Haider-Aamer partnership delays England progress

The tourists still required 29 runs at tea to make England bat again at Edgbaston.
Pakistan were 150 for six at the interval as debutant and top scorer Haider fought bravely to be 36 not out and 18-year-old number eight batsman Aamer was on 14 from 103 balls.
Off-spinner Graeme Swann had figures of four for 23 from 24 overs having bowled unchanged for 16 overs in the afternoon session in which he managed the sole wicket of Umar Amin -- stumped efficiently for 14 by wicketkeeper Matt Prior.

Pakistan crashed from a promising 53 for one to 82 for five before lunch but the obstinate stand between Haider and Aamer delayed the inevitable.

While Haider has been a solid presence, Aamer escaped a run out chance on one and a dropped catch by short leg fielder Alastair Cook on nine off Paul Collingwood.

Pakistan have faced an uphill task to save the Test since posting their lowest-ever Test total against England in the first innings, of 72. England replied with 251. For once, England have not had to rely on their swing bowlers and Swann has played a leading role as sunshine broke through the clouds.