the overs, another harmless set of six pass by. England's score is advanced by two.

England 94-2 (36 overs) - victory target 491

Batsmen: Bell 41*, Root 39*

Fall of wickets: 9-1 (Moeen 1), 19-2 (Cook 10)

Bowling figures: Imran 6-2-16-1, Riaz 6-1-9-0, Yasir 9-2-24-1, Malik 6-0-32-0, Zulfiqar 9-4-12-0.

Pakistan 378 (Misbah 102, Shafiq 83) & 354-6 dec (Younus 118, Misbah 87, Shafiq 79, Hafeez 51)

England first innings 242 (Root 88, Cook 65, Riaz 4-66, Yasir 4-93)

Pakistan won toss

Full scorecard

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I do understand the theory of wanting somebody to fail because you don't want one knock to mask their deficiencies... but surely an in-form Ian Bell would be an asset to England for two or three more years? If he plays like this more often, he's up there with the best. Hopefully there isn't a silly shot around the corner with the close of play looming. Just one from the over - a scampered single to mid-off for Joe Root.

Horatio McSherry: It's a sad state of affairs when you partly want Bell to get out so the usual suspects can't hail him as the saviour of cricket.

Karl Barrett: This is why you keep Bell in the team, has the experience to grind down attacks.

"Pakistan have looked a bit low in their body language. They're waiting for the batsmen to make a mistake. It's been England's session so far - they have weathered the storm."

Joe Root plays this shot as well as anyone in world cricket... he sits back in his crease to the off-spinner and then forces the ball off the back foot and square of the wicket. This time it brings him three.

James Lovegrove: I have faith Eng can salvage this Test. Root to lead the charge and Bell to anchor him. Might put a cheeky fiver on an Eng win.

Peterfeet: Good for England - six-minute overs. Pakistan not helping themselves.

"Joe Root and Ian Bell have played very sensibly, against the turning ball in particular."

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Wahab is one of those bowlers who seems to need a bit of time to go through the gears and then, all of a sudden, he's whistling the ball past the batsman's grille at 90mph and bowling stump-seeking inswinging yorkers. He's still in second gear for now as he hangs the ball outside the off stump. Joe Root refuses to nibble.

Andy McHale: Things aren't that bad England. You only have another 400odd to get in 100+ overs. I mean look what India have to chase in 50!

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South Africa have made a massive 438-4 in their fifth ODI against India in Mumbai - equalling their score from that famous run-fest against Australia back in 2006.

There were three centurions - Quinton de Kock (109), Faf du Plessis (133) and AB de Villiers (119 from 61 balls with 11 sixes). Four if you count Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who took 1-106 from 10 overs.

A lofted sweep gets Pakistan briefly excited, but Ian Bell knows what he's doing today - another two runs edge him closer to the forties. Shoaib Malik looks more of a threat than Zulfiqar, while Yasir Shah appears to be keeping his power dry for the middle to lower order.

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"Joe Root has just looked head and shoulders above all the English batsmen. It must be like playing football with Messi or Ronaldo. It's great that he's in your side, but it must make you feel a bit inadequate."

The five players to have dismissed Joe Root the most are all pace bowlers (Ryan Harris, Tim Southee, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Johnson and Trent Boult). Interestingly, all of them are capable of some movement off the seam and the latter three are left-arm quick - as is Wahab, who dismissed Root in the first innings. Expect a fiery spell before the close of play.

Just one (a no-ball) from the over.

Ben Thomas: Bairstow has hardly set Test cricket alight, why does everyone assume he should automatically keep his place ahead of Buttler?

Totum: Is Bell going to, once again, snatch a stay of execution from the jaws of Gest cricket expulsion? He's been a bit Houdini before.

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Wahab Riaz is back for a blast. This could be a key time tonight.

Harry in Bucks: Would be typical of Bell to score a pointless 100 in a losing effort, keep his place for another year.

TH, London: It saddens me how disrespectful 'fans' are to Bell. Through years of Aussie misery he was one of the key men to allow England to compete in the Ashes again. If anyone in the England team deserves chances, he's earned them well and truly. Never wanted a player to get a ton more than Belly. Come on lad!

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Aston Villa supporter Ian Bell might be checking his phone tonight, reading up on Tim Sherwood's sacking as Villa manager. You mean you didn't know? Head over here for reaction to the sacking as it happens.

A little wobble for Bell too, as Shoaib spins one past the Warwickshire man's outside edge. A slow turner.

Andy Donley: You need your batsmen to be selfish in this situation. You've got two days, play for yourself and improve your stats.

John-Paul Kesseler: Operation Save My Career has started pretty well for Ian Bell.

"There are two predators at short leg and silly point waiting to scavenge a catch."

Zulfiqar looks like he's trying to push the ball through a little quicker, trying to hurry the batsmen. The two Englishmen look to have loads of time, however, as they wait for a bit of width and knock the ball into gaps.

Neil, Birmingham: I'd love to see Somerset's Tom Abell around the squad. He's not torn up the Championship but he's built to be a Test cricketer. Great technique and doesn't try and rush things.

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Joe Root is quite crouched in his crease and has an open stance against the off-spin of Shoaib Malik who is going round the wicket. Very little spin and the right-hander chops four backward of point.

Another seven chipped from the target. From small acorns grow mighty oaks and all that...

"A good partnership by these two. Keep it ticking over, rotating the strike, and who knows what might happen...?"

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You can get odds of 74-1 on England winning this Test. The draw is 8-1 with some bookmakers. A good guide as to the likely result?

Maybe not, because Ian Bell and Joe Root look comfortable out there. Please don't allow this to be a commentator's curse, but it has to be said how well they are batting.

"A bit of a concern for Misbah because Yasir Shah is his big weapon - he has 1-14 off nine but he has not looked overly threatening."

George: Oh look. No one texting in to say how well Bell is playing. Typical...

Ian Bell sweeps a single to bring up the fifty partnership between himself and Joe Root - well done, boys. Just do that another eight times please.

"You don't feel that Babar is going to hurt you. It was a body blow losing those two early wickets, but these two have batted at their own tempo."

