Abu Dhabi: England captain Alastair Cook dished out a resolute century to lead his team's remarkable fightback in the first Test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.


England captain Alastair Cook reacts after reaching a century, during the third day of first test match against Pakistan at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Pic/AFP

Cook knocked 168 not out for his 28th hundred -- fifth against Pakistan -- to anchor England to 290 for three at close on the third day on a flat Sheik Zayed Stadium pitch. Cook added an invaluable 116 for the first wicket with opener Moeen Ali (35) and another 165 for the second wicket Ian Bell who made a hard-fought 63.