Archer backs pair to lead the fightback

England's Jofra Archer celebrates the wicket of Pakistan's Yasir Shah during day two of the First Test match at the Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester. PA Photo. Issue date: Thursday August 6, 2020. See PA story CRICKET England. Photo credit should read: Dan Mullan/NMC Pool/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No commercial use without prior written consent of the ECB. Still image use only. No moving images to emulate broadcast. No removing or obscuring of sponsor logos.

Pope will resume on the third morning alongside Jos Buttler, who owes the side an innings after missing a catch and a stumping when Masood had just 45 to his name.

Archer, who joined Stuart Broad in taking three Pakistan wickets, has not given up on the pair pulling things around.

“I wont say they can dig us out of a hole because I don’t think we’re in a hole at the moment, but I think they can put on a really big partnership and help swing the momentum of the game in our favour,” he said.

England's Ollie Pope hits the boundary during day two of the First Test match at the Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester. PA Photo. Issue date: Thursday August 6, 2020. See PA story CRICKET England. Photo credit should read: Dan Mullan/NMC Pool/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No commercial use without prior written consent of the ECB. Still image use only. No moving images to emulate broadcast. No removing or obscuring of sponsor logos.

“We just need to get as close to, or past, their total. Obviously the wicket is getting easier to bat on and I have no doubt that the two not-out guys can go on and score big.”

Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq had every reason to be content with his bowlers given their emphatic display in the evening session, but he was equally pleased with the set-up by Masood.

“It was an excellent performance by him, especially against a seam attack of Broad, Anderson, Woakes and Archer,” he said. “It was good application and his hard work paid off. He’s a hard-working guy, fit, very committed.”

“He’s scored runs in South Africa, got confidence in Australia, come back in Pakistan and scored runs and now he proved himself here in England.

“We would have been in trouble if he only scored a hundred but 150-plus was really special.”