Target shows ‘we’re not scared of losing’ says Collingwood
Paul Collingwood insisted England are “not scared of losing” the first Test, with Pakistan requiring 263 more runs to win on what looks like being a thrilling final day's action in Rawalpindi.
The tourists’ daring declaration set Pakistan just 343 runs to win on a very flat surface, having scored 264 runs in just 35.5 overs in their own second innings at a run rate of more than 7.5 an over.
At the close the hosts were 80-2, with Imam-ul-haq – who will be looking to add to his first-innings century – unbeaten on 43.
Under Ben Stokes and Brendon Mccullum, England have repeatedly stressed their desire to become entertainers and get results rather than draws, an approach which was epitomised by their efforts to score as quickly as possible in their second innings on the afternoon of day four.
The declaration has significantly reduced the likelihood of the match finishing in a draw and Collingwood believes Stokes’ bold
approach in Rawalpindi is part of the bigger picture.
The England assistant coach said: “It’s exciting, isn’t it? On a pitch that’s been pretty docile and slow, and to be in a position now to watch a game that’s exciting tomorrow, it’s going to be great for everyone.
“The boys have shown they are willing to come up with different plans to take wickets out there and it is going to be an exciting day.
“It has been clear from the start we are willing to lose games for the sake of putting ourselves in the position to win them. Some might say it is an early declaration. We will see tomorrow if it is, or if it is a really good declaration.
“We are not scared of losing, which is a good position to be in. It takes the consequences away from the players and how we want to go about things. Tomorrow, hopefully, we can get on the right side and get a win.”
Meanwhile, Scotland won their ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League Two 50-over match against Nepal by three wickets.
After restricting their opponents to just 137 in Windhoek, Namibia – player of the match Chris Sole taking 3-12 – Scotland knocked off the runs with 17.5 overs to spare.
Chris Mcbride top scored for Scotland with 43, while Brandon Mcmullen finished on 32 not out.