James Anderson helps England gain advantage over Pakistan on Day One

Paceman James Anderson led England's efforts to level the series against Pakistan with four wickets on the opening day of the third and final Test here yesterday

Sharjah: Paceman James Anderson led England's efforts to level the series against Pakistan with four wickets on the opening day of the third and final Test here yesterday.


England pacer James Anderson (right) celebrates the wicket of Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq on Day One in Sharjah yesterday. Pic/Getty Images 

After losing the second Test in Dubai, England were kept in the hunt by Anderson who took 4-17 to dismiss Pakistan for a paltry 234 on a relaid Sharjah stadium pitch.

At the close, England openers Alastair Cook (nought) and Moeen Ali (four) had survived two overs to finish on four without loss as England trail by 230 runs.

Broad pressure
Anderson's new-ball partner Stuart Broad kept the pressure on from the other end, bowling eight of his 13 overs maiden and finishing with 2-13.

Pakistan, who won the toss and batted, were indebted to skipper Misbah-ul-Haq who was ninth out after scoring a fighting 71 for his 32nd half-century. Misbah added a fighting 80 for the sixth wicket with Sarfraz Ahmed (39) but all the other batsmen, including Younis Khan (31), Shoaib Malik (38) and Mohammad Hafeez (27), failed to capitalise on good starts.

England took the second new ball with the score on 222-7 with Anderson dismissing Misbah caught in the slips before wrapping up the innings with the wicket of Rahat Ali for four.

Misbah hit seven fours and two sixes during his 160-ball knock but could not stop the slide as Pakistan lost their last five wickets for just 38 runs.

Younis, who made a brilliant hundred in the second Test in Dubai, looked in good shape before falling leg-before as he missed an incoming full toss from Anderson and unsuccessfully challenged umpire's decision.

Younis, who survived a confident caught-behind appeal off Broad on 21, became Anderson's 422nd wicket in his 110th Test.

Anderson is now eighth on the all-time leading Test wicket takers, leaving South African paceman Shaun Pollock (421 wickets) behind.

Brief scores
Pakistan 234 (Misbah 71, S Ahmed 39; J Anderson 4-17, S Broad 2-13, M Ali 2-49) lead England 4-0 by 230 runs

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