Younis puts Pak in command

Younis Khan's superb double century and three wickets from Yasir Shah left Pakistan eyeing a series-levelling win after they dominated the third day of the fourth Test against England at The Oval on Saturday.

Younis's 218 was the centrepiece of Pakistan's first-innings 542 all out.

His sixth innings of 200 or more in Test cricket was a dramatic way for the 38-year-old to end a run of low scores.

Younis had managed just 122 runs in six previous innings this series, with a best of 33 in Pakistan's first Test win at Lord's.

Leg-spinner Shah then took three wickets for four runs in 22 balls as England, in their second innings, slumped to 88 for four at the close -- still runs 126 behind.

Gary Ballance was four not out and Jonny Bairstow 14 not out.

England now needed something remarkable if they were to deny Pakistan victory with two days left in the game.

If the four-match series ends 2-2, Pakistan could go top of the world Test rankings but England must avoid defeat at The Oval to keep their hopes of replacing Australia at the summit alive.

England, 214 runs adrift on first innings, suffered a setback early in their second knock when captain Alastair Cook (seven) was squared up by a lifting Wahab Riaz delivery and debutant Iftikhar Ahmed, going to his right, held a good catch at first slip.

Alex Hales had been fined for showing dissent towards the third umpire after being caught by Shah in the first innings.

Saturday saw him fall lbw for 12 to Shah's sixth ball of the day, with England wasting a review in the process.

His exit left Nottinghamshire opener Hales with a series tally of just 145 runs at an average of 18.12.

SCORES IN BRIEF

ENGLAND: First innings 328 all out

PAKISTAN: First innings  542 all out (Shafiq 109, Younis 218, Azhar 49; Finn 3-110, Woakes 3-82)

ENGLAND: Second innings 88 for 4 (Root 39; Shah 3-15)