1st Test: England v Pakistan at Abu Dhabi

Performance anxiety; Bell and Ali have too much weight on their shoulders. Ali was also trying too hard to emulate Cook's style of play.

Cook might become the best gritty test opener since Gavaskar. He's dull to watch, but he does an opener's job well. Kraigg Brathwaite would do well to emulate Cook.

Cook has a chance to make over 300. Conditions are perfect for a massive massive score.

Well great batting by the English batsmen lead by captain Cooke. He looks like he will make a double century but not sure about the triple century though.

Cook was absolutely magnificent. He now ties Jaques Kallis for most centuries by a non-Asian batsman in Asia with 8, although Cook has done so in 7 fewer Tests.

Cook gets an inside edge and is dropped by Sarfraz as England bring up the 300.

First mission accomplished by England by managing to avoid the follow-on. Imran Khan getting the ball to reverse and posing a few problems.

200 for Cook. A brilliant, defiant knock even on such a turgid pitch. Root looking in very good nick too. 393/3.

England 400/3 at lunch - still 123 runs behind. Cook 204* and Root 76*.

If Root goes to 200, Cook can get his 300. Both these guys are quality, especially on a pitch like this.

Root falls; the Cookie Monster continues to munch away.

I wonder what type of lead England will look for.