Mick, London: Bit of a net this. Serene from Root and dare I say it, Bell.

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I've also done an internet search on Joe Root and discovered he'd like Brad Pitt to star in the movie of his life, his favourite fancy dress costume is Super Mario and he'd choose to be a lion if he was an animal. Maiden over.

Michael Deighton: Just a thought - Pakistan were 80-odd for 3 in both innings and have compiled big totals over significant periods of time in this match. England just need to show some fight. And concentration.

A quick internet search tells me that Ian Bell's favourite night in involves watching CSI and eating pizza. Perhaps if he stays there until the close, we can persuade Claudio Ranieri to get the pizzas in for Belly later? England's number three looks in good touch today - particularly quick to latch on to a half-tracker from Yasir Shah and pull it to the boundary. The second of two fours in the over.

"If I'm the England batting coach, I would show Jonny Bairstow how Joe Root and Ian Bell play that shot - with a straight bat rather than a horizontal bat. As I told the prime minister, play it with more left elbow, left shoulder."

Joe Root scores only the second boundary of his innings when he rocks back in his crease and punches through point off the back foot. He's helped by some poor fielding from Mohammad Hafeez.

First Line: Very confusing to hear the news of Pakistan threatening a Boycott! What did he say this time?

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Joe Root, wearing long sleeves, is watchful against the fizzing leg-breaks of Yasir Shah. Just one from the over when the right-hander picks the googly and works it round the corner.

Simon: Batsmen have to love defence in this situation - enjoy the bowler's expression when he charges in hard just for you to block it.

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Sarfraz Ahmed is a noisy wicketkeeper - screaming and shouting his way through each over. Ian Bell has seen it all before though and he punches Zulfiqar for two off the back foot.

Adam Roberts: So let me get this right, Paul Donnelly (10.59) is dropping Anderson?

Nigel Webb: Why is Jason Roy never talked about as a Test opener? His first class average is very similar to Marcus Trescothick's before his Test debut.

Joe McLusky: The problem with making wholesale changes for the next Test is we still have a series to save. If we lose it looks disrespectful to some classy opposition, but this current batting line-up can't continue which means that's got to be worth the risk.

Yasir Shah puts more energy into his delivery than some medium pacers. A little hop, skip and sprint to the crease and he really fizzes the ball through. Joe Root is sitting deep in his crease, enabling him more time to pick the variations and choose which shot to play. Another maiden.

"If I were Zulfiqar Babar, I wouldn't bowl it too slow at Bell. The slower you bowl, the margin of error is tiny."

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Zulfiqar is coming round the wicket to Ian Bell, trying to run the ball across the face and bring the two slip catchers into play. It doesn't seem to be working so one of the slips becomes a silly mid-off. Bell just pats back a maiden over.

Richard, Norwich: It is all very well demanding change but only if there are genuine alternatives. Agree Taylor deserves a chance, but Hales's technique has been found wanting against pace even in one-day cricket. Bairstow averaging even less than Bell this series, even if more than Buttler. Scoring loads in a County Championship bereft of genuine Test-class bowlers is no guide either. Ask Compton, Carberry, Robson and Lyth. Trescothick had barely scored a run in county cricket when Fletcher picked him on attitude and temperament as much as anything else. There will be other players like that. Get the umpires heavily involved in selection. They have the best seat in the house in all conditions, are still mostly former players and not swayed by team allegiances like captains.

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Ian Bell averages 35 in the fourth innings of Tests throughout his career, with Joe Root averaging 48.

Both men are scoring quite freely against the leg-spin of Yasir Shah for now - Bell forcing three through the off side and Root playing a similar shot which brings two.

"The people who had to play on uncovered pitches had to have better technique. We didn't have T20, we didn't even have 50-over cricket. I thought Christmas had come early when they covered pitches in 1979, I was 38 years old."

Zulfiqar averages 40.42 with the ball in Test cricket. Surely he won't be causing England too many problems? A steady start after tea, just one run from it.

South Africa look set for a big total in the final ODI against India in Mumbai. The tourists are 309-2 in the 41st over, with Faf du Plessis (98 from 103 balls) and AB de Villiers (72 from 42) having already added 122.

Follow the latest scorecard here.

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If you missed the lunchtime Q&A with Graeme Swann and Phil Tufnell on TMS, you can listen again here or download it as a podcast.

Let's crack on with the cricket then. There's 37 overs left in the day if the light holds.

The Mirror's Dean Wilson has been perfecting his wrestling moves on Graeme Swann...

Judith Tanner: We all know Moeen Ali is a misfit as an opener, but he shouldn't be dropped. So: Bring in Alex Hales (I'm not totally convinced about him as a Test batsman, but he's the next cab on the rank), give Jos Buttler a rest, in view of his current form, and give the gloves to Jonny Bairstow, and you've now got a space for Mo at number seven.

Paul Donnelly: Team for 3rd Test: Cook, Bell, Taylor, Root, Hales, Bairstow (wk), Moeen, Stokes, Rashid, Broad, Wood.

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"I'm not sure Moeen Ali is suited to opening. He gives us so much flair lower down the order, either ramming home the advantage or seizing the momentum. He's such a free spirit, but let's put this experiment back in its box. I think they might try Alex Hales in the third Test."

There's something inside me which always makes me believe victory is still possible. I know it defies all logic, but if there's no hope there's no point, right?

It's not looking good for England, is it? But while England have got Root, they've got a chance. If these two can just get through to the close...

Morning all. Marc Higginson checking back in. Have I missed anything?

Jon Evans: To be fair, when in form, these two are both capable of double hundreds...

"England have got an Ian Bell who looks more positive than recently. I don't think 50 or 60 will do for him this knock, I think he needs a 100 to save his place. Joe Root looks in good form and then the rest of the boys in the middle order need to show their worth.

"This is a tall order... but if anyone can do it, Joe Root can."

Indeed. England's job is that much harder than it was two hours ago, with Moeen Ali and, more importantly, Alastair Cook gone. Ian But Ian Bell, a veteran of 117 Tests, is still there alongside all-round legend Joe Root.

"That's another session won by Pakistan. England have got four more to survive."

