Pakistan lost two wickets in the post-lunch session but stretched their overall lead to 209 on day three of the spin-dominated second test against England on Thursday. Saud Shakeel, batting on 30, led Pakistan's push for a series-levelling victory on a track where most batters from both sides have struggled against the sharply turning ball.

Pakistan set England a tricky victory target of 297 and then reduced the touring side to 36 for two on an eventful third day of the second test to stay on course for a series-levelling victory on Thursday.

Join our writers for updates from what could be a decisive day in this second Test.   13:53 Salman Agha was the man of the day with a counter-punching 63 runs that are worth at least 1.5 x more according to my patented OBO run converter machine.

The Gabba will not host an Ashes series-opener in Australia for the first time in more than four decades after Cricket Australia confirmed Perth as the venue for the first test of the 2025-26 series on Wednesday.

The dates for the 2025-26 men's Ashes series are announced with England set to begin their battle to regain the urn from Australia in Perth from 21-25 November.