All-rounder Stuart Broad scored an aggressive half century on Friday to propel England ahead of Pakistan’s first innings score on day three of the second cricket Test.

Broad hit six fours and a six in his unbeaten 58 off 62 balls as England progressed to 8-323 at lunch in reply to Pakistan’s 257.

Pakistan did not pay too much for dropping catches offered by Matt Prior and Ian Bell as they fell soon after, but Broad took charge with some crisp boundaries to move England on rapidly from the overnight score of 5-207.

Saeed Ajmal removed Prior to claim his fourth wicket but Broad played confidently against the star offspinner.