England 45-2 (17 overs) - victory target 491

Batsmen: Bell 18*, Root 14*

Fall of wickets: 9-1 (Moeen 1), 19-2 (Cook 10)

Bowling figures: Imran 6-2-16-1, Riaz 3-0-7-0, Yasir 5-1-10-1, Malik 1-0-9-0, Zulfiqar 2-1-2-0.

Pakistan 378 (Misbah 102, Shafiq 83) & 354-6 dec (Younus 118, Misbah 87, Shafiq 79, Hafeez 51)

England first innings 242 (Root 88, Cook 65, Riaz 4-66, Yasir 4-93)

Pakistan won toss

Full scorecard

Root making good use of a big stride forward in defence - and working to leg for a couple when Yasir just drifts on to his pads. A good contest, this. The over is negotiated. And that's tea.

CDNesbitt: Give Hales a go at opening in the next Test, put Moeen in at five or six, drop Buttler and make Bairstow keep wicket.

There's a tiger teddy bear lay on a chair in the stand. Why would you bring that the cricket with you? Unless it doubles as a cool bag? Has anyone got any strange stories of objects in the crowd? Maiden from Zulfiqar. Time for one more before tea.

Peter, did you mean to send this to the cricket live text..?

Peter: I love the dark nights: the chickens are penned up, the horses done, dogs walked, heating on and supper on the stove. Great.

Malik's job is done - Yasir Shah just fancies a change of ends. He almost hurries one through Root's forcing shot. That's awfully straight to be aiming to cover, Joe.

"Poor Shoaib Malik does his skipper a favour by bowling one over to allow the bowler to change ends and the fielder chucks four overthrows. He could have had a wicket too, but now he's got figures of 1-0-9-0."

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Another bowling change... and Zulfiqar Babar finds turn and bounce straightaway. Bell watchful. Close catchers noisy. An edge just evades slip.

Mark, Madrid: 45 teams have batted at least 135 overs (approximately what England's ration will be with bad light to survive) in the fourthth innings of a Test. There have been:

Six wins (twice England have batted at least 135 overs in the fourth innings to win, the last time v NZ in 1997, when England took 146.1 overs to score 307-6), 18 draws and 21 defeats.

Not very encouraging for England, but not so desperately depressing. Such long fourth innings have happened only five times in Asia (twice in India, twice in Bangladesh & once in Sri Lanka), leading to four draws for the batting side and one win.

We have spin at both ends Shoaib Malik replaces Imran Khan. The offie is slightly loose - he can't quite find his length - although he's not helped by four overthrows from Mohammad Hafeez as the ball bounces over keeper Sarfraz. Sloppy.

"Ian Bell is batting like a man who knows it could be his last knock. If he gets a hundred here, we should always tell him it's his last chance because of the effect it has had on his feet."

Bell is making a conscious effort to get his feet moving, particularly to Yasir Shah. By coming down the wicket one ball, he persuades Yasir to drop the next one a little shorter - and cuts through a packed off-side field. On saying that, I'm still not convinced by Bell - It all looks a bit pre-meditated to me. Then again, what do I know?

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"With that Joe Root shot to the boundary, we saw the difference between England's current best player and England's former best player. Ian Bell poked around at the same ball and Root smashed it to the boundary."

Khan has been on the money so far in this spell. But even he can't keep Joe Root in check. Everyone's favourite Yorkshireman forces behind point for four to get off the mark.

Robert Allen: Come on Ian, if there ever was a time for a career-saving hundred, this is it.

Mike in Greece: So, of his previous 20 innings, Bell's already bettered eight of them. There can't be many in the side that can lay claim to that.

Glen, Leeds: Worst thing for England, with SA looming, is for Bell to get a century here in a nothing match. His time has come - Taylor all the way for me, not a negative thought in his head.

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Joe Root, the new man, pads up to one that pitches well outside leg stump - but no joy for the bowler. Yasir wants a review. His captain disagrees. "Don't be silly, young man."

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"He's not fit, he doesn't look comfortable. He went for the sweep which served him so well when he scored 200 in Abu Dhabi but found the top edge. One of the two reasons why England could possibly save this game is out and is replaced by the other."

England 19-1 (9 overs) - victory target 491

Batsmen: Cook 10*, Bell 7*

Fall of wickets: 9-1 (Moeen 1)

Bowling figures: Imran 5-2-10-1, Riaz 3-0-7-0, Yasir 1-0-1-0.

Pakistan 378 (Misbah 102, Shafiq 83) & 354-6 dec (Younus 118, Misbah 87, Shafiq 79, Hafeez 51)

England first innings 242 (Root 88, Cook 65, Riaz 4-66, Yasir 4-93)

Pakistan won toss

Full scorecard

Ooooh. That one kept low as Cook played back. The ball evades the outside edge, bounces well short of wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed and the batsmen run through for a bye as he fails to collect it. Bell calms the nerves with a pushed four through cover. England's first boundary - in the ninth over.

Bell using his feet to Yasir. Bell looks good so far, but, then again, over the past couple of years that hasn't meant much. A rash shot never far away. Nervous times all round. And that's drinky poos.

And we have spin. Pakistan leggie Yasir Shah on in the eighth over the innings. This could be interesting.

Ben Harrison: And here ends the latest England batting opening experiment.

Four slips now in place for Bell as Khan charges in - and the fourth of those is called into action as Bell defends with an open face. Khan finds enough extra bounce to take the inside shoulder of Bell's bat as he pushes forward to the next ball. Is this pitch just starting to show signs of variable bounce?

"Or maybe Alastair Cook is just tired. Maybe his body is saying: 'What? We've got to bat for another five sessions?'"

Last innings as an opener for Moeen? How about the last Test innings full stop for Ian Bell? Huge, huge knock for a man whose place - and career - is under threat. Cook is in all sorts of bother between the wickets. It's all going wrong for England.

OneMoreWicket: Worst shot I've ever seen by an opening batsman looking to survive. Irresponsible.

The only good news (if we can even call it that) for England is that Imran has just been warned for following through on to the danger area. That's blatant - very, very naughty from the paceman.

