England claim big victory

James Anderson, Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes took three wickets apiece as England completed a thumping 330-run win over Pakistan on the fourth day of the second test in Manchester yesterday.

Chasing a mammoth 565 for victory, Pakistan found batting no easier second time round and were dismissed for 234 in the final session as England levelled the four-match series at 1-1.

‘‘It’s quite nice to bounce back and play like that,’’ said captain Alastair Cook. ‘‘You have to consign the last test to the bin.

‘‘Joe Root’s performance, stepping up to number three in the order from four, was so controlled. We all know what a world-class player he is.’’

Root was named man of the match after following his brilliant 254 in the first innings with 71 not out in the second.

Anderson got the ball rolling for England when he removed Shan Masood for one, the opener edging a ball to Cook at first slip, before he also trapped Azhar Ali plumb lbw for eight.

‘‘This is a big disappointment for us,’’ said Pakistan skipper Misbah. ‘‘We could have scored around 400 in the first innings [instead of 198], the ball wasn’t doing anything much.

‘‘We are short of confidence and shot selection really cost us. These guys are strong characters though, and I’m hopeful everybody is hurt and they will really work hard.’’