For all the chaos that preceded this game Pakistan find themselves in control. It is not yet over but it has started to feel decided: England have never successfully chased more than 209 to win a Test in Asia and their target here is 297, the pursuit of which started in the final half-hour of the third day in the worst imaginable style.
Common sense suggested an attempt simply to see out the last 11 overs before stumps and regroup overnight, to protect wickets and with them hope. England lost both openers in the first four overs for a combined three runs. This is a team that defines itself by thumbing its nose at convention, with often intoxicating results, but sometimes the situation demands sobriety.
