Alastair Cook and Joe Root scored centuries to help England pass 300 runs on day one of the second Test against Pakistan at Old Trafford.

The hosts reached stumps on 314-4, leaving themselves in a strong position to level up the four-Test series 1-1 after losing the opener by 75 runs.

Alex Hales failed to make an impact today at the crease as he was bowled out by Mohammad Amir in the sixth over after hitting 10 runs off double the deliveries.

Cook and Root took a stronghold of the attack though, as they brought up a 100-run partnership in the afternoon session.

There was a special half-century for Cook as he earned his 50th one in his 50th match as captain, but that was not enough as he went on to score his 29th Test hundred, levelling Don Bradman's record.

The batsman's charge was cut at 105 runs on the stroke of tea by Amir, but Root was not deterred as he later claimed his 10th Test century in an impressive display.

James Vince, who was handed a lifeline when Younis Khan dropped a catch in the slips, contributed 18 runs before he was taken out by Rahat Ali.

Despite a frustrating day overall for Pakistan, Ali managed to nab another wicket in the form of Gary Ballance, who hit 23 runs off 57 balls before he was bowled out.

Root will return to the crease tomorrow nine runs short of 150, and he will be joined by Chris Woakes (2*) as England attempt to continue their dominance.