The hosts won with a day to spare at Old Trafford to level the series.
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England declared on 173 for one in the second innings leaving Pakistan 565 runs to win.
“It’s an absolute hammering”.
England went on to win the Test by 330 runs to square the series 1-1.
Pakistan never really stood a chance of batting out almost two full days for a draw, especially after James Anderson took two early wickets before lunch.
England’s captain and vice-captain’s thrill-a-minute display in the early part of the fourth day had some jaws gaping wide open.
“It’s as good an innings as I’ve seen”.
“He is an extraordinary player, it is an awesome feat. He didn’t put a foot wrong”.
Root’s 10th four, a reverse sweep off Azhar, saw England’s second-wicket duo complete a century partnership. “But as I said after the last game, runs will count”.
His absence – confirmed shortly afterwards by England – from the remainder of Monday’s play in the first instance, is a significant blow in both the immediate and more medium term.
“He bats, bowls and he s a leader in the field – so it is a bit of a hole”. Legendary players such as Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar were disappointed by Pakistan’s display, calling it “spineless”.
It was the fifth-highest aggregate by any England’s batsman in a Test. “To get 198 and 234 on a good pitch – you can’t take that”.
England’s runs have come instead largely from Cook and Root, and a highly capable lower middle order too when required. “I’m sure it will be discussed”.
The third Test will be played at Edgbaston on August 3.
“I don t see there s any reason to panic just at the moment”, said Bayliss.
Misbah was the top scorer for his side, scoring 52 and 35 in first and second innings respectively.
Cook’s opposite number Misbah-ul-Haq had to reflect on a reversal of fortune, after the highs of Lord’s for Pakistan.
“We could have scored around 400 in the first innings – the ball wasn’t doing anything much”. “More importantly the shot selection was just not right especially from the senior players”.
“These guys are strong characters – mentally strong”.
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“He’s certainly working hard at it, so hopefully that starts to come together”.
