DUBAI: Adnan Akmal’s half century gave Pakistan a decent lead of 146 runs on the third day of the first Test between Pakistan and England at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

History shows that England that winning first Test is favorable but impossible after they conceded a lead of 146 to Pakistan. Pakistan all out for 338 on a decent batting pitch put England bowling attack under consideration, winning the match would be an immense turnaround for the English team.England conceded additional 50 runs in removing Pakistan's only last three batsmen.

Adnan Akmal, one of three Pakistan brothers to play Test cricket, tried to take the game away from England's reach, extending his overnight 24 not out to 61 before he got out, stumped against Graeme Swann as he sought a single to retain the strike.England's pace attack brought more swing from the second new ball, but Adnan continued his inning, stroking boundaries to third man and played Swann several reverse-sweeps to give a decent lead to Pakistan.

England took the first wicket on the ninth ball, when Umar Gul's careless drive to Broad was caught in gully by Eoin Morgan. Soon, it was Saeed Ajmal who got out by DSR. Ajmal was caught at short leg, the batsman called for a review, and though, Billy Bowden gave his decision in Swann’s favour, the replay showed no mark on the glove after the ball deflected from the pad to Alastair Cook.

England has only two wins in Asia after conceding a first-innings lead and both came against Pakistan, 51 years ago in Lahore and in Karachi in 2000.There has lot of talk about England being back in the game. But only if they bring their A game, producing enough runs to bowl Pakistan out again in the 5 days’ play.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2012