Pakistan v England: Joe Root says tourists can force a win

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Alastair Cook and Joe RootImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Alastair Cook (left) and Joe Root put on 141 together for the fourth wicket

England batsman Joe Root says the tourists have a chance of forcing victory on the final day of the first Test against Pakistan.

England ended day four in Abu Dhabi on 569-8, a first-innings lead of 46 with two wickets remaining, after Alastair Cook hit 263.

Media caption,

Cook is world's best opener - Boycott

"It's given us a chance of getting a result out of this game," Root said.

"It's going to take something really special, but we have a glimmer of hope."

England lost 3-0 on their last tour of the United Arab Emirates, but Root, who hit 85 in England's innings, believes they can still get off to a winning start on this one.

"Anywhere up near a 100-run lead gives us a small chance of winning," he said.

"The pitch has started to spin a bit more, there's a bit more rough there. There was a spell of reverse swing from Wahab that looked very threatening, so there's plenty happening that could give us a chance of a result."

Pakistan v England day four

Former England spinner Graeme Swann also believes Alastair Cook's side can force a result.

"I would be demanding a positive view in my dressing room," he told BBC Test Match Special.

"If there is a sapping energy in the dressing room and people saying, 'It'll be a draw', then it will be."

But former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott said he was "convinced" the match would finish in a draw.

"You shouldn't lose wickets on there," he said. "The players have done their best, but you could play for 10 days on there and you'll still get a draw."

Image source, BBC Sport

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