Pakistan-England 2nd Test Day 3: Pakistan need miracle as England opt against follow-on

MANCHESTER - The fourth day of second test between Pakistan and England is about to commence in few hours and observers are of the view that only a miracle can save Pakistan against onslaught by the charged English batting line up.

The third day of the match ended in favor of the hosts as they managed to increase the lead to 489 runs, leaving the Green shirts in need of a record-breaking second innings performance to bag victory this time as well.

After Pakistan bagged 198 runs in their first innings after England put a mammoth 598 on the board, everyone was expecting English skipper Cook to enforce a follow on, making it more difficult for Pakistan. Surprisingly, however, he took a different turn.

“It was a pretty simple decision to bat again,” England assistant coach Paul Farbrace told Sky Sports.

On the other hand, Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur said the tourists simply had to bat better in their second innings.

“I was disappointed with our first innings,” Arthur told reporters.

Asked if not being made to follow-on had made it more likely that Pakistan could draw the game, Arthur replied: “It probably gives us a bit better chance but that’s not an inflammatory headline, as irrespective of any declaration we have to bat damn well.”

England knocked out 6 Pakistani Players on third day limiting Pakistan to 198 runs. Currently, Alastair Cook and Joe Root are on the crease. The English side has made 98 runs in their second innings and it is likely that they will declare the innings very soon as the current lead of 489 runs is quite enough to level the series.