England thrash Pakistan in three days to draw Test series
LEEDS: England bounced back from their first Test humiliation to rout Pakistan by an innings and 55 runs in the second Test at Headingley on Sunday and square the two-match series 1-1.
The victory halfway through the third day was as comprehensive as Pakistan’s triumph had been at Lord’s, with England looking a completely different team from the one who had subsided to a nine-wicket defeat.
Joe Root’s side responded to the heavy criticism they received with a virtuoso allround performance.
In the morning, Man-of-theMatch Jos Buttler finished unbeaten on 80 as England extended their overnight total to 363, a lead of 189 runs, before Pakistan were bowled out for 134 in their second innings.
Stuart Broad and Dominic Bess both took three wickets and captain Root admitted his side had been determined to bounce back after the first Test debacle.
“A few of the guys stood up with a point to prove,” he said. “The senior bowlers set the tone and as a group it was really good.
“It swung first day, then seam came into it and there was also a bit of spin. It made for really good cricket.”
Root believes the win set up England for the five-test series against India starting in August. “We can beat India,” he said. “It is about making sure we have learned our lessons.”
Brief scores: Pakistan 174 and 134 (S Broad 3-28, D Bess 3-33) lost to England 363 (J Buttler 80*, F Ashraf 3-60) by innings and 55 runs.