England vs Pakistan – Prior and Broad dig in to save face for hosts

A spirited batting display from Matt Prior and Stuart Broad gave England a fighting chance on the opening day of the third Test against Pakistan, though the hosts were still in deep trouble at tea.

Broad joined wicketkeeper Prior at the crease with England 94 for seven, but the two players combined diligent concentration with some expansive shots to guide England to 175 for seven at the end of the second session.

England are currently 4/5 to win the third Test, and this is arguably the toughest situation in which they’ve found themselves in the series so far.

Pakistan’s bowlers had inflicted most damage in the morning session with debutant Wahab Riaz taking three wickets, and Riaz claimed a fourth victim when he dismissed Eoin Morgan immediately after lunch.

And when Mohammad Asif had Graeme Swann caught at third slip for Pakistan’s seventh wicket of the day, the visitors sensed that victory could be in their grasp.

Pakistan are 7/4 to win at the Oval, and they will be determined to salvage some pride having been routinely embarrassed in the first two Tests of this series.

Can Prior kick on and make a match-winning innings? He is 7/2 to score a century in the first innings. See the full England vs Pakistan Match Betting Odds market.