The third day of the Birmingham Test began with Pakistan in firm control thanks to Azhar Ali’s fine century. Having kept the hosts down to under 300, Pakistan began the day with a deficit of only 40 with a good seven wickets in hand.
What a difference a matter of a few days, and a change in venue can make. At Lord's, Pakistan came up with a well-oiled effort, at a venue where they had a point to prove considering the bad past history.
In spite of the fact that two of their key players, James Anderson and Ben Stokes, were ruled out of the opening Test at Lord's, against Pakistan, due to injury, England still went into the match having the upper hand.
Joe Root proved what a brilliant match-winner he is, smashing 83 from 44 balls as England chased down a record target of 230 against South Africa, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, to stay alive in the series