Jonathan Trott and Alastair Cook's half-centuries shut out Pakistan for 40 overs, and counting, as England jockeyed for a significant first-innings lead in the second Test.

England lost only captain Andrew Strauss in a tough session of batting as they responded to Pakistan's 257 all out on the second morning of the second Test.

England are already looking forward to proving next week that they can play Saeed Ajmal effectively, and banishing memories of their first-Test capitulation to the Pakistan off-spinner.

England were frustrated by a stubborn half-century from Adnan Akmal - and then lost their captain Andrew Strauss in contentious circumstances as their fightback faltered in the first Test.

Wolverhampton are hoping for a weekend win double after lifting the Black Country Floodlit T20 competition.

Today’s stunning photograph shows the view the fans will have when Edgbaston cricket ground’s £32m facelift is completed.

Former Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf has provisionally agreed to join Smethwick.

Warwickshire have marked the 100-day countdown to the opening of their £32million Edgbaston redevelopment by signing up Graham Taylor for the season.

Warwickshire chief executive Colin Povey today confirmed the county’s new £32million ground redevelopment will be done “on budget and on time.”

This group of England players have continually set high targets high and the pivotal third day’s play saw them reach them again.