Day 4: England lead by 341

By Sam Hathaway
July 16 2006

England captain Andrew Strauss has led his England team into a strong position with a lead of 341 at the end of the days play. The fans will wonder though whether England should have got the runs quicker so we could have bowled at them tonight.

A century from stand in captain Andrew Strauss lead England into a strong position over night. The left handed England opener was caught at slip for 128 with a couple of overs remaining of the day. Strauss looked in fantastic shape and played some very good cricket shots on his way to his century. But on 99 Strauss had a error of judgment as he needlessly ran out Ian Bell at the other end. Strauss wrongly called for a single then realised it was the wrong decision and his partner was ran out at the strikers end. There was some controversy after the decision was made, even though it was referred to the third umpire. Video replays showed that wicket keeper Kamran Akmal broke the stumps before recieving the ball.

Back to the start of the day and England needed to have a good start and this looked evident. A thick edge in Harmison's first over flew over Jones's head for four and the Pakistan were looking troubled against the bounce he was getting.

Yousuf reached his double century after a great batting performance and he is only the 2nd Pakistan player in history to do this. Harmison eventually got him and ended up with 4-94.

England had a lead of 83 but Marcus Trescothick fell for 18 after a poor shot we got him an inside edge onto his stumps. Alastair Cook closely followed after a sloppy pulled shot to mid-on and was caught.

Pietersen came out aggressive and managed 41 but would be again disappointed of how he got out as he came charging down the track and was stumped with him being short by a yard.

Paul Collingwood also looked to be attacking but scooped a leading edge to mid off.

England will need to attack quick in the morning and hopefully the strike bowlers can do the rest.