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Weather disrupts play

LONDON: Pakistan sent back England captain Andrew Strauss but missed a glaring chance to dismiss his opening partner, Alastair Cook, on the first day of the fourth and final Test at Lord's on Thursday.

England was 39 for one at stumps after rain and bad light meant only 12.3 overs were possible in the day's play.

Cook, dropped on one, was 10 not out and Jonathan Trott eight not out with England 2-1 up in this series after Pakistan's four-wicket win at The Oval last week.

It was no surprise when Pakistan captain Salman Butt opted to field under overcast conditions that have troubled batsmen on both sides throughout the series.

Poor catching has hampered Pakistan in this series and its 18th dropped effort in four Tests — a remarkable and damning statistic by international standards — was one of its worst.

England was on seven in the third over when Cook was drawn into edging outside off-stump by Mohammad Aamer only for third slip Umar Akmal to drop the two-handed chance, much to the teenage left-arm quick's disgust.

Next ball Cook added to Aamer's frustrations by edging him through the slip cordon for four.

Pakistan thought it had Cook caught behind off Aamer for nine, with England on 25.

Even Billy Bowden ruled in favour of Pakistan, but Cook referred the decision. Bowden, after replays indicated Cook had missed the ball, reversed his original verdict.

Superb delivery

But, Pakistan had the wicket its new-ball pair deserved when Mohammad Asif produced a superb full-length delivery that swung in a little to castle Strauss for 13. England was 31 for one in the 12th over.

“Both bowling sides have had good conditions to bowl in, but that doesn't mean you can't score runs,” England batting coach Graham Gooch told reporters.

Although the floodlights were on, Bowden and fellow New Zealand umpire Tony Hill halted the match midway through the 13th over. Any chance of a resumption of play on Thursday was then ended by fresh rain. — AFP

England — 1st innings: A. Strauss b Asif 13, A. Cook (batting) 10, J. Trott (batting) 8; Extras (w-5, nb-3): 8; Total (for one wkt. in 12.3 overs): 39.

Fall of wicket: 1-31.

Pakistan bowling: Aamer 5.3-2-18-0, Asif 6-1-17-1, Riaz 1-0-4-0 .

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