Cook applauds side’s character but admits to worry over Stokes injury
England captain Alastair Cook hailed the character of his side as they cruised to a 330-run series-levelling victory over Pakistan in the second Investec Test at Old Trafford.
The hosts resumed on 98 for one at the start of day four before declaring on 173 for one with Cook unbeaten on 76 and Joe Root 71 not out, leaving Pakistan a world-record target of 565 to double their lead in the four-match series.
But the tourists struggled to have the same impact with the bat as they crumbled to 234 all out, with Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes and James Anderson each taking three wickets, giving England an emphatic win as they avenged their defeat at Lord’s eight days ago.
Cook said: “There wasn’t too much that could have got better, so I’m really pleased with the character we showed, obviously to get bowled out like we did at Lord’s and then bat like that.
“We know we can get a bit of pace and bounce in the wicket, it does suit our bowlers and the nicks carry, even at Lord’s they didn’t get away from us with the bat. We feel like we have some good momentum there to score the runs.”
The only downside to the victory was the calf injury to Ben Stokes while he was bowling on day four, but Cook feels there is cover if needed, adding: “Stokesy looks a little bit in trouble with his leg for Edgbaston but he has a scan tomorrow and we will see.
“We have Steven Finn and Jake Ball, who missed out here, so we are lucky on that side. It is a real strength in depth.”
On Anderson’s fitness, Cook said: “I think Jimmy (Anderson) is fine, I think, naturally, in your first Test match back, he will be a little bit sore, but he’s fine.”