England rebounded after a slow start to reach 285-7 at lunch on the third day of the third and decisive test against Pakistan here today.
Resuming at 222-4, England lost both its overnight batsmen James Taylor and Jonny Bairstow in quick succession in the morning session.
Samit Patel then tried to steady England's innings with an unbeaten 41 before Adil Rashid fell in the last over of the session with England leading by 51 runs.
Patel, who came ahead of the injured Ben Stokes in the lineup, got England past Pakistan's first innings total of 234 with a pulled boundary off Ali's short delivery.
He also used his feet well against the spinners with another crisp cover driven four off Zulfiqar Babar, who bowled a lengthy 12-over spell before lunch for 20 runs as Pakistan aimed to curtail the lead.
Shoaib Malik also helped to slow England's momentum just before lunch when Rashid prodded at the offspinner's delivery and Azhar Ali scooped a one-handed diving catch at forward short leg.
In his comeback match after three years, Taylor had provided England an invaluable 89-run fifth-wicket stand with Bairstow on Monday, hitting six boundaries in a 161-ball knock that spanned over 3 and a half hours.
But after resuming on Tuesday, he added only 2 to his overnight 74 before wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed took another brilliant low catch off left-arm fast bowler Rahat Ali.
Bairstow was then clean bowled by Babar for 43, giving the left-arm spinner his first wicket in 31 overs.
It was still uncertain if Stokes would bat for England after falling awkwardly and damaging his right shoulder while attempting to catch Ahmed on Sunday.
Scans revealed the all-rounder has a collar bone joint injury and the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement that he will be unable to bowl or field the remainder of the test match, but he may bat if needed.
