Pakistan's Mohammad Yousuf marked his return to international cricket with a well-made 56 before he became Graeme Swann's 100th Test wicket at The Oval on Thursday. Pakistan were 240 for six - seven ahead of England's first innings 233.
Former captain Yousuf, playing his first Test since January following the overturning of an "indefinite ban" imposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board, produced a well-paced innings.
Yousuf's wicket meant Swann had taken his 100th Test wicket in his 23rd match at this level. Among off-spinners, only India's Erapalli Prasanna (20 Tests) and South Africa's Hugh Tayfield (22) had got to the landmark in fewer matches.
Yousuf, appearing in his 89th Test, was well supported in a fifth-wicket stand of 69 by Azhar Ali, appearing in only his fifth match at this level. Ali was 49 not out. Finn removed opener Yasir Hameed caught behind for his overnight score of 36.
{{/usCountry}}Yousuf, appearing in his 89th Test, was well supported in a fifth-wicket stand of 69 by Azhar Ali, appearing in only his fifth match at this level. Ali was 49 not out. Finn removed opener Yasir Hameed caught behind for his overnight score of 36.
{{/usCountry}}Pakistan had bowled out for record low scores against England of 80 and 72 in crushing defeats by 354 runs and nine wickets at Trent Bridge and Edgbaston respectively.
But in this match they at last showed some first innings fight, with Yousuf square-driving tall fast bowler Steven Finn for four and Ali cover-driving the Middlesex quick off the back foot to the boundary.