Onus on England after follow-on is declined

Surprise decision was due to ‘wanting to bat while wicket is still good’

Alastair Cook’s unexpected decision to decline the follow-on option at Old Trafford, despite a lead of 391 runs, has put the onus on England to prove him right in the second Investec Test.

Cook had the chance to put Pakistan back in again once England bowled the tourists out for just 198.

But their captain was dissuaded during a ninth-wicket stand of 60 between Misbah-ul-Haq (52) and Wahab Riaz from taking the quick route to a probable innings victory.

Instead, after England extended their advantage by a further 98 for one at stumps on a rain-shortened third day, they will win at best by mere runs.

Their hope will be that the margin will still be very substantial as they seek to level the four-match series at 1-1.

Pakistan started the day on 57 for four but were bowled out still trailing by 391 runs from England’s first innings total of 589 for eight declared.

The England bowlers shared the wickets with Chris Woakes leading the line with four, Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes with a brace apiece and Stuart Broad and James Anderson getting one each.

Despite the huge lead, England decided to bat again before three rain delays interrupted their response.

They finished on 98 for one, with Alex Hales falling to Mohammed Amir for 24, with England 489 runs ahead at stumps.

Assistant coach Paul Farbrace explained the thinking, and insisted the decision was reached without extensive discussions.

“The key to it was wanting to bat while the wicket is still good,” said Farbrace.

“We didn’t want to put ourselves under any pressure of having to chase a score in the fourth innings.”

Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur admitted to pleasant surprise at being spared the follow-on, and in his estimation it is a turn of events which gives his team a marginally better chance of achieving a still highly-improbable stalemate after they faltered first time round to Chris Woakes (four for 67) and others.

Farbrace said: “We’re in a great position. We are very much in the driving seat for this game, we’ve played fantastic cricket for three days and certainly having bounced back from the way we played at Lord’s, we are really pleased with the way it has gone.

“We just think that by keeping them under pressure by batting again and putting a big lead on the board we really are in the best position to bat on the wicket while it’s still a good pitch.

“At the end of the day we are happy with the decision. Hopefully we prove it right by some time tomorrow.”

Farbrace also confirmed that the decision to not let Pakistan follow-on was not due to the fitness of Stokes or Anderson.

“They are both fully-fit, it’s great having them back in the side, it’s fantastic to have the two in the team.”

Picture: PA. Alex Hales made 24 before falling to Mohammed Amir as England declined the follow-on.