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Centurion Alastair Cook leads stubborn England

Captain Alastair Cook scores a century as England slowly close in on Pakistan's first-innings score of 523-8 declared.

The 28th Test century of Alastair Cook's career has kept England in contention during the afternoon session on day three of the first Test against Pakistan.

Having returned with an overnight score of 56-0, the tourists trailed Pakistan by 467 runs following their first-innings declaration on 523-8.

Cook's fellow opener Moeen Ali departed for 35 shortly before lunch, but after the resumption, a combination of the England skipper and Ian Bell frustrated the Pakistan bowling attack.

Cook brought up his century - a haul which included 10 fours - off 180 balls and soon after he survived an appeal when Zulfiqar Babar's delivery crashed into his pads. The umpire turned down Pakistan's appeals and the review went on to show that the ball was missing leg stump.

When tea was called the captain remained unbeaten on 116, while Bell alongside him had 31 runs to his name from 104 deliveries.

As a team, England have worked their way up to 197-1, which is 326 runs short of the home team.

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Liam Apicella
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Alastair Cook during an England nets session on July 15, 2015
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