"He loves this sort of run chase" - Nasser Hussain expects Ben Stokes to step up on day four of ENG vs PAK 2024 2nd Test
Former England captain Nasser Hussain expects Ben Stokes to deliver on day four of the second Test against Pakistan as the visitors attempt to chase a 297-run target. However, Hussain said he is concerned by the 33-year-old's lack of rhythm with the bat.
England ended day three at 36-2, chasing an imposing 297 on a deteriorating surface in Multan. The tourists lost their openers cheaply and will be up against spin duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali on day four.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 56-year-old said he has loved the contest in the last two days, given it's not a lopsided one. He also commented that such run-chases are tailor-made for Stokes.
"It's fascinating. An absolutely brilliant day of Test match cricket - the last two days have been incredibly watchable. It's not an uneven contest between bat and ball... they've not gone too far the other way - as you can see from the runs that have been scored, by Salman Agha down the order. Root is a key wicket. My only concern is Stokes and him being out of rhythm with his batting, having not batted for so long... but this is made for him. He loves this sort of run chase."
Stokes, who missed the first Test due to his hamstring injury, hasn't played since the final Test of the West Indies in the home summer. Noman Ali dismissed the all-rounder for just one run in the first innings.
"They've got a self-belief to win from any situation" - Michael Atherton on Ben Stokes-led England
Former England opener Michael Atherton reckons the tourists won't be thinking of anything less than a win, but acknowledged that it won't be easy. Atherton said:
"There's no way England won't be thinking about the win. The way England have played under a three-year period under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, they've got a self-belief to win from any situation. Like Collingwood alluded to, as observers you look at it with a degree of realism as well, England have never made this many runs batting fourth in Asia before."
"The reality of the situation is that Pakistan are in a very strong position and are favourites to win this game, but England have that belief and they will come out with a feeling they have a chance of winning this."
A win for Pakistan would be their first at home since February 2021.