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"Wide, outside off stump... Moeen Ali, this isn't working is it? He likes to play his shots and the ball was asking to be driven but the new ball nips and swings and it is a good catch taken at slip."

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"Alastair Cook looks like he's got stones in his shoes. Ouch, ouch, ouch. How can he carry on batting like this?"

Imran has three slips, a gully and a very short mid-on to Cook, who is moving with all the ease of a pensioner on a winter's morning as he collects a single.

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Play has been called off for the day in Colombo - persistent rain washing out day four in its entirety, with West Indies 20-1 chasing 244 to beat Sri Lanka in the second Test.

Amla made 23 today in South Africa's fifth and final ODI against India. Quinton de Kock is still there and going well on 88 from 74 balls - follow the latest scorecard here.

By my calculations, England must survive a minimum of 144 overs to save this game - 54 overs today and 90 tomorrow. As a point of reference, they managed 75.2 in the first innings. One off that Riaz over.

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"Alastair Cook was part of the warm-ups this morning. I'm not sure how he got injured. Unless he tried an overhead kick in the football match? No muscle injury is nice to deal with when you are batting, but the groin is probably the worst - you have to stretch it a lot. Sweeping with a groin problem is difficult."

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I don't think it's possible to overstate the importance of Cook to this England side. How often have we seen them crumble after he falls? On a par with Mike Atherton in the 1990s? I'll let you decide. Either way, for Cook to be hobbling between the wickets in the second over is a worrying sign for the tourists. Imran Khan's follow-through causing the umpire some concern here.

"Alastair Cook has missed one Test (in Mumbai on his first tour) and he's played 119 consecutive Tests since. Only Allan Border has played more."

Moeen reigning in his attacking instincts, withdrawing his bat at the last moment as Riaz tempts him with a full one outside off stump. Easy, Mo. He scampers a single to cover to get off the mark before Cook tucks off his pads for two. But the captain is clearly limping. This doesn't look good.

Dan: Not sure why everyone is so down. All we need is 9 partnerships of 55 and we are there. Simple.

Wahah Riaz, who sparked England's dreadful collapse on Saturday, shares the new ball with Imran. Could this be Moeen Ali's final innings as an opener?

Michael Allen: Why declare so early? All the time in the world. Pakistan could have continued for a couple more hours grinding England down. Let England off the hook a bit.

Henry in London: As rain is probably off the cards for saving us, is there any forecast of a sandstorm to stop play and save the day?

England up and running. Imran overpitches and Cook blocks it straight back past him with a lovely straight bat. The skip then opens the face and steering to third man for another couple.

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Imran Khan is armed with the new ball. Alastair Cook will take the first ball... Full. Blocked. Small victories, lads.

"There are a few players with a lot to prove in this innings. They need time in the middle and some rhythm back into their play - but it won't be easy. There will be a period where a few wickets fall quickly."

Paul Hawkins: Oh dear. If Cook is injured, we might as well forfeit the tour. Can this Test get any worse for England?

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If England are to pull off a remarkable victory/escape (delete according to how deluded/optimistic you are), Alastair Cook will surely play a big part. But the England captain was moving with obvious discomfort in the field, which begs the question: how will it affect his batting?

"It's Pakistan's game, I just can't see how England can bat for a serious amount of time. If they are to have half a chance, Alastair Cook needs to be there tonight and they can't be more than two down. If Cook and Joe Root are still there in the morning, England have got a 10% chance."

No side have ever chased more than 418 in the fourth innings to win a Test. If that's a notional target in most people's eyes, can England survive the best part of five sessions to secure a draw?

Pakistan 354-6 dec (95 overs) - England need 491 to win

Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Masood 1), 16-2 (Malik 7), 83-3 (Hafeez 51), 224-4 (Misbah 87), 337-5 (Younus 118), 354-6 (Shafiq 79); Not out: Sarfraz 3*

Bowling figures: Anderson 15-7-22-2, Broad 10-1-34-0, Wood 14-3-44-2, Moeen 11-0-60-1, Stokes 17-3-54-0, Rashid 25-1-107-1, Root 3-0-26-0

Pakistan first innings 378: Misbah 102, Shafiq 83

England first innings 242: Root 88, Cook 65, Riaz 4-66, Yasir 4-93

Pakistan won toss

Full scorecard

A formidable target.

"I think that's a lame way to end an innings."

What is Misbah waiting for? A lead of 500? Shafiq's century? A wicket perhaps. And we have one... Shafiq plays back to Moeen, is struck on the pad and the finger goes up.

Dan: Bit negative from Pakistan. Surely they have enough runs to declare and force the victory by now?

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No joy for Rashid as Shafiq keeps ticking along. The 12th man trots out, presumably with a message for the batsmen. Meanwhile, captain Misbah sits on the balcony - in his whites. Is the declaration imminent?

"Pakistan will get 500. They won't declare before they get 500."

Conflicting diagnoses from David Lloyd and Ed Smith. Where's a doctor when you need one...?

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"I think Alastair Cook's injured, he's got a bad back. He's looked reluctant to bend down and he went off, presumably to get some painkillers. Now he's moved himself to slip."

Sarfraz Ahmed is the new man at the crease. His strike-rate in Test cricket is 75. But Shafiq takes responsibility for upping the scoring as he skips down the track to belt Moeen Ali - on in place of Wood - over straightish mid-wicket for his eighth four.

"It's bad that they've not got HotSport or Snicko. It's half a job. It's crazy.

"They should take money out of the ICC pot and every country should have everything. It should all be made equal and India should be told how it is. But everyone is scared of India."

Yes, nothing to see here. Umpire Paul Reiffel gets the verdict from upstairs, crosses his arms in front of him and Shafiq is not out.

The third umpire is having a (long) look.

"They didn't go up like he'd nicked it, they didn't look sure."

What's this? This doesn't seem convincing from England. Rashid turns one from round the wicket, there's some sort of noise as Shafiq pushes forward and the ball is taken at slip. Hmm.

"It can be awkward for the batsman when you bowl around the wicket, it cuts out your off-side shots. Then, when you start to hit leg side you are hitting against the turn."

"Asad Shafiq looks so still and balanced in his crease. Younus is a mover - he crouches and then shuffles along. It's the same bowler, but two totally different methods are working."

