England left with a hard task
August 21, 2010 09:26:29 UK
England face an uphill struggle if they are to fend off Pakistan on the fourth morning of the third npower Test.
Their chances of a series-clinching victory at the Brit Insurance Oval looked healthy at tea yesterday with a lead of 119 and seven wickets in the bank.
Alastair Cook played a key part in that score, making a brave 110 to end a run of poor form at the top of the order, but none of his team-mates could emulate his efforts and a collapse of six wickets for 27 runs after tea left them reeling.
Bad light prevented Pakistan taking England's final wicket but they will resume this morning on 221 for nine, with a precarious lead of 146.
Current betting has Pakistan at 7.00 to win the match, with the home side available at 1.53.
Despite Pakistan's strong position, Cook has warned that England's bowlers can still win the game. "We've got a big four or five hours ahead of us," he said.
"Without a doubt, we know that when Pakistan are on top they are a very good side. But if we can apply some pressure with early wickets, that really changes the momentum and a total of 160 can look a long way away.
"Winning a Test is hard to get over the line, so hopefully we can put them under pressure.
"We're nearly 150 ahead and we'll try to eke that out and hopefully put them under pressure when we bowl.
"When we've got a small total to defend, everyone's going to have to come to the party like they have done through the series."
One potential problem for England is Graeme Swann's condition. The off-spinner, sure to be crucial to his side's efforts, has been suffering from flu.
Pakistan captain Salman Butt had said after day two that it was the first time his side had put together successive days of good cricket on tour.
Cook's efforts almost broke that run, but following the turnaround after tea he was pleased to declare it three out of three.
"In the end it was another good day," Butt said. "It takes just one session, or even half a session (to change things).
"It looked like England made a great comeback in the game and then there was a good session for the bowling side.
"We believed it just takes a good spell, or anyone to put up their hand and bring the side back. Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Aamer did that for us."
In-Play betting is available throughout the third Test.
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