Already 2-0 ahead in the four-Test series in the Caribbean, Virat Kohli’s team will be No. 1 if they can win the fourth Test at Trinidad starting August 18.
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Leg-spinner Yasir Shah took five wickets to help Pakistan crush England by 10 wickets in the final test at The Oval and level a fluctuating series 2-2.
Pakistan eventually went on to post 542 before being bowled out and took a first-innings lead of 214 runs, after which they bowled England out for just 253 runs.
Azhar Ali and Sami Aslam knocked off a paltry target of 40 on day four to deny England a series win.
By the time the championship resumes, England will be practising for their first one-day worldwide against Pakistan – leaving, conceivably, another brief last-minute chance in mid-September for Bayliss to appraise himself in person of the plausible contenders.
“The lower order has got us out of trouble, but they should be putting the icing on the cake, not making the cake in the first place”.
Younis Khan’s magnificent double hundred that set up this game for Pakistan another. Add to that he has had a really poor Test here with a bad drop at gully, an ill-advised rant at the third umpire and an ICC fine.
“Given those circumstances, I am really proud of this team – and it really deserves to be number one”. “It’s just they haven’t been good enough at this precise moment in time, and it’s something we have to look at”.
A stunning piece of fielding from bowler Wahab Riaz gave Pakistan the breakthrough in the eighth over after lunch, hitting the stumps directly while lying down when Chris Woakes (4) was sent back in mid-pitch.
Jonny Bairstow top-scored for England with 81 runs, and was the only batsman to score past 50 runs for his team.
“It is frustrating for the side and it is an area we have to work on”.
THIRD TEST: Edgbaston, England won by 141 runs.
Finn at least scored the runs that meant Pakistan would have to bat again before Broad reverse swept Yasir to Younis at slip as England were effectively reduced to one for nine.
Stokes has been sidelined with knee and calf injuries this season while Wood has undergone two ankle operations since last playing for England in a Test against Pakistan in Dubai in October.
On the other hand, former Indian skipper, Azharuddin said: “It pained me to watch Younis Khan bat the way he had been so I made a decision to speak to him before the final Test”.
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Pakistan won the first Test at Lord’s and England was victorious in Manchester and Birmingham.
