England lead by 17 runs heading into day four at Edgbaston
Saturday 6 August 2016 10:30, UK
Alastair Cook and Alex Hales has given England a chance to push for victory in the third Test against Pakistan, says Mikey Holding.
Cook (64 not out) and Hales (50no) propelled the hosts to 120-0 from 35 overs as they turned a 103-run deficit into a 17-run lead on day three.
England were skittled for 297 in 86 overs in their first innings and Holding feels Pakistan could do similar in their second if Cook's side are able to carve out a substantial advantage on day four.
"You have to give England credit for batting well after being over 100 runs behind," the former West Indies seamer told Sky Sports.
"They didn't just go out there and block - they batted quite positively and got rid of the deficit in pretty quick time.
"A draw looks favourite but England could bat an entire day [on Saturday] and get a lead of approaching 300 - England were bowled out in a day so Pakistan could be bowled out in one day as well. You never know."
England claimed just three Pakistan wickets on day two - James Anderson striking fourth ball and Chris Woakes from the final delivery, with James Vince also claiming a run out.
But the home side earned greater reward on Friday, with the tourists adding only 143 runs for their final seven wickets - Woakes and Stuart Broad ending with three scalps apiece.
"Once England saw the ball moving around in the morning, it lifted their spirits," added Holding. "Once the ball is doing something and there is a bit more pace, it always helps the bowlers.
"I thought Finn bowled very well - the best we have seen him this summer - despite getting no rewards.
"Woakes kept on plugging away, as he has done throughout the entire series, and Broad seemed to be getting better as well.
"England restricted Pakistan as their lead could have been a lot greater."
Watch highlights of day three on Sky Sports 2 at 8pm, followed by the Verdict on the same channel at 9pm.
