Alastair Cook hits ton but England struggle

England's batting concerns multiplied today in their final practice match before the Test series against Pakistan.

The fragility they displayed in the opening game of the tour was repeated as the middle order was swept away by an accomplished Pakistan Board XI.

Only Alastair Cook made a substantial contribution in launching a first innings which was far from what the tourists either needed or desired.

The loss of two early wickets was compounded later by weaknesses against spin which have become all too familiar on sub-continental - and now, it would seem, Middle Eastern - pitches.

Considering the vast quantities of Test runs amassed by England recently, it is much too early to panic but it is also a clear warning of the difficulties that may await in the three-match series starting here on Tuesday.

The entire middle order - Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell (right), Eoin Morgan - all need more time at the crease than they have so far managed. Once more, it was carelessness or lack of application which accounted for the dismissals.

Cook stood apart and alone until late in the afternoon. He survived a brisk opening spell from the PCB's right-arm, left-arm combination of Mohammad Talha and Mohammad Khalil without alarm and then proceeded to accumulate in exemplary style, nudging, cutting, maturely judging the slow turn.

He reached his second fifty of the tour with the fourth boundary of his innings, a trademark cut. From there he was relentless, reaching his hundred in 206 balls with seven fours. The loss of three wickets after lunch might have provoked total collapse but Matt Prior, back after his sore finger recovered, helped effect a recovery before he was out for 46 with the score on 211 for six soon after tea.