Alastair Cook surpassed the 150 mark as England finished day three of the first Test against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates on 290-3.
However, what had been a relatively positive day for England ended on a sour note as the wickets of Ian Bell and night-watchman Mark Wood fell late on.
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Skipper Cook scored the 28th Test century of his career during the afternoon session to help his side reach 197-1, although that was still 326 runs short of Pakistan's first-innings total of 523-8 declared.
He returned after the resumption alongside Bell, who soon posted his 46th Test half-century off 134 balls.
Cook then went beyond 150, but not before he had been given a let off with 147 runs to his name. He top-edged Zulfiqar Babar's delivery to deep backward square leg, but despite getting both hands on the ball, sub fielder Fawad Alam was unable to hold on to the chance.
It seemed that the combination of Cook and Bell would frustrate the Pakistan bowling attack until the close of play, but with their partnership worth 165 runs, the latter was dismissed. Bell did not need to play Wahab Riaz's wide ball and he was subsequently punished for doing so when his half-volley was caught by Shoaib Malik at point.
Rather than risk the wicket of another batsman, England turned to Wood to protect Cook for the 20 minutes that remained. However, he faced just seven balls before he chopped a bouncer from Riaz onto his own stumps.
Wood's exit brought Joe Root (3) to the crease and between him and Cook (168), they steadied the innings again to ensure that England would begin day four 233 runs adrift with seven wickets in hand.
Liam Apicella