Imperious from Shafiq, who cuts Wood powerfully through backward point to mark the hundred partnership with Younus. He follows it up by squirting a near yorker-length delivery down the ground for another four. Pakistan utterly, utterly in control.

"It's predictable spin here, Younus and Misbah have been playing our spinners with my proverbial stick of rhubarb. So why are we getting bowled out?"

"It's the second time Shafiq has scored two fifties in a Test match."

No disguising England's intentions here. The bearded Rashid, round the wicket with not a single fielder saving one on the leg side. Shafiq sweeps for a couple then brings up his 89-ball half-century by tucking a help-yourself full toss of his pads. Younus ends the over by dancing down and drilling another full bunger straight back past Rashid for four.

Jon Evans: I'd have thought Pakistan need to declare as soon as. Can bat long on this pitch and Cook will have his malt shovel out.

Wahab Riaz and some of his colleagues are checking out some shiny new balls on the dressing room balcony. Gentleman, choose your weapon. Two off that Wood over and leg-spinner Adil Rashid will have a twirl from the other end.

"It's quite soul-destroying when you know you're not really in the game. But the England batsmen got themselves into this mess - so the England bowlers should be getting stuck into them."

An appeal - of sorts. Wood on the money first ball, Younus is struck on the pad as he plays across the line. Not out. Inside edge perhaps?

Nothing like a spot of optimism to start to the afternoon session. Younus Khan and Asad Shafiq make their way out, on 112 and 47 respectively. Mark Wood has the ball in his hand...

Steve Clark: Almost time for England's second capitulation, sorry I mean innings.

"Pakistan could win today. If Wahab Riaz and Yasir Shah get it right, they could run through England."

I wonder what Michael Vaughan thinks...

England playing the waiting game at the moment. When will Pakistan declare? Have they got enough already? What chance an England win? Ok, how about a backs-to-the-wall draw?

Thanks Higgo. Showed good application there during a stodgy morning session.

Right then... Justin Goulding is refreshed from a nice bowl of muesli and is here to talk you through the afternoon session.

Enjoy!

What is your favourite wicket you've ever taken?

"Pakistan's Imran Farhat at Edgbaston, because it was the best ball I've ever bowled. It pitched about six inches outside leg and hit the top of off. It was better than the Warne/Gatting ball. Or at least my Mum thinks so.

"In terms of opposition players, it was weird that I always felt confident against somebody like Kumar Sangakkara but then struggled against their wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene who would hit me everywhere. I hated bowling against him but Stuart Broad would be shouting to chuck him the ball."

What is your favourite wicket you've ever taken?

"I got Viv Richards twice at The Oval. I remember the umpire being Cyril Mitchley, who was deaf in one ear. You'd walk past him and ask how many balls were left in the over and he'd tell you it was Tuesday. Viv edged one ball, running down the wicket, and I was urging the wicketkeeper to stump him in case Cyril didn't hear the edge. He did on this occasion."

"You need a good captain on your side when you're a new spinner in international cricket. They need to be able to understand the wicket, the batsmen you are facing and what field to set. It's not in human nature for anyone to come in and start setting their own fields, telling people to move here and there."

"It's brilliant that England have got Daniel Vettori working with the young players but 10 days is not enough. There should be a full-time spin coach too. The seamers have got one (Ottis Gibson) and the batsmen had two in Mark Ramprakash and Mahela Jayawardene on this tour. But who is helping the spinners?"

Not only would England have to set a world record for successful run chases, if they were to get anywhere near the target, they'd also be challenging the highest fourth-innings scores of all time:

• 654-5 (drew) - England v SA, Durban, 1939 (timeless Test)
• 451 (lost) - NZ v England, Christchurch, 2002
• 450-7 (drew) - SA v India, Johannesburg, 2013
• 445 (lost) - India v Australia, Adelaide, 1978
• 440 (lost) - NZ v England, Trent Bridge, 1973

What advice do you have for coaching spin bowlers?

"I'd get a bunch of medium pacers at the age of 10, 11, 12 and tell them their action is good but they'll never be out and out pace bowlers. Then I'd show them how to bowl spin."

What advice do you have for coaching spin bowlers?

"If I was a coach, I wouldn't work from a textbook. I'd just tell them to find a way of spinning the ball a lot. For the first five years, concentrate on spinning the ball and then learn control afterwards."

John, Lytham: England not a bad side overnight & hindsight is marvellous, but Buttler & Bell's total lack of form didn't merit selection. Can't scapegoat them, but realistically only Root & Cook are top class now that Bell's form has dipped. Selectors need to have a serious review of their choices.

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Who was the biggest influence on your career?

"It was my father - he had a Cortina Estate so he could get all the kitbags and my mates into the car. He put in the time, for which I will be eternally grateful.

"Another hero of mine was Linda Lusardi! Being serious, the great Don Bennett and Mike Gatting took me under their wing at Middlesex."

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Dave Brooks: Sir Viv hitting 6 sixes in an over at Trent Bridge.

South Africa have won the toss and elected to bat against India in the fifth and final ODI in Mumbai, which has just begun. The series is level at 2-2 - each game so far has been won by the side electing to bat first.

They've had less fortune in Colombo, where rain has prevented any play so far today on day four of the second Test, with West Indies 20-1 chasing 244 to beat Sri Lanka and square the series.

Meanwhile, in Canberra, New Zealand have drawn with a Cricket Australia XI in a two-day warm-up match.

"I missed the bus three times on the tour of South Africa. It's something I've done a lot - I'm always oversleeping. Duncan Fletcher hated it though - it was akin to running off with his daughter.

"I remember it coming on Sky Sports News that I'd been fined £250, just after they'd been talking about a potential £30m move for Zinedine Zidane to Manchester United with David Beckham going the other way."

"I first met Phil Tufnell on the tour of South Africa in 1999-2000. He took me under his wing and told me how to sleep through sessions.

"I was secretly hoping I wouldn't be selected on that tour because I knew deep down I wasn't good enough. But I did learn a lot - I remember being amazed how much time Alec Stewart seemed to have against Allan Donald who was seriously quick."

