England v Pakistan, day four, second Test, Abu Dhabi

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LIVE: England v Pakistan – the action on day four of the second Test in Abu Dhabi

Stay up to date with all the action on
day four of the second Test between England and Pakistan with
Sportsmail's unrivalled team. We'll deliver over-by-over coverage as the
action unfolds at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi while our brilliant team of writers
will update with their insights from the ground. Email your thoughts to joe.ridge@dailymail.co.uk or tweet @joeridge87

England v Pakistan – the essentials

England:
Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian
Bell, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Jimmy
Anderson, Monty Panesar.

1st innings: 327

Pakistan:
Mohammad Hafeez, Taufeeq Umar, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq,
Asad Shafiq, Adnan Akmal, Abdur Rehman, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Junaid
Khan.

1st innings: 257

Umpires: Bruce Oxenford and Steve Davis

Click here for the latest scorecard

67th over: Pakistan 130-4 (Azhar 51, Shafiq 35)

Broad continues his spell…

66th over: Pakistan 130-4 (Azhar 51, Shafiq 35)

Panesar comes into the attack… he was outstanding yesterday. In other news, Jonathan Trott is off the field feeling ill and Steven Finn is on in place of him. Azhar works a single to midwicket. Close! Beautiful bowling from Panesar who beats Shafiq's outside edge, one from the over.

65th over: Pakistan 129-4 (Azhar 50, Shafiq 35)

Broad into his second over of the day. Shafiq dangerously mistimes a drive on the up but it falls short of Pietersen at short extra cover. Tight bowling from Broad who has conceded just 17 runs from his 13 overs. Maiden.

64th over: Pakistan 129-4 (Azhar 50, Shafiq 35)

Lots of turn for Swann but Azhar is able to work him to square leg for two to bring up his 50. Half a chance for Cook at short leg as Azhar hits it against his shin.

63rd over: Pakistan 127-4 (Azhar 48, Shafiq 35)

Stuart Broad is given the ball by Strauss. No wickets yet for him in this innings but he was very economical on day three… Shafiq is 26 by the way in case you were wondering, his partner in the middle is the same age and these two are seen as the future of Pakistani batting… they need to be the present here today though. It's very foggy out there, no movement for Broad though. One from the over.

62nd over: Pakistan 126-4 (Azhar 47, Shafiq 35)

England open up with the spin of Swann and Azhar works him to leg for a single off the day's first ball. Birthday boy Shafiq rather uncomfortably sees off the rest of the over.

Packed house: Day three was the busiest of the series so far

Packed house: Day three was the busiest of the series so far

5.58am: The players are out in the middle, it's very overcast out in Abu Dhabi… here we go.

5.54am: Excitement building now… All the talk is that there is a bit of moisture around and it's a fine morning to bowl. Let's hope that's true and Anderson and Broad can get some joy, there was nothing in this wicket for them yesterday with the spinners claiming all of the wickets so far.

5.45am: So, Pakistan lead by 55 runs as it stands with six second inning wickets left. What lead do you think England need to restrict the hosts to to ensure that they level the series Email or tweet your thoughts…

5.35am: Before play gets underway at 6.00am GMT why not read the insights from our team of writers out in the UAE… Chief cricket correspondent Paul Newman – who will be sending his views from the Sheikh Zayed stadium throughout today's proceedings – writes his report on day three here. Martin Samuel writes from what was a rare full house in the UAE yesterday here. Nasser Hussain states the case for Stuart Broad being England's main man here. And David Lloyd gives his alternative views on another day in the desert here.

5.30am: Good morning all and welcome to our live coverage of the fourth day of this fascinating Test between England and Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. The match has ebbed and flowed over the last three days but it is the tourists who currently find themselves in the driving seat. That being said, Pakistan youngsters Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq have put on an impressive 50 partnership to leave the outcome of the match far from a certainty. England will be hoping to break that partnership and clear up the Pakistani tail as quickly as possible today to leave themselves a gettable run chase on what has proved to be a brilliant Test match wicket.

Jumping for joy: Monty Panesar picked up three wickets on day three

Jumping for joy: Monty Panesar picked up three wickets on day three

AC Milan pull out of Carlos Tevez deal

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AC Milan pull out of deal for Tevez after signing Lopez leaving striker stuck at City

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has confirmed the club have ended their interest in signing Carlos Tevez during the current transfer window.

Milan had been in negotiations with Manchester City throughout January over a move for the Argentinian with the Barclays Premier League club insistent any deal would be permanent, ruling out a loan.

Galliani had said earlier this week that should they fail to acquire Tevez they would instead sign Maxi Lopez and earlier today they registered the former Catania striker's signing with the Italian league.

