MANCHESTER: Pakistan were set a mammoth target of 565 to win the second Test after England declared their second innings on 173 for one on Monday’s fourth day at Old Trafford.
Alastair Cook, the England captain, was 76 not out, and vice-captain Joe Root 71 not out.
It was the second time this match that England had gorged themselves on Pakistan’s attack, with opener Cook making 105 and Root a Test-best 254 in England’s first-innings 589 for eight declared.
The second innings saw England’s two most experienced batsmen put on 105 in 85 balls for the second wicket, with the duo adding 75 runs in just nine overs on Monday before Cook declared.
Pakistan will now need to rewrite the record books if they are to achieve a remarkable win — the most any side have made in the fourth innings to win a Test is the West Indies’ 418 for seven against Australia at St John’s in May 2003.
There are a minimum of 185 overs left in this match.
Pakistan lead the four-match series 1-0 after their 75-run win in the first Test at Lord’s.
