Centuries to Alastair Cook and Ian Bell have put England in a commanding position after two days of the second Test against Pakistan at Old Trafford..jpg)
Having earlier dismissed Pakistan for 119, England set about building a big first innings total to exact control of the contest.
Cook made a career-best 127, while Bell finished on 106 not out as England eventually declared on 461-9.
The England total, however, was not made without some initial struggle as the morning session belonged to the Pakistani bowlers.
Star batsman Kevin Pietersen failed to add to his overnight total of 38 as Umar Gul nabbed his crucial wicket early in the day.
Cook, though, battled on, despite the loss of his batting partner, and soon brought up his century off 208 balls.
Bell's three figures, meanwhile, came in conflicting circumstances with the middle order batsman precariously poised on 19 when Geraint Jones, England's last recognised batsman, succumbed lbw to Mohammad Sami for eight.
But Bell managed to retain his usual classical style as he maintained composure during his tenure at the crease before bringing his ton up off just 127 balls.
Trailing by 342 at the start of its second innings, Pakistan then toiled bravely for the last few overs of the day to finish on 12-0 at stumps.
However, of concern for the hosts will be the fact that paceman Steve Harmison, who took six wickets in the first innings, was forced from the field late in the day with side pains.