Stuck: Carlos Tevez will be lumbered at Manchester City until the summer

Stuck: Carlos Tevez will be lumbered at Manchester City until the summer

Galliani then confirmed that the Serie A champions would not be signing Tevez.

He told Milan Channel they had set a deadline of 1900 local time for a final decision and said: 'At 1830 I was convinced we were very close to sealing the Tevez deal.

'I did my best, it was a day where I had my heart in my mouth, but no more could be done.

'We had everything set for Tevez to come, but the situation changed.'
However, Galliani admitted it did not spell an end to Milan's interest in Tevez, who has been in his native Argentina without the club's permission since November having not played for them since September.

Never again: Despite remaining at the Etihad, Tevez will surely not appear in a City shirt again

Never again: Despite remaining at the Etihad, Tevez will surely not appear in a City shirt again

He added: 'Who knows with Carlitos – there is only a few months (until the summer transfer window )and that's it.

'I'm happy with how we are left with City, we have a very good relationship.

'Today was still very important because we have solved some misunderstandings of recent days with City, relations are much improved.

'But, patience, life goes on. The market will reopen in four months, we'll see.'

Talks: Tevez's agent Kia Joorbachian

Talks: Tevez's agent Kia Joorbachian

Milan's city rivals Inter as well as French side Paris St Germain had also been linked but withdrew their interest and for Tevez it would appear he has no way out of the Etihad Stadium this month with the transfer window drawing to a close

That fact was underlined by Tevez's
advisor Kia Joorabchian, when he said in an interview with talkSPORT
that his client could remain at City until the next transfer window.

'We've been in negotiations with three big clubs,' said Joorabchian.

Rift: Tevez, left, and Roberto Mancini

Rift: Tevez, left, and Roberto Mancini

'I don't think anyone has reached the numbers City were hoping for.

'At the moment it looks like Carlos will remain at City until this summer.'

Galliani however welcomed Lopez to the San Siro after the Argentinian arrived on loan from Catania.

He said: 'With Maxi I kept my word:
we had a deadline of 7pm today, and since we had not reached an
agreement with City we have filed Lopez's signing with the league.

'He is a very important player.

'We can use him in the Champions League.'

Milan man: Maxi Lopez has signed for AC Milan

Milan man: Maxi Lopez has signed for AC Milan

MK Dons to sign Alan Smith

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Former United, Newcastle and Leeds striker Smith set to sign for MK Dons

League One MK Dons have agreed a deal with Newcastle to sign former England striker Alan Smith on loan.

The 31-year-old has been linked with a return to Leeds United while Paul Jewell's Ipswich have also shown interest but he is ready to move to ambitious MK Dons with flamboyant chairman Peter Winkelman ready to bankroll a package until the end of the season.

Smith is believed to be on around 60,000 a week but Winkelman will make a significant contribution in the hope that he can inspire Karl Robinson's side to win promotion starting with Tuesday's crunch game against rivals Sheffield Wednesday.

Window of opportunity: Alan Smith looks set to end his spell at Newcastle

Window of opportunity: Alan Smith looks set to end his spell at Newcastle

Rory McIlroy admits he was brain-dead after two-shot penalty in Abu Dhabi

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It's snory Rory! I was brain-dead, he admits after two-shot penalty dents title bid

Rory McIlroy confessed he had been 'brain-dead' and was a 'stupid whatever' after being assessed a two shot penalty for breaking one of golf's basic rules at the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship on Friday.

Luke Donald didn't feel too clever either after being the unfortunate soul who had to point out his elementary mistake.

The incident happened at the par-four 9th hole, with McIlroy just off the green in two. With sand on the line between his ball and the hole, he bent down and brushed away the grains with the back of his hand. Oh dear.

Sand trapped: Rory McIlroy was penalised after Luke Donald called his error

Sand trapped: Rory McIlroy was penalised after Luke Donald called his error

'I'm pretty sure you're not allowed to that, Rory,' said Donald, and he was absolutely correct. It was a clear breach of Rule 13-2, which points out a player is not allowed to move any sand that lies on the line of his shot when he is off the green.

Yes, it's another stupid rule. How can it be ok to move the sand when you're on the green but not when you're just off it How can a two shot penalty be the correct punishment and wouldn't one stroke be fairer

All valid points but stupid or not, Rory knew the rule, as every player should, and just acted unthinkingly.

