KARACHI: Harry Brook continued his remarkable series to rebuild England’s innings with a third century in as many Tests after Pakistan had the visitors pinned down on the second day of the final match in Karachi on Sunday.

England took an improbable 50-run lead on the back of Brook’s innings before they were bowled out for 354 and Pakistan cut the deficit to 29 at the close of play.

Pakistan’s openers Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood were batting on 14 and three respectively as the home side ended the day on 21 for no loss.

Brook’s 111 revived England’s chances of becoming the first team ever to clinch a 3-0 series sweep in Pakistan after the visitors were teetering at 145-5.

England lead the three-match series 2-0 after a 74-run win in Rawalpindi and a close-fought 26-run victory in Multan.

After Pakistan’s spinners knocked over the English top order, Brook and wicketkeeper Ben Foakes amassed 117 for the sixth wicket, and brought England within touching distance of Pakistan’s first innings 304.

Brook drove spinner Abrar Ahmed for his eighth boundary to reach his third career hundred following up his 153 in the first Test and 108 in the next.

After the close of play, the 23-year-old Brook revealed he had set a goal of scoring two centuries during the tour.

“I said to one of my mates I’d like to get two before I got here, so it feels very nice to go one better,” said Brook, who played for Pakistan Super League winners Lahore this year.

On his crucial sixth wicket partnership, Brook said the key was staying at the crease. —AFP