Shan Masood frustrates England's victory push in third Test

Pakistan appeared to be at risk of an ignominious two-day defeat when they lost two wickets without a run on the board on Thursday, but a combination of rain and some obdurate batting kept them alive.

Azan and the experienced Shan put on 125 for the third wicket under grey skies in Birmingham on Friday before Azan feathered a catch down the leg side to stand-in wicketkeeper Jordan Cox off the bowling of spinner Dan Lawrence.

The umpire initially gave the batsman not out but that decision was overturned after a review and Azan departed for 59. Captain Babar Azam joined Masood at the crease, playing fluently to reach 26 not out at lunch, with his partner unbeaten on 83.

England bowled Pakistan out for a meagre 133 on the opening day at Edgbaston before making 453 at a brisk pace to make victory almost inevitable. Joe Root’s side have dominated the three-match contest against the hapless tourists, winning the first game by an innings and 103 runs and the second by 194 runs.

The tourists have lurched from one crisis to another during their ill-fated tour, which looks certain to end in a 16th Test defeat in 21 matches. They released seven players and sacked head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant Umar Gul after the second Test defeat, making four changes to their side in Birmingham.