England face tough task

England made a bright start in their chase of 324 in the third Test as they seek to avoid a 3-0 series whitewash against Pakistan.

After finally dismissing Azhar Ali for 157 in Pakistan's total of 365, England openers Andrew Strauss (19 not out) and Alastair Cook (15 not out) set about reducing the deficit, guiding them to 36-0 at stumps on day three in Dubai.

Pakistan had added just 22 runs to their overnight score of 222-2 when Younis Khan was trapped in front by Stuart Broad (1-55) for 115.

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq (31) and Ali added 87 runs in a partnership that lasted almost 40 overs as they tested the patience of the likes of England spinners Monty Panesar (5-124) and Graeme Swann (3-101) who bowled over 95 overs between them.

Panesar made the crucial breakthrough when he had Misbah out lbw, triggering a massive collapse that saw Pakistan lose seven wickets for 34 runs.

The spinners were the chief destroyers as Panesar dismissed Asad Shafiq (5) and Adnan Akmal (0) while Swann took the wickets of Abdur Rehman (1) and Saeed Ajmal (1).

Swann then chipped in with the all-important wicket of Ali, who faced 442 deliveries at the crease in an innings that lasted almost nine hours.

Panesar wrapped up the innings in his 57th over when he removed Umar Gul (four) lbw as England carried the momentum into their run chase.

Strauss and Cook held firm in the 20 overs they had to negotiate before stumps, although Cook was lucky to be dropped by Taufeeq Umar off Umar Gul at third slip, while Strauss survived a DRS when he got hit on the pad outside the line.

England will resume day four needing another 288 runs for victory.