England can chase down whatever total Pakistan set in order to secure victory in must-win Test, says batsman James Taylor
ENGLAND batsman James Taylor has insisted that his side will be undaunted by whatever victory target Pakistan muster after their pivotal final Test in Sharjah remained evenly-poised after yesterday’s third day.
Pakistan’s openers wiped out England’s 72-run first-innings lead before England fought back in the evening session with three wickets as the hosts closed on 146-3, an advantage of 74. Seam duo James Anderson and Stuart Broad took a wicket apiece.
The tourists were earlier dismissed for 306 as recalled batsman Taylor top-scored with 76 after adding just two runs to his overnight score, while Samit Patel, another player who had been in the international wilderness, notched 42 – his best Test knock.
Despite Taylor’s insistence that England will relish their run-chase whatever its scale, he admits that a stream of wickets this morning is paramount to ensure a manageable hunt on a pitch likely to give increased assistance to Pakistan’s spinners.
“We’re confident in chasing whatever target they set us,” said Taylor, whose side trail 1-0 in the series. “The wicket is playing better than it has done all game and everyone can see that we are playing spin a lot better.
“I think it’s firmly in the balance. The way Jimmy [Anderson] and Stuart Broad bowled was unbelievable. They showed a lot of character and discipline and got their rewards.
“It’s going to be a massive first session on day four for both teams. Hopefully we can get early wickets.”
England remain in contention due to the unstinting efforts of Anderson and Broad, whose scalps added to the farcical run out of opener Azhar Ali, as their trio of spinners – Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid and Patel – again stuttered, returning combined figures of 27-3-90-0.
In Asia, teams that have conceded a deficit of 72 or more going into the third innings have won on just 12 of 270 occasions, losing 186, although England will be wary of the damage opener Mohammad Hafeez could cause.
The 35-year-old was 97 not out at the close and homing in on a ninth Test hundred, making the most of an early reprieve by the third umpire after being given out caught behind, while wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow was unable to pouch a sharp chance.
Anderson trapped Shoaib Malik, who has announced his intention to retire from Test cricket after the third Test, while only 14 deliveries remained in the day when Broad removed Younis Khan to boost England’s hopes.