Cricket:England will have to rediscover all their old, world-beating resilience to avoid a 3-0 series defeat against Pakistan. Alastair Cook concedes that, from 180 runs behind already and with only two of Pakistan's second wickets taken by stumps on day two at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the tourists will need a massive collective effort to pull off an unlikely fightback.
But even after England bowled in vain for more than two sessions at Younus Khan (115 not out) and Azhar Ali (75no) as Pakistan piled up 222 for two, they know they simply cannot afford to do anything other than retain faith in their own ability.
If they are to come out on top from such an unpromising position, Cook is among those who will have to put this tour’s previous disappointments behind him. He is prepared to dig deep, though, and knows others will be too.
“If we sit here when we turn up tomorrow and say ‘well, we’ve lost this game already’ then we might as well give Pakistan victory right now,” said the opener. “If we’re thinking that in our dressing room, we might as well just not bother turning up.
“It will take some serious guts to drag ourselves out of this. But there are some bloody good players in that dressing room, and I hope we can stand up.”
England must look back beyond their series defeat here, to the performances which helped them to the top of the world Test rankings, for inspiration that they have it in them after all to defy their hosts.
“We all know we’re a very long way behind in this game,” Cook added. “When we do get round to batting again — we’ve had our struggles on this tour - it’s going to take some serious character from the top six to turn it around.
“Anything is possible, but it’s going to take a lot of mental toughness to deliver it. I know we’ve got the players in there. But there’s only so many times you can keep saying that — we’re going to have to get out there and do it.”
Younus was determined from the outset, having been so annoyed by his dismissal yesterday — chasing a wide delivery from Stuart Broad — in Pakistan’s 99 all out first time round.
“I was very angry with how I got out in the first innings,” he said. “So I changed my mind and played more positively.”
It will be hard to argue with a 3-0 home win, unless England belatedly play up to their ranking, but Younus is nonetheless taking nothing for granted yet.
“They tried their best, but at the moment we have the edge on them. England have fantastic players, and are number one. It won’t be easy for us, so there could be a fightback. But they will need some luck.”