No grumbles as England stutter

ENGLAND insisted they would not cry foul over Pakistan's pitch gamble after dropped catches saw them backed into a corner in Multan.

- RORY DOLLARD

Ben Stokes' side endured a tough third day at the second Test, with the hosts making themselves favourites to square the series 1-1 on a fiendishly difficult re-used surface.

Pakistan set England a target of 297 steep in any fourth innings and even more taxing after both openers fell cheaply to leave them 36 for two at stumps.

England's task would have been more manageable had they not put down Salman Agha twice in the space of three Brydon Carse deliveries during the afternoon session wicketkeeper Jamie Smith grassing a regulation chance behind the stumps and Joe Root unable to close his hands around a low opportunity at slip.