Abu Dhabi Championship Leaderboard

Click here to view the LIVE leaderboard

2nd rnd (GB & Ire unless stated):

137 — T Olesen (Den) 67.
138 — G Maybin 70, M Manassero (It) 65.
139 — J-B Gonnet (F) 71, R McIlroy 72, T Woods (US) 69, R Karlsson (Swe) 72, R Rock 70, R Finch 71, Paul Lawrie 69.
140 — R Ramsay 71, C Schwartzel (SA) 70, S Garcia (Sp) 69, JM Lara (Sp) 70, P Harrington 69. 141 — F Molinari (It) 67, A Hansen (Den) 70, J Kingston (SA) 69, G McDowell 69, MA Jimenez (Sp) 69, W-C Liang (Chn) 71, J Edfors (Swe) 71.

Others:
143 — L Donald 72.
144 — L Westwood 72.
147 — C Montgomerie 76

'Maybe it was because it was just the second round of the season and I was a little brain-dead,' he said. 'It's amazing how quickly you get out of your normal routine when you have a few weeks off. At the end of the day it was one of those things. Sure, you're calling yourself a stupid whatever and I certainly hit the tee shot at the 10th a lot harder. But I'm only two shots off the lead and we've still got two rounds to play.'

McIlroy was quick to absolve Donald.

'I'm sure he felt a little awkward saying it but he was absolutely right to do so. Everybody has to play by the rules. That's what golf is, a gentleman's game,' he said.

The good news for the many thousands of spectators who enjoyed following McIlroy and his other playing partner Tiger Woods is they got the chance to do so again in the third round.

The two shot penalty meant the pair finished on the same score of five under, and breathing down the neck of the little-known leader, promising Dane, Thorbjorn Oleson.

Eagle eye: McIlroy said playing partner Donald was right to call his mistake

Eagle eye: McIlroy said playing partner Donald was right to call his mistake

On six under are Ulsterman Gareth Maybin and another of Europe's bright young things – 18-year-old Italian Matteo Manassero.

As for the Woods-McIlroy match-up for a third straight day, the latter couldn't hide his delight.

'As everyone knows I grew up idolising Tiger so it's a great thrill to be playing with him again,' he said. 'I enjoy the buzz of the crowd, and the excitement.'

For those who like their days filled with drama and incident, this was a beauty.

We had Padraig Harrington rekindling something of his glory days under the watchful eye of the latest edition to his team, rugby man Dave Alred.

We had another past major champion in Paul Lawrie giving another example that he is currently swinging the club better than at any time in his career.

In contention: Tiger Woods is just two shots behind the leader

In contention: Tiger Woods is just two shots behind the leader

We had lesser lights like Oleson and Ulsterman Maybin relishing the chance to mix it with the big names.

We had Robert Rock and Richard Finch demonstrating that the talent pool from England is ocean-deep.

Perhaps most meaningful of all, we had another exciting demonstration from Woods, who didn't play quite as well as he did on the opening day but holed a few of the type of putts he missed in the first round.

As Donald said: 'On Thursday in particular his control of his golf ball was as good as I have seen it. He was shaping it both ways, so that's a daunting sign for the rest of us.'

Don't rule out Tiger's first victory this weekend on one of the two main tours in two and a half years. What a story that would be to herald the new season.

Your leader: Thorbjorn Olesen heads the field after carding a fine 67

Your leader: Thorbjorn Olesen heads the field after carding a fine 67

'I'm putting together a run of good scores because I have a greater understanding of what my coach Sean Foley wants me to do,' he said. 'I had a chance to win in Dubai last February and didn't get it done but this time I am armed with so much more knowledge of my swing.

'Having said that it is such a bunched leaderboard there are a lot of guys who will think they can win. I know I am going to have to produce over the weekend.'

Also on the comeback trail at three behind is Harrington, who took note of the impact Alred has had on Donald's play over the past 18 months and booked himself an appointment.

'He's certainly a man in demand for it has taken me six months to get this trial week with him, but it has been very worthwhile,' he said. 'What he is doing is helping me take what I am working on at the range on to the course, for that has been a problem for me for the past two years.

Return to form: Padraig Harrington hits his tee-shot on the 12th hole

Return to form: Padraig Harrington hits his tee-shot on the 12th hole

'What he's good at is keeping me on my toes, so that I am not just hitting ball after ball on the range without purpose. He's not inventing the wheel but he might be reinventing it.'

Three-time major winner Harrington fell so far last year he didn't even finish among the top 60 in the order of merit who qualified for the season-ending Dubai World Championship. No wonder he looked so pleased after his second round 69. He addressed waiting reporters: 'Everyone wants to talk to me again and it's great!'

Will he be scrapping with Luke for Alred's attention

'No I'm fully aware that Luke has first call on his services but I'm happy on this occasion to play the role of the mistress,' he said.

How nice that over the last two rounds of this event he was back playing the role of potential champion.