Jon Darcy: Inevitable things when Brits go abroad:

• Bright red burnt faces
• Woeful dance moves
• An English batting collapse

Tattz: This game is set up for a career-saving 150 from Sir Ian Bell. Or an inglorious single digit score. Hard to know these days.

"The helmet and gloves of Younus Khan have been left in the sun, so it looks like he's going to have another bat after lunch."

"Another good session for Pakistan. The England team needed dragging off there. They have got to get their minds on batting a long, long time. It will be interesting to see how they come out in the second innings."

Pakistan 311-4 (88 overs) - lead by 447

Batsmen: Younus 112*, Shafiq 47*

Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Masood 1), 16-2 (Malik 7), 83-3 (Hafeez 51), 224-4 (Misbah 87)

Bowling figures: Anderson 15-7-22-2, Broad 10-1-34-0, Wood 12-3-29-2, Moeen 8-0-50-0, Stokes 17-3-54-0, Rashid 22-1-89-0, Root 3-0-26-0.

Pakistan first innings 378: Misbah 102, Shafiq 83

England first innings 242: Root 88, Cook 65, Riaz 4-66, Yasir 4-93

Pakistan won toss

Full scorecard

Just a little reminder that Phil Tufnell and Graeme Swann will be answering your questions on TMS shortly - use #askspin if you want to put one forward.

"Younus Khan waving royally, not using his bat, like a monarch going through a triumphal procession."

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Adil Rashid is round the wicket now, looking to take his first wicket of the innings. Still no urgency from Pakistan, who are happy to head into lunch with a few singles. Time to head off for a break - and wait to see if Misbah will call time on the innings.

"It was probably a good review, with lunch looming, just to take out a little bit of time."

Michael's right... I'm wrong. It wasn't a good shout - the impact was outside off stump and Asad Shafiq can carry on his merry way.

"You can just see leg stump on the camera angle. I think it's going to an 'impact: umpire's call'."

Moeen Ali has a decent leg-before shout against Asad Shafiq turned down. England ask for a review. It's not a bad shout.

Vic Anderson: Re 07:39. Mark, it'll take more than Root and Cook, can't carry Bell and Buttler forever.

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Adil Rashid has nothing to work with here - a leggie needs pressure to thrive, runs on the board, men around the bat. He's got none of them as England wobble on the ropes waiting for a knockout blow from Pakistan. It could come later tonight, it might be tomorrow: but chances are that England will lose this Test now. Two from the over, when Rashid drops short.

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Keith Ames: To the Oval in 1935 to watch my relative, and England wicketkeeper/batsman, Les Ames score 123 before lunch against South Africa.

The over ends with Younus Khan waltzing down the wicket and belting four over mid-wicket. Pakistan on the attack now.

England have held back Moeen Ali this morning - perhaps to save his energy for batting - but he's finally given a twirl as we appraoch lunch. Pakistan milk him for easy runs, Asad Shafiq playing a nice sweep which brings two. He then plays a reverse sweep which brings three. Classy.

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"That's Younus Khan's third century against England and his fifth in nine Tests in Dubai. This is the 29th consecutive time he has reached 90 and gone on to make a hundred, equalling Don Bradman's record."

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"A brilliant player. He's just got the gift of being able to play against the pacers on front or back foot. He's got the options against the spin. And he's got the drive, which is so important for a player at that age - to keep wanting the runs."

"He raises his helmet and bat towards the crowd and towards that pocket of Pakistan fans. He's put them into an unassailable position."

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Younus Khan, you've once again done Pakistan proud. The evergreen right-hander brings up the 31st hundred of his career by smearing Adil Rashid through the off side for four. #runmachine

"Younus Khan has now got 1,000 runs at this ground at an average of 76.92."

Test Match SpecialCopyright: Test Match Special

A reminder that at today's lunch interval on TMS (08:00 GMT), ex-England spinners Phil Tufnell and Graeme Swann will be taking your questions. Here's how to send them in:

• Email tms@bbc.co.uk
• Post on the TMS Facebook page
• Tweet us using the hashtag #askspin

Younus Khan is closing in on his century now, moving across to outside off stump and flicking four down to fine leg. Excellent shot. He's now 98 not out. Hopefully Misbah won't declare and leave Younus with a Graeme Hick-like moment.

Mark Higginson: If Cook & Root don't make runs we will lose this match.

Good name you've got there, Mark.

"Shafiq is a quality player. He has got eight hundreds batting at six. He'll certainly end up at four or five when Misbah or Younus call it a day. You look at his technique and he could bat at number three, easily."

Asad Shafiq is a seriously good player. He looks 'in' the moment he walks to the crease and when Adil Rashid drops short he pulls four through mid-wicket. A single follows, meaning England would now need to score the highest ever fourth-innings chase to win the game. You might as well go back to bed.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, Joe...

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Joe Europe: Maybe we'll be saved by the weather. Anyone seen a forecast?

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The new ball is available but England haven't taken it yet. Would a new cherry allow Pakistan the chance to score their runs quicker? Younus Khan suddenly shows some urgency when he tries to negate England's tactic of bowling outside off stump by shuffling across to take guard in a similar area. He blocks the first one and then turns the second down to third man.

"That's not what the England batsmen want to see - big turn but also inconsistent bounce. One ball just scrubbed along the desk there."

Adil Rashid is brought on for a bowl, after going for 70 runs in 17 overs yesterday, and he instantly gets Asad Shafiq to poke a catch towards slip but again it drops short. A good over - plenty of flight, dip and spin.

If Pakistan were to declare now, the only higher targets successfully reached in the fourth innings of a Test are:

• 418-7 - West Indies v Australia, Antigua (ARG), 2003
• 414-4 - South Africa v Australia, Perth, 2008

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That would be a massive slap in the face for Jos Buttler if the captain took the gloves from him at the end of an over.

"Jonny, you're on."

"Jos, you go to deep fine leg."

Has a wicketkeeper ever been so spectacularly bad that he's been replaced mid-game? We should add that Buttler's keeping is not an issue, more his lack of runs with the bat. England's luck is summed up when Asad Shafiq balloons a simple catch towards mid-off but the ball lands short of the fielder. The bowler, Stuart Broad, can barely believe it.

