Cook celebrates after scoring his 28th Test century

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

England captain Alastair Cook scored his first Test century since May as he took the fight to Pakistan on the third day of the first Test in Abu Dhabi.

After watching his bowling attack be punished for nearly two days, Cook finally got his chance to shine and tormented the hosts with an unbeaten knock of 168.

Starting out the day on 56/0, Cook and Moeen Ali converted their 56-run partnership into a 116-run stand, during which Cook brought up his half-century, before Ali was caught behind off the bowling of Imran Khan for 35.

However, following Ali’s dismissal, the runs continued to flow for England as Cook and Ian Bell put together a 165-run partnership, during which Cook registered his 28th Test century and surpassed the 150-run mark, while Bell recorded his half-century.

The partnership was finally brought to an end when Bell was caught by Mohammad Hafeez at point off the bowling of Wahab Riaz.

Bell’s excellent innings of 63 came off 199 balls and included five boundaries.

Bell proceeded to make 63 after being dropped on one

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

England opted to send Mark Wood in as a nightwatchman, but he returned shortly after as he was cleaned up by Riaz for four runs.

Cook and Joe Root then proceeded to put together an unbeaten five-run partnership before stumps was called.

Cook finished on 168 off 329 balls, which included 15 boundaries, while Root remained undefeated on three.

Riaz was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Khan claimed one.

England ended day three on 290/3 and will continue batting tomorrow at 10:00 local time or 06:00 GMT.