LIVE: England v Pakistan – day one of the third Test in Dubai as it happens
Stay up to date with all the action on
day one of the third Test between England and Pakistan with
Sportsmail's unrivalled team. We'll deliver over-by-over coverage as the
action unfolds at the Dubai International Stadium while our brilliant team of writers
will update with their insights from the ground.
England v Pakistan: Essentials
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5.49: A touch over 10 minutes before the action commences. Just enough time to have a read of Paul Newman's thoughts on the third test and a warning from captain Andrew Strauss that no player is assured of their place in the side. Have a look.
5.41: Oh, and how smart does our new Twitter feature look You can follow the musings of Sportsmail's dynamic cricket duo Paul Newman and Lawrence Booth as it happens. Eyes right…
5.38: So the team news is that there isn't any news. However, we have learned that Tim Bresnan will be making his way back to the United Arab Emirates for the one-dayers. More news on that here.
5.30: Pakistan have won the toss and elected to bat! No changes for England, Monty Panesar retains his lace in the side. As does Eoin Morgan whose place was feared to be under the most pressure. Pakistan bring in Aizaz Cheema for Junaid Khan
5.15: Contrary to popular opinion – and no little empirical evidence – Kevin Pietersen says he DOESN'T have a problem to left-arm spinners (ahem). Still he makes his case to Sportsmail's Paul Newman in an exclusive interview here.
5am: Morning everyone and welcome to Sportsmail's coverage on day one of the third Test between England and Pakistan from the Dubai International Stadium.
This isn't how it was supposed to pan out, was it England arrive back in Dubai staring a 3-0 series whitewash in the face and are in real danger of losing their world No 1 status.
The perennial achilles heel of playing spin on the subcontinent has undone Andrew Strauss's side. The 72 all out performance a low point since the watershed defeat to the West Indies in 2009.
Kevin Pietersen, Eoin Morgan, Ian Bell and Strauss all have question marks hanging over them and yet there is still there is plenty to play for.
England face away series to Sri Lanka and India later this year (just after becoming the world's best, they are scheduled three series away on wickets they can't bat on, nice one ECB!) and must use every opportunity to shake off the spin demons.
Or at least try play some positive shots to the bowling of arch Nemesis Saeed Ajmal.
Pride and Test ranking points at stake, England need to put a lacklustre last fortnight behind them and focus on winning this final match in Dubai.
I'll bring you the team news as soon as I get it and you can make merry your thoughts in this direction: EMAIL or TWITTER.
Plenty to ponder: Strauss side have already conceded the series – it's now about pride for the No 1 Test team