England on top after first day of Test

25/01/2012

England dominated the opening day of the second Test of the series against Pakistan in the UAE as they seek to bounce back from their defeat in Dubai.

Pakistan won the toss and batted on a slow pitch that has produced high scoring draws in the two Tests played there to date, but England reduced them to 256-7 by the close.

Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann took two wickets each and Monty Panesar picked up the other on a day that could have been even better had a couple of catching chances not been shelled, as all seven wickets fell bowled or lbw.

Only Misbah-ul-Haq held the tourists up, with an innings of 83 not out including four huge sixes off Panesar's bowling.

The Luton-born bowler's return was his first Test appearance since Cardiff in 2009, which may be recalled by some of those keen to book hospitality packages at the ground for next summer's one-day international when England play South Africa.

On that occasion, the first ever Test in Wales, Panesar helped Jimmy Anderson to bat out the last nine overs to save a game that looked lost, a result that was crucial in helping England eventually regain the Ashes.

By Sam Smith