England vs Pakistan Third Test: Gary Ballance happy to be back and scoring runs again

Batsman hits 70 on opening day at Edgbaston

Gary Ballance believes England are in a strong position in the third Test against Pakistan despite the fact the hosts were bowled out for 297 on the opening day at Edgbaston.

Ballance, in his third Test back after a year out of the team, top-scored for England with 70.

And he believes the home attack led by James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes will make the most of seam-friendly conditions and ensure England’s total is a competitive one.

“We thought 297 was about par,” said Ballance. “We said at tea lets try and scrap to 300 and we would be pretty happy with that. Nobody really felt in all day, it just kept you honest. There was a bit of sideways movement all day. You never felt in.

“If the conditions are the same as they were today our bowlers will be pretty happy. It will be perfect for us.”

The Zimbabwean-born batsman also admits he now feels part of England’s dressing-room once again after his first half-century since coming back into the team.

Ballance, dropped after England’s Ashes defeat by Australia at Lord’s last July, said: “It’s great to be back. The last few games I’ve felt good and got a few decent starts. It is good to be back. They are good mates in the team and I feel like I have fitted straight back in. Obviously it is good to get a decent score today just to feel part of it again.

“You always want to get that score when you come back. Luckily that has happened today and hopefully it will give me confidence going into the rest of the series.