Irving and Klay Thompson started the game for the Americans

Pakistan 257 for 3 (Younis 21*) trail England 297 by 40 runs Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsPakistans Old Trafford drubbing is already feeling a long time ago. On the second day at Edgbaston, Azhar Alis tenth Test century, and a second-wicket stand of 181 with Sami Aslam, carried Pakistan to a strong position as they closed on 257 for 3, just 40 short of Englands total, only for the gloss to be taken off slightly when Azhar fell to the final ball.Yet it was still an outstanding innings. Azhar had made just 39 runs in four innings during the first two Tests but here showed the determination and fight that Pakistan needed from one of their senior batsmen. He reached his century when he gloved his tenth boundary down to fine leg during the final session, celebrating extravagantly and following the lead of his captain at Lords with a set of press-ups.England paid the price for dropping him twice. On 38 Joe Root moved late for an edge at second slip and the on 69 Moeen Ali could not hold a stinging return catch. Those moments were part of a day of increasing frustration for England. James Anderson was warned twice in an over by Bruce Oxenford for running on the danger area on a day when his grumpy side was on full display. It would not be surprising if some of his actions gained the interest of the match referee, although after play he said he had apologised to both umpires, Oxenford and Joel Wilson.In many ways, however, the story of the day belonged to 20-year-old Aslam who made a wonderfully composed 82 having been recalled to replace Shan Masood. He was closing in on becoming the youngest opener to make a century in England when, having run superbly between the wickets with Azhar during their 62-over stand, he was sold short by his team-mate when he chanced a single to point. James Vince provided the spark England desperately needed when he swooped and hit direct with a fierce shy.But the breakthrough did not bring immediate further success. Younis Khan was unconvincing, repeatedly being beaten as he continued to move around the crease, but survived to reach the close with 21 off 68 balls and Azhar was one delivery away from walking off unbeaten with him only to jab at Chris Woakes final ball and send the edge to Alastair Cook at first slip.Englands day had started promisingly when Mohammad Hafeez, playing in his 50th Test, cut the fourth ball of the innings low to point: it ended up being their high point as the bowlers did not take a wicket for the next 89.1 overs with the Pakistan line-up, led by their second-wicket pair, putting Englands 297 into context.After the first days play, Gary Ballance, the top-scorer, suggested they were content with the total in what he said were tough conditions. Twenty-four hours later, though, not only did Misbah-ul-Haqs decision to bowl look even more well-informed, but Aslam and Azhar had given an exemplary display of what a bit of graft - not a word often associated with this England batting order, except for Cook - can bring. England will consider that they did not make the most of the first new ball, bowling a fraction short and wide, and will have to follow-up Woakes late strike with further inroads on the third morning to even the contest.Both Aslam and Azhar were content to bide their time: 72 runs came in the first session and 82 in the second. They left well, backing themselves to soak up the pressure when maidens were strung together, pushing Englands bowlers deep into the day. Even with a five-man attack, if wickets are hard to come by the strain will be felt.To add to the quality of Aslams innings was the fact that he had not had a first-class knock since last December. His smart leaving meant the bowlers were drawn into being straighter, when he would either knock them into the off-side gaps or work them off his pads, and neither was he unsettled when he ducked into a short ball from Woakes that struck the back of his helmet. He rarely looked hurried into his shots and only attacked when it was a low-risk option.He also showed that trait of all Pakistan batsmen: the desire to target Moeen. Either side of tea he pressed his accelerator against the spinner, reaching his fifty with a paddle sweep then providing a repeat before twice biffing Moeen over mid-on, the second of them clearing the boundary. His strike rate against Moeen was 108, the best against the seamers was 50 against Steven FinnHis departure was unfortunate, but what Pakistan could ill-afford was for it to knock Azhar off his stride and give England an opening to claw their way back. He did not linger long in the 90s, reaching his second century against England, and then kicked on ahead of the second new-ball being due. He then began setting himself again, adding just another 10 runs off 40 balls, before his concentration let him