Strauss century sets up enthralling finale

LEEDS, England, Aug 7 (Reuters) England captain Andrew Strauss scored a majestic century on the fourth day of the third test against Pakistan today to set up the prospect of an enthralling finale.

The home side were bowled out for 345 just before the close to give the touring side a victory target of 323. Pakistan's openers survived a single over at the end of the day without scoring.

On a day of fluctuating fortunes, Strauss made 116 and put on 158 for the first wicket with Marcus Trescothick (58) in England's second innings before the touring side scythed through the top order to reduce their hosts to 248 for five.

Wicketkeeper Chris Read, however, back in the England side after a two-year exile because of his perceived poor batting, took the victory target beyond 300 with a test-best 55 before he was last man out.

England lead the four-match series 1-0. Only two sides have ever scored more than 300 in the final innings to win a test at Headingley.

Pakistan, who made 538 in their first innings, will have to overcome another sizeable problem on the final day, with skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq set to bat no higher than number seven after spending most of today off the field with a chest injury.

REUTERS MQA RN2354