England forced Pakistan to follow-on on day three of the final Test at the Ageas Bowl despite a defiant century by visiting captain Azhar Ali. Azhar’s controlled 141 not out dragged his side from 75-5 and the point of implosion in reply to England 583-8 declared.
He shared a sixth-wicket partnership of 138 with wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, who battled to 53.
After Rizwan was removed by Chris Woakes, England could have run through the tail had it not been for an incredible passage of play that saw three catches dropped in the space of 10 James Anderson deliveries.
Anderson eventually had last man Naseem Shah caught at third slip to complete figures of 5-56 and move to 598 Test wickets.
With Pakistan 273 all out, 310 behind, they were given half an hour to bat again in the evening gloom, and Azhar promoted himself to open.
However, just as the players returned for the start of the Pakistan second innings, the umpires decided the light was not good enough to resume.
With rain forecast for Tuesday, there may be added pressure on England to wrap up victory on day four in order to seal a 2-0 series win. (BBC Sport)
