Bairstow brilliance puts England in control at Edgbaston

England eased into the ascendency in the third Test against Pakistan after a stubborn batting display saw them build a formidable lead at Edgbaston. Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali put on an unbeaten 132-run partnership to extend the hosts' lead to 311 - meaning Pakistan will need a record total to win a match in Birmingham if they are to take a 2-1 lead in the series on day five.

The tourists had sensed an opportunity when they had dismissed half of England's batting line up - with the lead standing at just 187 - but Bairstow (82) and Ali (60) pressed down on the accelerator to put Alastair Cook's side into a commanding position. They closed on 414 for 5 and though their lead is far from insurmountable they head into the final day in complete control.

Yasir Shah produced a rare highlight for the tourists by taking his 90th wicket in his 15th match - the most by any bowler in Test history - but a tired looking Pakistan attack were unable to exert any pressure on England. Mohammad Amir was the picked of the bowlers with two for 73 but Sohail Khan and Rahat Ali struggled for long periods as hopes of victory gradually slipped away.