LONDON: Pakistan dominated the first two sessions against England in theTest being played at Lord’s on Thursday as fast bowlers Hasan Ali andMuhammad Abbas’ four-for restricted England on 184 runs.

Muhammad Aamir and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf took one wicket each.

The team had struck early with pacer Mohammad Abbas picking up the wicketof Mark Stoneman.

Hasan Ali picked up the second wicket of the innings when he dismissed JoeRoot. The third wicket also fell to Hasan Ali when David Malan was caughtbehind for six runs.

Faheem Ashraf removed Jonny Bairstow for 27, and just as Alastair Cooklooked settled Mohammad Amir bowled him for 70.

The England opener led a fightback on the first day. At tea England were165 for five, having slumped to 43 for three before lunch after homecaptain Joe Root had won the toss and batted.

Cook, in his 153rd consecutive Test, which equalled Australia great AllanBorder´s all-time record for successive appearances at this level, revivedEngland with a fine 70.

But shortly before tea he was bowled by Amir, a team-mate when Essex wonthe County Championship last season, as the left-arm quick produced abrilliant delivery that cut away late off the pitch late to clip the top ofthe opener´s off stump.

Cook faced 148 balls, including 14 fours

Ben Stokes was unbeaten on 36, having hoisted leg-spinner Shadab Khan forthe first six of this match. Jos Buttler, recalled as a specialist numberseven, was unbeaten on 13.

Root opted to bat first in the opening match of this two-Test series,despite the overcast conditions and a green-tinged pitch offering thepromise of assistance for Pakistan´s pacemen.

Both England and Pakistan´s have concerns over their batting so it was aparticularly bold decision by Root.

It certainly looked a good toss for Pakistan to lose as three members of anEngland top-order that repeatedly failed during winless winter Test toursof Australia and New Zealand all fell for single-figure scores. – APP/AFP