by Michael McCann

ENGLAND reached 182-3 after dismissing Pakistan for 378 to take the upper hand after the second day of the second Test in Dubai yesterday.

Alistair Cook and Joe Root both hit half-centuries after the visiting bowlers did superbly to take six Pakistan wickets for just 96 runs in the morning session.

Resuming on 282-4 overnight, Pakistan captain Misbah ul-Haq fell lbw to Stuart Broad in the first over of the day, before a run was added, setting the tone for what followed.

Moeen Ali struck twice in successive overs to dismiss Sarfaz Ahmed and Wahab Riaz for 32 and 6 respectively, both lured into edging to James Anderson at slip as the spinner took 3-108.

Adil Rashid took as first wicket as Yasir Shah was caught by Ben Stokes before Mark Wood struck twice in quick succession.

The seamer claimed Zulfiqar Babar lbw for 3 and Asad Shafiq, who had made a resilient 83, caught by Root to claim 3-39, leaving Pakistan 378 all out before lunch.

England had the momentum but at 14-2 looked in grave danger of undoing there good work, with Ali and Ian Bell both departing for single figures.

However, Cook and key batsman Root, put on 113 for the third wicket in just 31 overs before the captain was caught off Shah for 65.

Incoming batsman Jonny Bairstow showed his intent with a straight six off Babar and sweeping Shah for four, as the Yorkshire pair continued well to reach 182-3 at stumps.

England trail by 196 overnight and will look particularly to Root, on 76 not out, to score a “daddy” 100 to seize control of this game.