What followed was a bowling performance that, at least until they took three wickets for 95 in the final session, was as flat as the surface the bowlers were forced to toil on, and an opportunity for a Pakistan lineup that has struggled for form.
Pakistan finished on 328 for four after centuries from Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique carried them to a position of dominance - though given they started their last series by scoring 448 for six declared across the best part of two days against Bangladesh and still managed to lose the game, it is still not one that feels particularly secure.
It is hard to see how the presence of Jimmy Anderson, England's fast bowling coach, would have improved matters but this was certainly not a day that made his decision to start the series on a Scottish golf course appear any wiser.
For all their toil the seamers all had their moments: Chris Woakes's best spell came late in the day, under floodlights and with the second new ball, during which he trapped Babar Azam lbw, Brydon Carse bowled with pace and as much venom as it was possible to extract from the surface, and Gus Atkinson took two wickets.
The first of those gave England early hope, Pakistan's opening partnership broken for what was both a terrible score and also their best for nine months.
This story is from the October 08, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 08, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Leicester at risk of charge over potential PSR breach
Leicester face a nervous wait to discover whether they will be charged by the Premier League with breaching profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) for a second successive season.
We need everybody' Arteta's rallying call as Arsenal battle sickness
Mikel Arteta praised his players' fortitude after a patched-up Arsenal side overcame a sickness bug in the squad to defeat Brentford and keep up the pressure on Liverpool.
'Set piece FC' strike again just as Arteta is tempted to change tack with latest injection of youth
Gtech Community Stadium
Martinelli completes comeback to keep Arsenal on leaders' tail
Mikel Arteta wanted to send a warning to Liverpool that Arsenal can push them all the way for the Premier League title and this was evidence that they mean business.
Sunderland close in on leaders after Isidor strike blunts Blades
Wilson Isidor, Jobe Bellingham and the rest of Regis Le Bris's vibrant young side are not about to give up on automatic promotion quite yet. This statement victory, secured thanks to Isidor's fine winner, not merely preserved Sunderland's unbeaten home record in the Championship this season but kept them fourth, two points and one place behind a suddenly more-looking Sheffield United.
Rovers rejoice Batth pulls plug on Leeds' winning run
Danny Batth's last-minute equaliser rescued Blackburn a 1-1 draw at Elland Road and denied Leeds a 10th straight home win.
City snap up Knaak to fill Greenwood's boots at back
Manchester City have moved quickly to fill the void left by the injured Alex Greenwood by signing the German defender Rebecca Knaak from Rosengård on the opening day of the winter transfer window.
Ones to watch Ten young WSL and Championship stars to look out for in 2025
There is plenty of talent in England's top two divisions. Suzanne Wrack selects some promising players who could make their mainstream breakthrough this year.
Clement needs derby win to get fans onside and rouse drifting Rangers
Philippe Clement can only hope the law of averages is due to swing in his favour.
Lions, Lionesses and a finely poised Ashes - stories to track in 2025
From the Old Trafford soap opera to the Women's Rugby World Cup, our writers pick some of the events to follow