London, August 18:

Mohammad Yousuf’s third century of the series left Pakistan in command of the fourth and final Test at The Oval here on Friday.

Pakistan, when bad light forced an early close on the second day, were 336-3, a first innings lead of 163, with Yousuf 115 not out and captain Inzamam-ul-Haq unbeaten on two.

Yousuf became the leading run scorer in Test cricket this year with 1,110 runs. Together with Mohammad Hafeez, who made 95 in his first Test in nearly three years, he put on 177 for the third wicket after Yousuf had shared a stand of 78 with Imran Farhat (91).

England’s attack was lacklustre with fast bowler Stephen Harmison way below his best with figures of none for 78 in 15 overs. The one consolation for England was that at 2-0 up they’d already won the series.

On Thursday fast bowler Mohammad Asif showed what Pakistan had been missing by taking 4-56. England compounded their poor batting display by dropping three chances in five Hoggard balls.

Farhat, on 49, saw a leaping Collingwood fail to hold a tough chance in the covers off a fierce drive.

Next ball Yousuf, on five, was dropped by Trescothick and on nine he was missed in the gully by Cook.

SCOREBOARD

ENGLAND — 1st Innings: 173

PAKISTAN — 1st Innings (overnight: 96-1)

M Hafeez c Strauss b Hoggard 95

I Farhat c Trescothick b Hoggard 91

M Yousuf not out 115

I Haq not out 2

Extras: 24 (lb7, w11, nb6)

Total: 336/3

FoW: 1-70, 2-148, 3-325

England bowling: Hoggard 22-2-79-2, Harmison 15-2-78-0, Mahmood 18-2-74-1, Panesar 19-3-60-0, Collingwood 6-0-29-0, Pietersen 2-0-9-0