By Cricinfo Cricket Report

Azhar century extends lead

Azhar Ali's second Test century built a position of authority for Pakistan in the final Test as England's bowlers toiled in Dubai. At lunch on the third day, Pakistan led by 253 runs with seven wickets remaining. On a pitch beginning to turn fiercely they were strongly placed to pull off a first series whitewash against England.

Pakistan were threatening to defy cricket history. No side in 105 years has won after making fewer than 100 in the first innings of a Test, a feat last achieved by England against South Africa at Headingley in 1907.

Even that achievement required assistance from the elements. Colin Blythe, the revered Kent left-arm spinner, loved nothing better than a wet pitch and he took 15 wickets as Leeds drizzled loyally upon him. There was little point in Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann gazing to the heavens in the hope of a sudden downpour, not in these parts.

Azhar took over the No. 3 batting spot in Pakistan's Test side from Younis Khan. Today he followed up Younis' hundred with one of his own. It was a restrained, dutiful innings which left England struggling to stay in contention on a pitch that is expected to turn increasingly sharply as the match develops.

England's only success before lunch was the wicket of Younis, who added only 12 to his overnight 115. One cover drive against Anderson was as polished as anything in his innings, but he fell ten overs into the day when Stuart Broad had him leg before, extending the record number of lbws in this three-Test series to 38.

Umpire Steve Davis' decision was upheld on review, but it was the most marginal of calls, much as was Kevin Pietersen's on the opening day, and emphasised that the umpires in this series have been emboldened by DRS into giving extremely borderline decisions that arguably they would normally have turned down. The margin of error for the umpires that is built into DRS meant that on both occasions they would have been right whatever they ruled. Both Younis and Pietersen were adjudged to be out when Hawk-Eye predicted that the ball would have shaved the stumps so lightly that the bail might not even have fallen. The umpires have all become outers.

Azhar, 75 not out overnight, was given few easy pickings on his way to three figures. His first boundary of the morning, a delicate sweep against Graeme Swann that took him to 98, had an element of risk, but the square cut against Panesar that brought up his hundred was a fitting crowning shot.

Pakistan made only 73 runs in the session, but it belonged to them. With the new ball only two overs old at start of play, Broad, in particular, provided a tough examination, the latest committed spell in an impressive series, but Younis was his only success.

As lunch approached, first Swann and then Pietersen began to find greater turn. England have six left-handers and the rough is looking flakier by the moment. It is difficult to see how England can get out of this one.