Paul Nicholls: Aiteenthirtythree

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Aiteen may be my lucky number at Doncaster

AITEENTHIRTYTHREE (Doncaster, 2.50)
was disappointing in the Hennessy, but I can exclusively reveal that we
found him to be suffering from ulcers after Newbury.

He has been on medication to sort the problem out and hopefully that will allow him to show his truth worth here.

Counting down: Big Buck's on track for Cheltenham test

Counting down: Big Buck's on track for Cheltenham test

TIDAL BAY (Cheltenham, 2.35) runs in the Argento Chase and has improved a ton from his reappearance run and looks fantastic at the moment.

POLISKY (Cheltenham, 3.10) wasn't going after one hurdle at Newbury last time, but nothing came to light and I am inclined to put a line through that run and move on.

I expect a much improved showing on this better ground and he worked really well on Wednesday.

What can I say about BIG BUCK'S (Cheltenham, 3.40) that you don't already know What I can say is that he's in seriously good order and looks stunning.

THAT'LLDOBOY (Cheltenham, 1.30) was by no means beaten when falling two out at Kempton last time and he has shown no indication at home that the fall has left its mark.

Even I would have to admit that he looks reasonably handicapped on what he would probably have achieved at Kempton had he stood up.

ROCKY CREEK (Doncaster, 3.25) is a horse we think a fair bit of and this isn't the strongest of Grade Two races.

Paul Nicholls discusses all his weekend runners, free to view, on: www.betfair.com/paulnicholls.

Bayern Munich say sorry to fans" over PR backfired stunt

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Bayern forced to say sorry after fans' backlash to PR stunt promising new signing

Bayern Munich have apologised after a publicity stunt backfired leaving many fans angry and disappointed.

Bayern announced a 'spectacular transfer' on social medium Facebook but the message turned out to be a club promotion.

'Based on the many comments we received, there are many Facebook fans of Bayern Munich who were not happy with our action,' the German club said in a statement on Friday.

Blunder: Bayern Munich lost to Borussia Moenchengladbach last weekend

Blunder: Bayern Munich lost to Borussia Moenchengladbach last weekend

'We are sorry. It was not our intention to disappoint with the new FC Bayern app.'

Sports director Christian Nerlinger had announced on Thursday that a spectacular transfer would be unveiled at a news conference later that day.

The news conference, streamed exclusively for its Facebook page an hour later, turned out to be a promotion in which Nerlinger said every Bayern fan was the 'spectacular transfer. Our 12th man'.

Gaffe: Bayern sports director Christian Nerlinger made the announcement

Gaffe: Bayern sports director Christian Nerlinger made the announcement

Supporters reacted angrily, with hundreds messaging the club and saying that Bayern, whose three-point Bundesliga lead was cut last week by a 3-1 defeat to Borussia Moenchengladbach, would do better to focus on football.

'It could not be more ridiculous,' wrote one angry fan. 'There was nothing funny about last week's performance so start playing better instead of wasting your time on jokes.'

Six Nations 2012: Stuart Lancaster optimistic for England"s future

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Training camp has Lancaster optimistic for England's future

Stuart Lancaster believes the England
show is 'back on the road' after rounding off the squad's RBS 6 Nations
training camp with an open session in front of 2,500 fans.

Lancaster's plan when he was
appointed as interim head coach was to 'reconnect' the England team with
the public, to build bridges following the failed World Cup campaign.

The former Leeds boss also wanted his
squad to recognise the honour of representing England and so he invited
luminaries such as Gary Neville and Corporal Simon Brown to hammer home
the message.

Pointing the way: Lancaster (left) takes a session at the University of Leeds

Pointing the way: Lancaster (left) takes a session at the University of Leeds

After training had finished on the University of Leeds' 1st XV pitch, and while the players were mobbed for autographs, Lancaster reflected on mission accomplished.

The make-up of his team to face Scotland at Murrayfield a week on Saturday is coming together and the England captain will be announced on Monday.

'When I got the job and thought about what I'd do for the camp there were a number of objectives,' Lancaster said. 'To reconnect with the public, to engage with the media, to train in conditions that are similar to Scotland, to listen to people from outside the sport.

Chiming in: Lancaster coaches big Ben Morgan

Chiming in: Lancaster coaches big Ben Morgan

'But mainly it was about building a culture and getting people on the same page from a technical and tactical point of view.

'We have gone a long way to achieving that. The players have been fantastic. They are hungry, they want to work hard and they want to get the show back on the road and it has been a great week.

'But it is a 10-stage process and next week we have to narrow down our focus and get into the technical and tactical detail for what is a massive game for us.'

