BIRMINGHAM: England may have beaten Pakistan by nine wickets to win the second Test with more than a day to spare but home captain Andrew Strauss insisted the result didn`t tell the story of the match.
Pakistan were bowled out for 72 -- their lowest total against England -- in the first innings as their batsmen once more struggled to cope with the swing generated by the hosts` fast bowlers in, helpful overcast conditions.
But when the skies brightened in their second innings, Pakistam made 296 with debutant wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider scoring 88 and Saeed Ajmal a Test-best 50 as they added 115 for the eighth wicket.
England were left with a potentially tricky 118 for victory.
But yet more fallible Pakistan fielding - they dropped three catches to go with the seven they missed first time around - helped England go 2-0 up in this four-match series as both Strauss amd Jonathan Trott finished on 53 not out.
"This was a timely reminder you do have to work hard for a Test match," said Strauss.
England off-spinner Graeme Swann was named man-of-the-match after taking a Test-best six wickets for 65 runs in Pakistan`s second innings and Strauss said: "He was outstanding yesterday (Sunday).
"We were relying on him and he came to the party yet again. With his spinning there are not many better out there."
England`s first innings 251 saw something of a return to form for batsman Kevin Pietersen who top-scored with 80.
"Batting that second day was very tough, the innings that he played made a massive difference in the context of the game," Strauss said.
However, one concern for England emerging out of this match was the form of Strauss`s fellow left-handed opener Alastair Cook, who has now gone seven Test innings without getting to 30.
"I know he`s a quality player," Strauss said. "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."
Pakistan captain Salman Butt, who confirmed paceman Umar Gul would miss the remaining two Tests of this series after suffering a hamstring injury here on Sunday, praised the performance of England swing specialist James Anderson.
The swing specialist took four for 20 in Pakistan`s first innings and Butt said: "I think the English bowlers bowled really well on the day. I think Anderson is in the form of his life."
Butt also defended Pakistan`s decision not to play Mohammad Yousuf after the former captain and experienced batsman, called up after the 354-run first Test defeat at Trent Bridge, only arrived in England the day before this match.
"The last 15 days there has been very heavy rain fall in Lahore and he didn`t have a chance to practise," Butt said. "It would have been difficult to put him in and expect a lot from him."
BDST: 2144 HRS, AUGUST 09, 2010
