There was more evidence of England's new-found confidence and resolve as Michael Vaughan and Graham Thorpe rescued them from the perilous position of 15 for two.

Both openers had been dismissed - Trescothick bowled by Wasim for 10 and, in the following over, Waqar finding the edge of Atherton's defensive bat.

Pakistan were cock-a-hoop and knew this was their chance.

But Thorpe, who hit his first ball for six over third man, and Vaughan responded by launching a superb counter-attack in which they scored at the same breathtaking rate as Pakistan.

Thorpe is in the form of his life and, in his last four Tests, averages 142!

Opportunity

With the added responsibility of being unofficial vice captain, he has blossomed from the rather shy, insular figure who pulled out of England's South African tour two winters ago.

What a transformation.

I have always been a fan of Vaughan and it is tremendous to see him seizing the opportunity to bat at number three.

It will only be a matter of time before he and Trescothick open the innings together.