"I'd be looking to have a little dart before lunch. I'd stick them in for an over or two before the interval to really put the pressure on. But Pakistan can do what they want - it is all in their court. They are the bosses of this one."

The outfield in Dubai looks like it's been the scene of a horse race - there's disturbed turf as far as the eye can see. The square itself is also beginning to break up with large pot-holes appearing where the fast bowlers have pounded through their delivery. England's task looks incredibly difficult from here. The lead goes above 400 when Asad Shafiq drives Ben Stokes on the up and through mid-off for four.

Shafiq follows it up with another four, this time through the covers. Alastair Cook is the man in pursuit and he moves after it like a 50-year-old man. He probably feels it at the moment.

Charles Starkings: Boxing Day 2010, MCG, perfect day.

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What is Sreesanth thinking there (07:11)? That the world needs to see a picture of his new sneakers? Feel free to send us some terrible selfies. The funnier the better, mind.

Stuart Broad's first spell of the morning doesn't start well - Younus Khan fortuitously edging four past the keeper and then carving another boundary through point.

Head up Stuart.

Sunil Hans: MS Dhoni hitting that six in the World Cup final 2011.

"It's almost like a softening up process: 'We'll keep you out, we'll keep you hot.' Why on earth are you not pushing on, playing your shots, get the opposition in? Pakistan will be upset if they only get England nine down."

Courtesy of former India seamer and part-time breakdancer Sreesanth.

Ben Stokes is such a banker for England these days. He's been asked to bowl outside off stump and make the batsmen go after the ball for their runs, and that's what he's doing. Maiden over - we've had just 31 runs in the last 15 overs this morning.

Pakistan 253-4 (74 overs) - lead by 389

Batsmen: Younus 82*, Shafiq 20*

Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Masood 1), 16-2 (Malik 7), 83-3 (Hafeez 51), 224-4 (Misbah 87)

Bowling figures: Anderson 14-7-21-2, Broad 6-1-16-0, Wood 12-3-29-2, Moeen 7-0-39-0, Stokes 15-2-46-0, Rashid 17-1-70-0, Root 3-0-26-0.

Pakistan first innings 378: Misbah 102, Shafiq 83

England first innings 242: Root 88, Cook 65, Riaz 4-66, Yasir 4-93

Pakistan won toss

Full scorecard

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The television cameras pan round the ground and pick out a fluffy tiger and a cuddly lion. They are, of course, the iconic animal associated with the respective teams. Why do countries always go with big, ferocious beasts? I'd love to see a country with a rabbit as its national emblem. Or an otter.

The players take a drink. I'm off to the put the kettle on too. Here's the scorecard...

"Whatever it is, Ben Stokes is certainly not a happy camper at the moment."

Yasir Shah looks like a film star as he sits on the Pakistan balcony with shades on and his quiff perfectly coiffured. He'll be licking his lips at the thought of bowling his side to victory a little later on. Slow and steady from Pakistan still - but it's winning the race.

Arslan Tahir: I would love to go back to #PAK team of 99-2000, Wasim, Waqar, Shoaib, Inzi, Saqlain, Yousaf, Afridi. What else do you need?

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It's damage limitation from England now. They're determined to keep Pakistan batting as long as they can - James Anderson hanging the ball outside off stump and Younus Khan refuses to get suckered. Maiden over.

"England have got to play out of their skins to save this one. Saving this Test will be as good as winning it. But who will save it? Cook has got steely resolve and Root is in good touch... Situations like this can get the best or the worst out of a side."

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

"It's another scorching day - clearer than the rest of the Test match. This morning I was out walking at 06:45 and it was the brightest morning yet."

Asad Shafiq is elegant at times, getting forward to Ben Stokes and caressing four through the off side. One for the snappers that, as he holds the pose while the ball whistles to the boundary.

"Younus Khan has now got 1,000 Test runs against England - at an average of 47.7 in 12 Tests. He is the eighth Pakistan player to score 1,000 v England."

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Younus now has 1,000 runs against England following a little push into the leg side which brings three off James Anderson. A banner in the stadium reads 'Next target: 10,000 Test runs'. A genuine great? He's done it in all conditions - he averages 52 away from home.

David Smith (from Kent but adored watching Len Hutton): Just heard Geoffrey say that he hadn't picked up a bat since 1986. So who was the look-alike who played against Hitchin in the 1990s and scored a 100 before I even came to watch?

"Pakistan have had a very quiet beginning to the day. England have got a set batsman out so Pakistan will have to labour a little bit more. Maybe they will get 450 ahead, which could be half an hour after lunch."

Ben Stokes looks a little ginger (!) between deliveries but he's still pinging them down at 85mph. He is worked for two down to third man by Asad Shafiq as this game begins to drift a little bit.

"England have played a good hand here this morning because the more they keep Pakistan out there this morning, the better. With Misbah not there now, why not experiment with the leggie?"

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Asad Shafiq looks the business to me but the stats suggest he's better at 'home' than abroad. Playing in Asia, he averages 52 over 31 Tests which is bordering on world-class. His record elsewhere is decidedly average, although he did score a century against South Africa at Cape Town in 2013 against an attack featuring Steyn, Morkel, Philander and Kallis. Not bad.

Two more singles slowly advance the Pakistan lead.

Test Match SpecialCopyright: Test Match Special

At today's lunch interval on TMS (08:00 GMT), ex-England spinners Phil Tufnell and Graeme Swann will be taking your questions. Here's how to send them in:

• Email tms@bbc.co.uk
• Post on the TMS Facebook page
• Tweet us using the hashtag #askspin

Mark Wood is trying every trick in the book now - doing a little diversion in his run-up to try and distract Younus Khan. The batsman has seen it all before though and hits a single before watching from the non-striker's end as Asad Shafiq tickles four down to fine leg.

"If I was England head coach I'd be sitting down with certain individuals to try and sort it out. This business of the opening batsman, they've got to solve it - that's the coaches' job. It's not just turn up, take our money and go to county matches - it's a problem."

