Breeze for England

LONDON: Andrew Strauss (pic) was England’s captain cool as he steered his side to a nine-wicket victory against Pakistan at Edgbaston on Monday.

Strauss and Jonathan Trott both made 53 not out to calmly hunt down a target of 118 for the win on day four after the tourists’ resistance was blown away early on.
The out-of-sorts Alastair Cook was the sole man to depart after being cleaned bowled by Pakistan’s tearaway fast bowler Mohammad Amir.

But with Pakistan only able to add five runs to their overnight total, England’s chase was more of a procession than a nerve-jangler.

Strauss however was quick to back Cook, despite going three Tests without a score above 29.

“I know he’s a quality player. I know these first two Test matches the wicket hasn’t been great. He’s achieved a huge amount in his career and he will continue to do so,” said Strauss.

Having bowled Pakistan out for just 72 in their first innings, Strauss admitted England had to work hard for the win.

He added: “This was a timely reminder you do have to work hard for a Test match. If it had been a longer chase it would have been much harder.”

Salman Butt’s side dropped Strauss three times during the second innings, making it 10 for the Test and cruelly reminding their captain of the shortcomings they showed this time round.

But he can have no complaints about the 2-0 scoreline in the fourth Test series and will look for more from his side come the Oval clash on Aug 18.

“There were a few butterflies this morning because we knew we had to work hard for a test match win but that is the way it should be. It was hard work and we had to dig deep,” added Strauss.

Pakistan captain Salman Butt said they must improve their lacklustre fielding before the third Test. Butt said after counting 14 missed catching chances at Edgbaston.

Butt realises if they are to salvage a drawn series by winning at The Oval and Lord’s, his team will have to start holding on to opportunities.

Regular wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal was omitted after missing chances in the first Test at Trent Bridge and his replacement Zulqarnain Haider dropped three catches at Edgbaston.

Several of his team-mates were also offenders as Kevin Pietersen was missed three times during his innings of 80 that gave England their platform to win.

“The guys themselves realise that we need 20 wickets to win a Test match and if we drop 14 catches in a Test it makes it hard to do that,” said Butt.

“They were out in the morning working hard but one day is not enough. You need to do that continuously. These 14 include half chances and being professional we need to account for the half chances.” — Agencies