Neville, Corporal Brown and England rugby league captain Jamie Peacock addressed the squad in a private function last night and between them delivered a powerful message.

Corporal Brown was shot through the face while serving in Iraq in 2006 and, by all accounts, a pin could have been heard dropping in the room as he spoke.

Neville won 85 caps for England but retired feeling unfulfilled because England never came close to winning anything other than at Euro 96, when Terry Venables' side lost a semi-final penalty shoot-out to Germany.

The former Manchester United full-back invoked the spirit of that tournament – and the national fervour that surrounded it – in a bid to highlight how powerful a nation's support can be.

Reconnecting: Lancaster signs autographs for fans

Reconnecting: Lancaster signs autographs for fans

'He talked about the power of playing in Euro 96 when the country was behind them, the pressure of being an international player and the opportunity of it,' Lancaster said.

'He finished off by saying everyone is behind you, that England football want England rugby to do well.

'Jamie Peacock said the same, that England rugby league want England rugby union to do well. It was the the same from Hugh Morris, the England cricket manager.

'They will all be watching and that is a powerful thing.'

The Rugby Football Union offered free tickets to schools and clubs across Yorkshire for Friday's open training session, the first of its kind outside Twickenham.

The school allocation went within four hours.

At least 30 mini-buses and coaches pulled into the training venue from all over the region. The supporters were treated to the rare sight of coach Andy Farrell and his son Owen Farrell running in the same back line.

Listen up: England coach Lancaster makes a point to his players

Listen up: England coach Lancaster makes a point to his players

'It gives the public an opportunity to see England train – but it reminds the England players about what it means to be an England player.

'That was probably the most important thing for me.'

Lancaster's efforts thus far have been praised by RFU executives, whose 'reputational damage rebuild plan' is addressing the on and off-field problems that beset English rugby in 2011.

Those same efforts were described, almost dismissively, as 'good media work' by Sir Clive Woodward, who went on to point out that the real challenge begins in Test week.

Lancaster is acutely aware of what lies ahead for England in the defence of their Six Nations title.

'I have loved this week but the excitement will build towards the game and coaching is about dealing with big games,' Lancaster said. 'It will be an exciting week. Next week we will get into the real detail, get the side finalised and get organised.'

Fulham fail in bid for Marc Janko

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Fulham fail in bid to take striker Janko on loan from McClaren's Twente

Fulham have been rebuffed in a bid to take FC Twente striker Marc Janko on loan.

The 28-year-old Austrian is available at Steve McClaren's club and Fulham even offered to pay a 1m loan fee but FC Twente have refused.

Meanwhile, Juventus are showing interest in Fulham's Patjim Kasami.

Off the mark: The Cottagers were unable to prise Marc Janko from Holland

Off the mark: The Cottagers were unable to prise Marc Janko from Holland

Rower Tom James suffers heart scare

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James suffers heart scare to throw doubt onto make-up of flagship British boat

Olympic rowing champion Tom James is suffering from the same heart complaint as Tony Blair.

James, 27, missed the British team's new year training camp in South Africa after his heartbeat raced up to 220 beats per minute.

He was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.

Coxless four: British hopefuls Tom James (second right), with Matt Langridge, Ric Egington, and Alex Gregory

Coxless four: British hopefuls Tom James (second right), with Matt Langridge, Ric Egington, and Alex Gregory

James: Back in training

James: Back in training

Following treatment, James is back in full training but the illness coincided with rowing's great Olympic selection debate – who should row in the flagship four

Sportsmail understands last year's World Championship-winning quartet will be broken up.

Subject to trials, the two leading British rowers Andy Hodge and Peter Reid will move into the four, out of recognition that they cannot beat New Zealand in the pair.

Alex Gregory, from the existing four, is set to keep his place, with James vying for the final seat on bowside.

Chief coach Jurgen Grobler said: 'Tom will get time but we can't keep a place free for ever.'

Mo Farah starts London gold run in Glasgow Aviva International

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Farah starts London gold run in Glasgow seeking boost to finishing power


Raring to go: Mo Farah in Glasgow

Raring to go: Mo Farah in Glasgow

Britain's Mo Farah will run his first race of Olympic year over 1500 metres in Glasgow on Saturday because his American coach Alberto Salazar believes it offers the best route to gold at London 2012.

Farah was beaten to the 10,000m gold at last year's World Championships by a faster finisher.

'I ran the last lap in 53 seconds but that's not enough – it's going to need 50 to be sure (in London),' he said.

To improve Farah's finishing speed Salazar has scheduled more explosive training and a series of 1500m and mile races, the first in the Aviva International and another in Boston next weekend.