Brook and Duckett ensure England take total control after Pakistan implode

At the end of a second dizzying day in Multan, one in keeping with a city that seems in a constant state of fast forward, it was England who will sleep easier. Having run through Pakistan before lunch, assured half-centuries from Ben Duckett and Harry Brook mean their grip on proceedings is now vice-like.

Not even the ongoing fairytale of Abrar Ahmed’s debut – the mystery spinner taking his stash of wickets to 10 for the match – could brighten things for the hosts. After conspiring to 202 all out in reply to England’s 281 on day one, and then seeing the tourists close on 202 for five and thus a lead of 281, Babar Azam’s side know that to square the series with one to play, they need the highest score of the match.

Once Duckett had fallen to Abrar for the second time in the match, a long-hop from the mystery spinner keeping low to bowl the opener for 79, it was Brook who guided England through to the close. The Yorkshireman shrugged off the loss of Ollie Pope to a crazed run out with a dominant yet controlled display at the crease, striding off at the close unbeaten on 74 from 108 balls with Ben Stokes alongside him.

On a largely one-sided day, the pivotal moment had in fact come early when, amid the morning haze, Babar had his zing bails lit up by Ollie Robinson on 75 to kickstart a ruinous collapse of eight for 60 in 28.3 overs. It handed England a precious first innings lead of 79 runs from which they barely looked back.

Ignored by his captain the previous evening, Robinson’s second delivery of the match surprised everyone when it swung inside the Pakistan captain’s ambitious drive. Tongue out and arms outstretched in celebration, the 29-year-old had once again demonstrated his burgeoning skills with the older ball,