Alastair Cook rescues England in Dubai

Alastair Cook scored a century to keep England in contention after an unwanted start against a Pakistan Cricket Board XI in Dubai.

The visiting side declared on 269-9 following a 133 score from 260 balls courtesy of the 25-year-old.

The batsman pulled up runs alongside Matt Prior for England after slumping to 121-5 in the early stages of the match.

The PCB XI closed the day on 23-0 after legspinner Yasir Shah took five wickets while Mohammad Talha claimed four.

England are preparing to face Pakistan in a Test series for the first time since the spot-fixing scandal, which resulted in three cricketers being jailed for corruption.