England in commanding position

Cricket:  England enjoyed a turnaround in fortunes on their return to Lord's after Pakistan's shambolic fielding display helped…

Cricket:  England enjoyed a turnaround in fortunes on their return to Lord's after Pakistan's shambolic fielding display helped them establish a commanding position in the opening npower Test.

Just two months ago England left Lord's frustrated at missing nine catches which enabled Sri Lanka to escape with a draw and ultimately allowed them to unexpectedly tie the three-match series.

Yet on their return to cricket's headquarters, England were the beneficiaries after a similarly slipshod fielding performance enabled them to overcome a shaky start and pile on the runs.

Having slipped to 88 for three after winning the toss, the momentum was with a Pakistan side similarly depleted to England and missing four key injured players.

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But five dropped catches later, Alastair Cook and Paul Collingwood both scored centuries and forged an England record fourth-wicket partnership against Pakistan to guide their side to a commanding 309 for three by the close of the opening day.