Strauss demands patience on final day
England will look to Steve Harmison to repeat his Old Trafford heroics
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Monday, 07, Aug 2006 09:39
England captain Andrew Strauss has demanded patience from his bowlers as the third Test at Headingley sits finely balanced going into the final day.
Pakistan require 323 to win on the fifth day to level the series at 1-1 with one Test left to play.
However, with signs that the wicket is starting to misbehave, Strauss believes England are the slight favourites to seal a series-clinching victory but only if the bowlers remain patient.
"I'd make us favourites because the wicket misbehaved with the new ball and even more with the second one," Strauss said.
"Patience has paid off for the bowlers all match and if we can get it in the right areas often enough hopefully the pitch will have deteriorated enough to give us ten wickets."
Pakistan have already suffered a blow to their chances, with captain Inzamam-ul-Haq unable to bat until the fifth wicket falls or the tourists have batted for four hours and 20 minutes.
Inzamam suffered bruised rib cartilage falling over his stumps during the first innings and spent most of the fourth day off the field.
However, spinner Danish Kaneira, who dismissed Kevin Pietersen and Alastair Cook in England's second innings, believes Pakistan have a good chance.
"The game is evenly poised but we have come here to play good cricket so we can level the series and get to the final Test on level terms," Kaneira said.
"We have done it in the past and if we play positively we can win the game."
All three innings in the match have been scored at over four-an-over, meaning Pakistan can win if they continue in this vain.
The final Test will be played at The Oval, starting on August 17th.