Anderson strikes after Pakistan set 565

Pakistan 198 and 47 for 2 (Hafeez 24*, Younis 12*) need 518 more runs to beat England 589 for 8 dec and 173 for 1 dec (Cook 76*, Root 71*)Live scorecard and ball-by-ball details

Pakistan face the demanding task of batting for 11 hours to save the Old Trafford Test as England pressed expectantly for a win that would tie the series at 1-1 with two to play. That is longer than a full season of Game of Thrones. The first hour did not go awfully well: two wickets down already, with even the most ardent Pakistan supporter braced for an inevitable defeat.

James Anderson was a Lancashire lad in his element, revelling in overhead conditions that enabled the ball to swing and an excellent pitch that seems to have become harder and bouncier as the Test has progressed. Shan Masood and Azhar Ali were pocketed in the 16 overs up to lunch, Anderson claiming 2 for 13 in a masterful seven-over spell.

England set Pakistan a notional 565 to win when they declared 40 minutes into the fourth day, their domination thoroughly emphasised as Alastair Cook and Joe Root added another 75 runs in nine overs. There remained some background grumbles about their failure to enforce the follow-on with a …

continue reading in source www.espncricinfo.com