Chris Woakes Feels England Can Still Beat Pakistan In First Test

England bowled exceptionally in the second inning to reduce Pakistan to 137/8 but the visitors have already taken a 244 runs lead by the end of Day 3. Premier England all-rounder Chris Woakes however believes that his side are still in with a chance to win the match even though they displayed a lacklusture batting performance during their first essay.

Courtesy of bowling brilliance from Yasir Shah, after the fast bowlers made life difficult, England were bowled out for 219 runs in the first innings. Woakes said that toss played an important factor as if you lose it on such a surface you will be up against a huge deficit.

Woakes believes that England have given themselves a chance with the stupendous bowling display and are still within the reach to win the match. He also said England should pick up two quick wickets in the penultimate day.

“When you lose the toss on a surface like this you are always going to be up against it, especially if there is a first innings deficit,” Woakes told reporters at the close of the third day.

“At the same time, we have given ourselves a chance. They are not completely away from us, and we feel we can get them, even if we do still have to pick up two wickets in the morning.”

Pakistan will resume Day 4 with Mohammad Abbas and Yasir Shah at the crease. Woakes has picked up a couple of wickets while Ben Stokes and and Stuart Broad have also picked two each. Spinner Dominic Bess has got 1 while James Anderson is still wicketless.

After the three-Test series against Pakistan, England will host the visitors for as many T20Is with the final match set to take place on September 1.