Tuesday 9 August 2016 10:18, UK
England can't lose the third Test to Pakistan thanks to a dazzling display from Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali, says Bob Willis.
The hosts closed day four with a lead of 311 after an unbroken stand of 132 between Bairstow (82no off 124 balls) and Moeen (60no) propelled Alastair Cook's side to 414-5 at stumps.
"Bairstow and Moeen Ali were absolutely terrific - their stand in the final session really broke the back of the Pakistanis and has taken England into an unassailable position," said the former England fast bowler.
"It was amazing, in particular, how freely Bairstow and Moeen Ali played, particularly against Yasir Shah.
"Before that it had all been a little bit pedestrian - England weren't banking on Cook and Hales going so early in the morning so the likes of Root and Vince had to dig in a bit.
"I know the conservative Alastair Cook will probably want more runs tomorrow but if you look at the history books, chasing 300 to win a Test is extremely tough. Pakistan will probably be eyeing the draw."
No side has ever scored 300 runs in the final innings to win a Test at Edgbaston - the highest successful chase remaining the 283-3 rattled up by South Africa against England in 2008.
"I think England have enough runs now," reflected Willis. "There was a case, perhaps, for Bairstow and Moeen really having a slog in the last half hour to try and get them another 20 runs.
"England would like more of a cushion but a vital thing when you're trying to bowl a side out on the last day of the Test match - and make no mistake, this is a very flat pitch - is the opportunity to take a second new ball towards the end of the day.
"So there are 90 overs in the day and you get a new ball after 80 - so I don't think England can afford to bat for more than four or five overs in the morning if they want a chance of taking that second new ball."
After needing 136 overs to bowl Pakistan out in the first innings and losing only four themselves in 125 overs across days three and four, the state of the pitch remains one of England's chief concerns.
"The better weather and the heavy roller has made this a very, very flat pitch - as demonstrated by the Pakistani bowling figures," said Willis.
"Of course, James Anderson is a magician on any surface and as long as he doesn't keep running on the wicket, he could be devastating with the new ball.
"But I think that Pakistan will back themselves to save the game; I don't think there will be one thought in their mind that they would go for a win.
"Their idea will be to go to the Oval next week at 1-1 rather than 2-1 down."
Watch live coverage of the fifth and final day of the third Test at Edgbaston live on Sky Sports 2 from 10.30am.
