Wahab Riaz’s footwork came under scrutiny after England queried his use of boot rather than hand to collect the ball during the second Test in Dubai.

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It is understood England coach Trevor Bayliss brought the issue to the attention of match referee Andy Pycroft.

But available broadcast footage is not thought to reveal any deliberate contact by the fast bowler which might alter the condition of the ball to Pakistan’s possible advantage.

England batsman Joe Root appeared to exchange words with Wahab nonetheless on day four of a match England are struggling to save.

The tourists’ assistant coach, Paul Farbrace, was minded to defuse the situation at his close-of-play press conference.

Speaking after Root finished unbeaten on 59 out of 130 for three, and with England needing to bat out the final day to avoid going 1-0 down, Farbrace made it clear he does not expect the matter to escalate.

“In the heat of battle you are going to see the odd exchange between players,” he said.

“Riaz certainly won’t be signing for Chelsea in the Premier League with his footballing skills. The umpires dealt with it at the time and that is the end of it.”