Jonny Bairstow looks almost apologetic as he has a word with Stuart Broad between deliveries.

"Please Broady, can we try that chicken place for tea tonight?"

"I'll ask the lads, Jonny. I think Jimmy wants to go for a Chinese though."

"Ok, Stu."

Just one from the over as James Anderson continues to keep things tight.

Richie O'Hara Beamand: Off to run a marathon, a couple more wickets before I start would go down a treat!

Have you seen Mark Wood's latest video diary on the BBC Sport website? It's excellent, like a mini-version of Geordie Shore. Watch it here. Wood, by the way, is looking a bit like Desperate Dan this morning as the stubble on his face threatens to hide his expressions. It's sizeable now - as is Pakistan's lead of 362.

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pfon73: Brisbane 2002 - I'd try to convince Nassar to bat first. We'd have still lost but Simon Jones wouldn't have had *that* injury.

James Anderson has been miserly in this second innings, giving the Pakistan batsmen absolutely nothing. So it's no surprise that he looks a little bit annoyed when Asad Shafiq and Younus Khan tip a couple of easy singles.

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"No back-to-back centuries for Misbah."

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"The ball was up there to drive but he kept his weight back and really goes to wallop it. He's shaking his head at how daft and stupid he's been. He's throwing his gloves down. He's mad - and he should be mad."

Jamlin: Joe Root talks the most sense? Does Geoffrey remember the Headingley Test, bigs up a record chase, gets a duck second ball.

Are a few of the England batsmen drinking in the last-chance saloon in the second innings? Ian Bell? Jos Buttler? Jonny Bairstow?

The bar's certainly busy. I'd like to think at least one of them won't just fade into the background and will go down fighting and throwing a few bar stools around. Just one from the latest over.

"We've had Robson at Middlesex, Lyth at Yorkshire, that left-hander at Hampshire, Michael Carberry - who I thought stuck it out very well against Harris and Johnson in Australia. They were all dropped for not being up- to standard, so they go back to the counties, and that's it. Does nobody go to them, get the videos out. Why can't they come back better players?"

Wouldn't it be nice if Pakistan gave England the carrot of victory by setting a practical target to chase? Would England make a game of it chasing 400? Probably not. And I don't blame Pakistan for batting England out of the game either. It's not as if there is any rain on the horizon. A good early over from James Anderson who beats Misbah on the outside edge. Another maiden.

"They're like a kid playing golf who always has to outdrive his dad. On one hole he will, but he'll end up on 25 over par and his dad will be four over."

"Joe Root said last night that they didn't bat or bowl very well. At least he was honest. He didn't try to gloss over it, or put any spin on. I said to Ben Stokes, who I like, 'what sort of a shot was that?' I wouldn't have played that shot if I were 150 not out.

"I love Jonny [Bairstow] very much, but nine times he tried to play off the back foot - he looked in trouble playing that shot and only hit one four. I can't be the only person to see that? The clever bit is knowing how to put it right."

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The small, loyal band of the Barmy Army belt out an early morning rendition of Jerusalem. They miss the high note at the end, but we'll let them off for that. Mark Wood chugs in to get us under way and begins with a maiden to Younus Khan.

And what shall we talk about this morning? How about we take advantage of the clocks going back and allow ourselves to imagine we've found a time machine. Which point in cricketing history would you transport yourself back to?

WG Grace? Bodyline? The West Indies team of the 70s and 80s?

Let us know, using #bbccricket, send a text to 81111 or email tms@bbc.co.uk.

So, play is about to begin. If you're enjoying an extra hour in bed this morning... why not spend it with TMS? Ball by ball commentary is on the airwaves now. Usual drill - BBC Radio 5 live sports extra, Radio 4 LW or listen at the top of this page.

"It takes one or two Test matches to get used to the magnitude of Test cricket. If you've got to 14 Tests and that's still in your mind, you shouldn't be playing."

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Oh yes... Adil Rashid. The less said about his shot the better. Second ball faced and he played the biggest heave into cow corner against the spin you can imagine. If he had connected, the ball would still be travelling now.

"A lot of our younger players are starting their innings in third or fourth gear - and Adil Rashid started in 12th yesterday. You start in fourth gear in T20, but you've got to be able to start in first gear in Test cricket, and start off with your low-risk shots."

"Look at the two games they lost in the Ashes, at New Zealand at Headingley, at Barbados... they keep having one hour which loses them the game. They'll try to talk it up, but I don't think they have a chance."

AFP/GETTYCopyright: AFP/GETTY

England batsman Jonny Bairstow, speaking to Sky Sports: "We know it's going to be a battle but it's something we've got to get ourselves out of. The pitch is still a good one. The way the two guys played for Pakistan played showed runs are there to be scored on it. We need a couple of people to get in, go big and we can chase down a big total."

Pakistan 222-3 (58 overs) - lead by 358

Batsmen: Younus 71*, Misbah 87*

Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Masood 1), 16-2 (Malik 7), 83-3 (Hafeez 51)

Bowling figures: Anderson 8-5-9-1, Broad 6-1-16-0, Wood 8-1-22-2, Moeen 7-0-39-0, Stokes 12-2-35-0, Rashid 17-1-70-0, Root 3-0-26-0.

Pakistan first innings 378: Misbah 102, Shafiq 83

England first innings 242: Root 88, Cook 65, Riaz 4-66, Yasir 4-93

Pakistan won toss

Full scorecard

Here's the scores on the doors as we head into the fourth day... and wonder when Pakistan will put England back in.

Surely they've got enough already?

"The only way England can put themselves in a positive frame of mind is to say to themselves how they took six wickets in the morning session two days ago. It won't win them the game, but it has to be their mindset."

Michael's right... England had a shocker yesterday.

It was like the bad, old days as batsman after batsman played bad shot after bad shot.

But we really should acknowledge a wonderful effort from Pakistan. Wahab bowled a spell Wasim would have been proud of, and Yasir Shah was turning it round corners.

Now it's an uphill challenge to even save the game.

"You've got to stay in the game as long as you can in these conditions, and England didn't do that yesterday."

Morning! Did the clocks go back one hour or were we transported back to the 1990s yesterday?