Saeed Ajmal ran through England’s batting order at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium to hand Pakistan a monumental advantage after the first day of the first Test.
Ajmal took 7-55, his best ever figures in the five-day format, as Andy Flower’s charges were dismantled for just 192.
Matters could have been a lot worse for England, who were tottering at 43-5 just before lunch, but for a fighting 70 not out from wicketkeeper Matthew Prior and a counter-attacking innings of 34 by Graeme Swann.
In reply, Mohammad Hafeez – who had earlier taken the key wicket of Alastair Cook with his part-time off-spin – and Taufeeq Umar guided Pakistan to 42-0 stumps, compounding a dreadful day for England.
Speaking afterwards on BBC Test Match Special, former England captain Michael Vaughan seemed underwhelmed by the showing of his old side.
"England have got to learn from today,” he said. “If they do they've got half a chance, but if they don't then Ajmal will win the series for Pakistan.
“[Pakistan] look a fit, athletic team and are going to be a tough nut to crack. This is a good pitch – a par score here's probably 400 – but England got themselves out playing some poor shots.