down at the last moment. However, he has given his team a platform from which to dominate. The full context of this innings will emerge over the next few days, but it has the potential to achieve something very significant for Pakistan. Luke Kunin Jersey ., for the next three years with the signings on Monday of Daryl Townsend and Michael Carter. Matt Dumba Wild Jersey . Tevez, who has had conflicts with coaches in the past, has not been called up since Sabella was named coach in 2011. Argentina boasts Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Angel Di Maria. http://www.authenticwildpro.com/Zach-parise-wild-jersey/ . The Browns coaching search remains incomplete. Greg Pateryn Jersey . Houston won 3-0 to advance to face New York in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Last in the game, Di Vaio and Romero got into a shoving match with several Houston players. Romero appeared to elbow and kick Houston defender Kofi Sarkodie. Jordan Greenway Wild Jersey . Terms of the deal were not immediately available. The 26-year-old finished last season with Clevelands Triple-A affiliate in Columbus after signing with the Indians in August. RIO DE JANEIRO -- Kevin Durant looks ready to lead a new group of Americans to the gold-medal podium.Durant picked up right where he left off in the 2012 Olympics with 25 points, and the U.S. mens basketball team routed China 119-62 on Saturday night in its opening game.The new Golden State Warriors star scored 30 points four years ago in the gold-medal game, when the Americans held off Spain for the championship. Only he and Carmelo Anthony returned from that team, but the new guys were plenty ready for their Olympic moment.We just wanted to send a statement to the rest of the world, Anthony said. Come out this first game and let everybody know that were focused, were locked in and were about business on this trip.DeMarcus Cousins added 17 points and Paul George 15 for the U.S., which is a heavy favorite to win a third straight gold and wont change any opinions after this performance.LeBron James and Chris Paul passed on searching for more gold with Durant and Anthony, and plenty more top players who would have been on this roster also declined. But coach Mike Krzyzewski said this squad has already bonded as much as any of the three U.S. teams he has led in the Olympics.Just because they arent here today, weve got another batch of guys thats walking around on the streets saying they want to win a gold medal and we all have something in common, Durant said. Its cool to have a fraternity of guys who have won a gold medal. Its rare.Durant was 10 of 14 from the field and made five 3-pointers.When you get hot, you want to see your bench get excited for you, Durant said. Thats better than making the shot, to be honest with you. When I saw my teammates get excited for me, that kept me going.Tougher competition might come later, but it should be an easy start for the Americans. They play again Monday against Venezuela, another team they beat easily in exhibition play.Anthony finished withh nine points and made by history becoming the first U.ddddddddddddS. male to play basketball in four Olympics. He will become the first three-time gold medalist on the mens side if the U.S. wins.The 32-year-old veteran tied LeBron James and David Robinson by playing in his 24th game in the Olympics.The Americans beat the Chinese twice in exhibition play by scores of 106-57 and 107-57, and this one was even less competitive.Former NBA lottery pick Yi Jianlian had 25 points to open his fourth Olympics. No other players were in double figures for the Asian champions.As a matter of fact the result of this game was already kind of expected before the game even started, China coach Luming Gong said through an interpreter.Durant, Anthony, Cousins, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson started the game for the Americans, and all 12 players scored. They had 31 assists on their 38 baskets.The Chinese got on the board first with a pair of free throws, and it was tied at 4 after a basket by Yi. Then it was nine straight points for the Americans, who closed the first quarter with a 26-6 burst to lead 30-10.DeAndre Jordan shook the backboards inside Carioca Arena 1 with some of his powerful dunks, DeMar DeRozan had a couple, and in case the dunks were too easy, Irving knocked in four 3-pointers in the second half for his 12 points.There were flags waving and fans singing, the festive scene in the stands more interesting to watch than the game that wasnt competitive after the first few minutes.The U.S. was favored by about 50 points, so it wasnt supposed to be close.If the Americans keep playing like this, the Olympic competition may not, either.---AP Sports Writer Tom Withers contributed to this report.---Follow Brian Mahoney on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Briancmahoney ' ' '