England v Pakistan: We have mountain to climb - Swann

Graeme Swann says England have "a mountain to climb" to win the third Test against Pakistan in Dubai.

The tourists closed the third day on 36-0 in pursuit of a target of 324, which would be their second-highest successful run chase in Test cricket.

"We can't be thinking about records and what's been done in the past," said off-spinner Swann.

"On current form I'd say it's an absolute mountain to climb, but a lot of guys have a point to prove."

England have been bowled out for fewer than 200 on four occasions in the series so far, including collapsing to 72 all out in the second innings of the second Test in Abu Dhabi.

"The batsmen have their game plans and I'm sure have looked at themselves and decided what happened in Abu Dhabi wasn't up to scratch," added the 32-year-old Swann.

"You may see a change of approach, but if I get a bat I might be gung-ho."

If the tourists are to survive, they will have to find an answer to Pakistan spinners Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman, who have combined to take 37 wickets in the series and will be aided by a wicket that is offering assistance to the spin bowlers.

"There's always going to be rough, but that evens things out for the spinners," continued Swann.

"The wicket is very good. It has flattened out and it is still very good for batting.

"Pakistan showed that if use your bat and move your feet, it can be difficult for the bowlers. That fills us with hope."

Swann had to wait until his 33rd over in the Pakistan second innings to claim his his first wicket, eventually finishing with figures of 3-101.

At the other end, left-arm spinner Monty Panesar, recalled to the England side for the second Test, took 5-124.

But Swann, who has bowled 85 overs compared with Panesar's 141 since the Sussex man's return, says he welcomes the competition.

"I think the number of overs we've bowled is down to how many right-handers Pakistan have," said Nottinghamshire's Swann.

"When some balls are turning and others aren't, it is harder to face bowlers who turn the ball away from the bat.

"I'm forever threatened by other spinners but, being an old warhorse, I just worry about my own game."