(Updates at tea)
MULTAN, Nov 13 - Marcus Trescothick and Ian Bell
struck fluent half-centuries to strengthen England's early grip
on the first test against Pakistan at the Multan Cricket Stadium
on Sunday.
Captain Trescothick was unbeaten on 87 and Bell not out 60
as England reached tea on 174 for one on the second day in reply
to Pakistan's first innings of 274.
The pair shared in an unbroken stand of 156 for the second
wicket after fast bowler Mohammad Sami removed left-handed
opener Andrew Strauss for nine, leg before wicket in the morning
session.
Pakistan, who had resumed on their overnight score of 244
for six, lost their last four wickets for just 30 runs in 11.2
overs with Andrew Flintoff taking four for 68 and Steve Harmison
three for 37.
Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq was dismissed by Flintoff
for 53, his 40th half-century in his 103rd test.
After England reached lunch on 72 for one, left-hander
Trescothick and right-hander Bell maintained a good scoring rate
against a flagging Pakistan attack on a good batting pitch.
Trescothick was in good touch, greeting fast bowler Shoaib
Akhtar with successive fours in his second spell before driving
leg spinner Danish Kaneria over mid-off for a flat six to reach
his 50 in 93 balls.
By tea, he had struck 12 fours and a six in 145 balls.
Bell, batting more sedately, hit four fours in 138 balls
after securing his fifth test fifty.
Kaneria, regarded as the home team's potential trump card,
bowled 12 overs without success, conceding 45 runs. However, he
came close to removing Trescothick leg before wicket when the
Englishman played and missed at a turning delivery on 47.