Pakistan beat England by 75 runs to take their first Test win over England at Lord’s in 20 years and go 1-0 up in the four-match series. For the visitors Yasir Shah and captain Misbah-ul-Haq were the star performers as they lead Pakistan to a convincing win with bat and ball.
Shah’s 10 wickets haul and a first-innings century from Misbah-ul-Haq were undoubtedly the two key performances which sealed an early and important victory for the tourists.
Chris Woakes was the man stealing all the headlines as he took 11 wickets in the match and secured his place in history on the Lord’s honours board
Pakistan looked an exciting and dynamic side with a real sense of unity in the team. This was perhaps best showcased by the military press-ups and star jumps celebration in front of the Lord’s pavilion once they had secured the win. Pakistan look like a squad bursting with team spirit and togetherness.
It isn’t all doom and gloom for England though, despite the loss the match was a closely fought affair which could have swung either way a number of times in the final innings.
In the bowling department Chris Woakes was the man stealing all the headlines as he took 11 wickets in the match and secured his place in history on the Lord’s honours board. There were also decent knocks from Alastair Cook in the first innings and Jonny Bairstow in the second innings.
However, the Pakistan bowling attack was superb in both innings, their three left-arm seemers Rahat Ali, Wahab Riaz and Amir perfectly supported the destructive leg-spinner Yasir Shah. The Pakistan bowlers outfoxed, outclassed and outmanoeuvred the England top order and that is probably where this Test Match was won.
Going into the second Test at Old Trafford England will have have both Jimmy Anderson and all-rounder Ben Stokes back from injury. Having that sort of talent coming back into the England squad will definitely add a bit more spice to the second Test as Alastair Cook and the boys look to bounce back and turn this series around.
See the Third Test Match at Edgbaston
England will take on Pakistan on Wednesday 3 – Sunday 7 August at Edgbaston and tickets are available for just £6 for Under 16s and from £31 for Adults.
