Odds against England in Lahore

Crucial lower-order runs from Geraint Jones helped England salvage a draw in Faisalabad © Getty Images

England almost managed to throw away the second Test in Faisalabad, but some good batting from the middle order saved the day and they are still alive going into the third and final Test, which begins in Lahore on Tuesday. Pakistan, who lead 1-0 after victory in Multan, are 1/3 (1.33) to wrap up the series while Michael Vaughan's England are 9/4 (3.25) to win the final Test and square the series.

While a series defeat would not be the end of the world for England, it would leave a sour taste in their mouths and they will be going all out for victory in Lahore. Naturally, they are also 9/4 (3.25) to win the Test, while Pakistan are 23/10 (3.30) and the draw is the favourite at 21/20 (2.05). It's not difficult to think that Pakistan will use every delaying tactic in the book in Lahore to ensure that a result, either way, is unlikely.

England have only won once in Lahore, on their very first visit to Pakistan in 1961/2, while the home side have won 10, lost just six and drawn 19 of their 35 Tests at the Gaddafi Stadium. The odds, it seems, are against England.