by Michael McCann

Alistair Cook claimed it was patience and luck that helped him to score an unbeaten 168 yesterday, as he dragged England to 290-3 as they continued to chase Pakistan’s 523 in the first Test of the series.

The captain scored his 28th Test 100, sharing century partnerships with Moeen Ali and Ian Bell, as England attempted to reach a stable position in Abu Dhabi.

“There was a bit of mind over matter,” Cook said. “Like any innings to get in you need to play well and a bit of luck regardless of what the wicket is doing.

“You execute your game plan for as long as you can. I got some luck but you need that in a long innings. Hopefully I can get in again tomorrow.”

Cook was dropped on 147 by Fawad Alam at deep midwicket after top-edging a slog-sweep, while Bell scored a much-needed 63 to ease the ongoing concerns over his recent Test form.

The 33-year-old had started nervously, edging his first ball inches short of Mohammad Hafeez in the slips before scoring just one from his first 24 balls.

Yet England reached 281-1 before seamer Wahab Riaz had Bell caught chasing a wide delivery and dismissed nightwatchman Mark Wood.

Spin was comparatively unsuccessful for Pakistan, with this Test now a record for the most balls bowled by twirlers without a wicket, though Cook admitted the pitch was batsman-friendly.

“The wicket is pretty flat and not doing a huge amount,” he said. “When the pitch is as good as this you have to cash in.

“It is a game of patience as when the ball gets soft you can set quite defensive fields, which makes it difficult to score.”

Cook made his eighth Test century in Asia, drawing level with former South African Jacques Kallis for the record number made by a batsman from outside the continent, before urging his team to continue closing the first-innings on day four.

“We need to get as close as we can to Pakistan’s score because the game tends to speed up towards the end. We have had a good day today and need another one tomorrow.”