England surrendered their world-beating pretensions to Pakistan in a 10-wicket defeat well inside four days at The Oval.
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Pakistan’s success at The Oval – which was achieved on the 69th anniversary of the country’s foundation as an independent state – was built on a brilliant 218 by Younis Khan, a hundred from Asad Shafiq and five second-innings wickets for leg-spinner Yasir Shah.
Pakistan openers Azhar Ali (30 not out) and Sami Aslam (12 not out) reached 42-0 for an emphatic victory just after tea.
Sharif especially lauded the historic and extraordinary performances of Younis Khan and Yasir Shah who scored double century and took six wickets respectively that consolidated Pakistan Cricket Team’s position in the match.
Meanwhile England are due to announced on Tuesday their squad for a five-match one-day global series against Pakistan starting next week.
It left England on 88 for four, still trailing by 126 runs, at the start of this fourth day. “I’m really proud of this team and I think that, if we can be number one after all these results, then we really deserve that”, he added further.
Moeen Ali is still unable to close an end down for his skipper and looks vulnerable when teams get after him, and Steven Finn ended the Test with a hamstring strain and will have a scan this morning.
England’s hopes were pinned on the last of their recognised batsmen and, despite the loss of Gary Ballance, the fluent Bairstow and Moeen Ali gave the sun-baked Oval crowd hope.
“We’ve given them four chances in that first session on day two”.
Chris Woakes was run out following a mix-up with Bairstow, who drove the next delivery from Wahab Riaz straight to extra cover, his departure for 81 ending any realistic chance of England saving the match.
Pakistan levelled the series 2-2 on Sunday, but Misbah and his team were penalised after failing to complete their overs in the allotted time.
Alastair Cook admits England have still failed to address urgent issues which must be solved if they are to return to number one in the Test rankings.
“You are always under pressure against England, until you take the last wicket you know they could put up a fight but the bowlers really did a good job”.
“If we can win this tomorrow 14th August it would be very special for us all as it’s our independence day”.
TV UMPIRE: J.S. Wilson (West Indies). Cook and Root performed well in the four Tests against Pakistan.
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THIRD TEST: Edgbaston, England won by 141 runs.
