Pakistan's top order punished England's attack

After such a brilliant partnership of 267 between Graham Thorpe and Michael Vaughan - both of whom made centuries - England's subsequent collapse was a ghastly reminder of their worst efforts during the 1990s.

While Alec Stewart looked on helplessly from the non-striker's end, England lost six wickets for 47 with their last five going down for only nine runs in 34 balls.

In that time, Stewart faced only six deliveries as Abdur Razzaq and, ominously from England's point of view, Saqlain Mushtaq ran through the lower order.

Suddenly, from facing the near-certainty of conceding a first innings lead, it was Pakistan who found themselves with their noses in front.

What followed, albeit briefly, was the most exhilarating cricket of the match as Saeed Anwar and Abdur Razzaq piled into England's opening bowlers, Darren Gough and Andy Caddick.

Saeed, to be fair, was clearly unsettled by Gough's pace and bounce but this did not prevent him from flogging the fast bowler through the covers before Thorpe's brilliant catch at third slip ended Saeed�s contribution.

The score, unbelievably, was 24 for one in the third over!�

Graham Thorpe's efforts should have put England in front

Meanwhile, at the other end, there was all manner of mayhem as Razzaq took 19 runs off Caddick's first two overs.

Having seen his first delivery dismissed through mid on for four, Caddick appeared to lose heart alarmingly quickly.

He was immediately withdrawn from the attack, only for Hoggard to tempt Razzaq into a pull stroke which lobbed a catch to mid wicket: 41 for two in the sixth over!

Inzamam's arrival slowed the pace to a more sensible rate and, with Faisal Iqbal, the innings was steadied.

Caddick's return downwind was much more meaningful and was rewarded by the dismissal of Iqbal, who edged a catch down the leg side.

Umpire Nicholls gave a terrific lbw decision in favour of Yousuf Youhana off Gough�s bowling just before bad light ended play early and, clearly, Sunday's play will be crucial.