If Pakistan declare overnight England will have to chase down 282 which is their previous highest run chase in the fourth innings at Lord’s and it was against New Zealand (282/3) in 2004. However since there are no weather forecasts about rain or bad light they would not and should not do so. There are still 180 overs left in this inaugural test of 2016 series. By the way England’s highest ever fourth innings chase was way back in 1928 (332/7 vs Australia at Melbourne).
Records have tumbled in this Test, and there is a possibility that more may be broken. Woakes has taken five wicket hauls in both innings of a Test – the last time this happened for England at Lord’s was Ian Botham’s similar feat feat in 1978 against New Zealand. Yasir Shah’s six wickets equals Mohammad Amir’s 6 wickets at Lord’s in 2010. And the last time a Pakistani leg spinner took six wickets in an innings against England was Mushtaq Ahmed 1n 1996 at the Oval.
After having polished off the English tail and gaining a significant 67 run lead the Pakistani batsmen floundered to be 60/4. After this a rescue operation was launched by Younus Khan and Asad Shafiq who put on 69 valuable runs for the 5th wicket. After the departure first of Younus and then of Asad , Sarfaraz and Yasir added 40 more priceless runs. Sarfraz and Wahab fell in quick succession but Yasir and Amir saw the end of the day’s play at 214/8. Yasir chancing his arm and being smiled upon by lady luck is 30 not out his highest effort in Test Cricket. England’s fielding today particularly in the latter half of the Pakistan innings was found wanting. There were some misfields and catches were dropped by Bairstow and Broad. It is a good omen that the latter half of Pakistan’s batting delivered today. From 60/4 , the next four wickets put on 154 runs to give Pakistan a lead of 281. Tomorrow Pakistan should endeavour to add as many as possible. The team management should stress the fact to Yasir, Amir and Rahat to try and get a lead of around 325 to 340.
The pitch is beginning to assist some spin and bounce; and certain deliveries are also keeping low. The second new ball is also due after 3 overs. No praise is enough for the way Woakes used the conditions and performed brilliantly throughout the match particularly Pakistan’s second innings. Mueen helped by the pitch got the most prized Pakistani wickets – those of Misbah and Younus. Broad chipped in with one wicket while Finn and Ball were wicketless and luckless.
Once again an almost capacity crowd watched the absorbing battle between bat and ball although it was the slowest of the three days – 282 runs were scored on Day 1; 300 yesterday but only 233 for the fall of eleven wickets today. Pakistan should try and finish off the match tomorrow to get an extra day’s rest; but England have other thoughts. It augurs well for Test Cricket.