Head coach Chris Silverwood's wishlist for the final day of the Test summer includes seeing experienced quick James Anderson take his 600th wicket in the format and England finishing strongly in the third and final encounter against Pakistan in Southampton.
Anderson, having taken 5/56 in the first innings, dismissed opener Abid Ali to be just one short of reaching the incredible milestone at the end of Day 4.
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When he reaches there eventually on Tuesday (August 25), one of the finest exponents of the art of swing will become only the fourth bowler in the history of the game so far to eclipse the mountain.
"It is a massive achievement. To have two bowlers above 500 Test wickets (Anderson and Broad) and Jimmy closing in on 600 is an amazing feat," said Silverwood as Pakistan made 100/2 until stumps following-on after being dismissed for 273 in response to England's mammoth 583/8 (declared).
Anderson would've actually got his 600th Test scalp a lot earlier had England hold on to its chances in the first innings, something wicketkeeper batsman Jos Buttler repeated in the second when he dropped Abid's opening partner Shan Masood. Masood was later out LBW shouldering arms on 18 by Stuart Broad.
"No one means to drop them," said Silverwood. "Last night was gloomy but it's still not an excuse."
"And Jos's wobble(d) horribly as it came to him. We're out there every morning. So it's not like they're not working on it (catching)."
The Day 5 of the third Test marks the end of England's Test programme for the home season. The team lost the first Test against West Indies earlier on but bounced back strongly to pull off three successive wins, including the opener against Pakistan. The next game ended in a rain-affected draw.
Silverwood lauded his wards for their overall conduct and determination to play six Tests in seven weeks after an extended break due to COVID-19 pandemic and adhere to the quarantine regulations in the meantime.
"I'm very proud of how they've handled themselves, being locked up for the best part of 10 weeks in the 'bubble' -- their attitude and effort has been fantastic," said Silverwood.
"To finish strong tomorrow and see Jimmy get his 600th would be fantastic. I want to win the game. That's my first and foremost," he signed off.
(Inputs from AFP)
