England Poised for Historic Chase in Pakistan, Says Assistant Coach Paul Collingwood
England assistant coach Paul Collingwood believes that if the team can chase down 297 to win the second Test against Pakistan, it will be an even greater achievement than their record-breaking win in the first match.
In the first Test, England shattered several records, including posting their highest total since 1938, 823-7 declared, to win by an innings. Now, they face the challenge of completing a daunting chase on a worn Multan pitch, reused from the first Test and now in its eighth day of action.
England ended the third day on 36-2, with openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley already dismissed. However, Collingwood remains optimistic about the possibility of a dramatic finish.
“We’ll still have that belief,” said Collingwood. “We know it’s going to be tough and we’ve got to be realistic, but we’ll find ways to put them under pressure.”
A successful chase would not only mark England’s highest fourth-innings pursuit in Asia but would also equal their third-highest chase in an overseas Test. Furthermore, it would be the best chase by any visiting team in Pakistan, underscoring the magnitude of the challenge.
After conceding a first-innings deficit of 75 runs, England fought back to dismiss Pakistan for 221 on the third day, setting up their chance to go for a remarkable win. However, Pakistan’s bowlers quickly made inroads, leaving England needing another 261 runs with eight wickets in hand.
Despite the difficult situation, England’s reputation under coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes for successfully chasing targets gives them hope.
Collingwood acknowledged the tough conditions but emphasized the team’s resilience. “It would [outstrip the first win], under the circumstances and conditions we’ve been given this time,” he said. “There’s still hope, and there’s only hope because of the amazing things these guys have done in the past.”
The final two days of the match promise to be a nail-biting affair as England seeks to make history once again on Pakistani soil.
