Alastair Cook hits 29th Test ton before being removed for 105 by controversial Mohammad Amir
Hales had his off-stump uprooted early on but captain and Yorkshire No3 steady the ship
ALASTAIR COOK raced to his 29th Test century before falling to Mohammad Amir on the stroke of tea - but Joe Root is still there having scored his 10th century for England.
Skipper Cook reached his hundred off just 157 balls when he clipped Amir off his legs for two.
But the Pakistan seamer got his revenge when he bowled Cook for 105.
The hosts ended the second session on 210-2 with No3 Joe Root unbeaten on 82, and the Yorkshireman went on to make his 10th century in fine style.
But after tea James Vince was caught behind by Sarfraz Ahmed off the bowling of Rahat Ali for 18, failing to get the big score he needs to keep his test place.
After winning the toss this morning and opting to bat, England lost opener Alex Hales for just ten when he was bowled by an Amir inswinger.
But Cook and Root looked in good touch as they cruised to 95-1 at lunch.
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The duo then made hay in the afternoon Manchester sun, with captain Cook surprisingly outscoring his rival.
He reached his ton off just 157 balls, causing even arch-critic Piers Morgan, who was in the Old Trafford stands, to tweet: “Well batted, Mr Cook. Good to see you finally scoring at KP's run rate.”
This was Cook’s first century in 20 Test innings since his mammoth 263 against the same opponents in Abu Dhabi in October.
And it was a much-needed innings given England’s First Test defeat at Lord’s and their bit to level the series here.