Most fans would have taken Pakistan’s 1-1 series draw against England before the series began but were left disappointed in the way the side surrendered their 1-0 lead. PHOTO: AFP
LEEDS: Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed is proud of his side despite being thrashed by England in the second Test at Leeds.
“When we came here people thought that we will not win even a single game. The way we played at Lord’s was perfect but it’s disappointing that we had a chance to win the series but we didn’t play well here. I am still proud of my young team,” he said
England won their first Test match since September as they thrashed Pakistan by an innings and 55 runs in the second Test at Headingley on Sunday.
England stop the rot with thumping win over Pakistan
Victory, completed inside three days, saw England level the two-match series at 1-1 after Pakistan won the first Test at Lord's by nine wickets.
It was also England's first victory in a Test match since they beat the West Indies at Lord's in September last year, with the side having endured a winless run of six defeats in eight Tests coming into this fixture.
By drawing this short campaign, England avoided a third successive series loss after reverses in Australia and New Zealand. Jos Buttler's blistering 80 not out on Sunday saw England to 363 and a commanding first-innings lead of 189.Pakistan then collapsed to 134 all out, losing their last seven wickets for just 50 runs. Stuart Broad took 3-28 and off-spinner Dominic Bess grabbed his first Test wickets in a return of 3-33.
"It's been an enjoyable week, really pleasing to show a lot of character after the disappointment at Lord's," said England captain Joe Root while talking to BBC Radio.
Buttler, the man-of-the-match after being recalled to Test cricket at Lord's, was glad to have justified the faith of new England selection chief Ed Smith, who picked him on his form in the Indian Premier League.
"I am lucky I guess, for someone to take a punt on me and say there is a Test player in there somewhere despite not playing county cricket," Buttler told Sky Sports. "It gives me great confidence."
England beat Pakistan in second Test, draw series 1-1
Pakistan had been behind in this game ever since they making a mere 174 in their first innings after captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss on a good pitch but then saw his batsmen struggle in overcast, bowler-friendly, conditions. Sarfraz, however, insisted: "It was the right decision to win the toss and bat first but England's bowlers performed very well in the first two hours. It meant we couldn't capitalise on a good batting track," the wicketkeeper explained.”
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