'Cook has been an inspiration' - Bell

Ian Bell has called Alastair Cook's display on the third day in Abu Dhabi a "masterclass" and said how his performances throughout the year have provided inspiration for him during his own struggles.

Cook is now the leading global run-scorer in 2015, having started the year trying to break a century drought that stretched back two years. A hundred came in Barbados, followed by a marathon effort in the second innings against New Zealand at Lord's to set-up a remarkable victory but this innings stands out.

He finished the day unbeaten on 168, flicking the final ball to deep square leg then taking the generous congratulations of every Pakistan player, having faced 329 deliveries in more than seven-and-a-half hours at the crease.

There was a tight lbw review off Zulfiqar Babar on 101 and he was dropped once, top-edging a sweep off the same bowler on 147, but other than that handled the spin with utmost skill, heeding the pre-series advice of Paul Farbrace and Mahela Jayawardene to use the sweep judiciously.

"He's so organised," Bell said. "When I watch him against spin his defence is incredible. He executed the sweep today as well as I've ever seen him through a day of Test cricket. The way he works out his angles, for left-handers the rough outside their off stump can be tricky, but it was a masterclass today: how to defend, how to come down occasionally to chip over midwicket but also sweep from a full length."

This is the fourth year Cook has passed 1000 runs - equalling the England record held by Kevin Pietersen - and he is now second, behind Jacques Kallis, in runs scored by non-Asian batsman in Asia. Bell said Cook's durability to fight through the tough times was a reminder to make the most of the days which go your way, which left Bell frustrated he had fallen for 63.

"To play the amount of Test cricket he has, you aren't always going to be at your best but you have to show some character at times to get through them," he said. "What he's done well, especially last few months, is when he gets in he makes scores like this. They do cover your bad days. What he's been through, and what I've been through a little as well in the last few months, he's a good role model to watch. When you get days like this, cash in, and he does that as well as anyone

Bell was 1 off 35 balls, a period which had included a drop catch and tight shout for lbw, and it was not until he reached double figures that he started to look more secure.

"It's difficult to start, we know that from last time here. In the subcontinent, your first 40 to 50 balls are tough and if you get through that it will get easier," he said. "It was nice to bat long, but I was gutted not to go on - or certainly be there overnight with Cooky - I know that on a pitch like that you want to get in, make the most of it and get a big one."

Mushtaq Ahmed, Pakistan's bowling coach who worked with England until 2014 so has witnessed previous Cook epics from the opposite dressing room, also lauded the innings.

"He's got a great record in Asia, he played it beautifully," he said. "He has a lovely temperament and the way he played took the pressure off the other batsmen. He killed the zip of the spinners and seamers nicely. It was a brilliant innings once again."

Cook's career best of 294 - made against India at Edgbaston in 2011 - is still some way off but he may never get a better second chance for that maiden triple hundred.