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Pakistan captain Azhar Ali rued the missed alternatives and lauded the Jos Buttler-Chris Woakes partnership that helped England snatch the primary Test right here.
He mentioned Pakistan failed to match up to the problem thrown at them by England on the fourth day at Old Trafford, main to their three-wicket defeat.
“It’s been a wonderful Test, disappointing to be on the wrong side of it. We had our opportunities to bat England out of the game, We lost run-outs which are a crime in Test matches, but this total should have been enough,” Ali mentioned after the match.
“They took the game on and the pitch started to do nothing. They changed the momentum and we couldn’t reply what they threw at us.”
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Buttler (75) and Woakes (84 not out) stitched an excellent 139-run stand for the sixth wicket to assist England chase down 277 and win the primary Test by three wickets on Saturday.
“I would give credit to their partnership, tough to keep the field up and the boundaries dry. One of the best innings of recent past was Stokes v Australia and this one is not far behind because conditions were tough,” mentioned the 35-year-old captain.
“Surprised there wasn’t reverse swing, but there was enough there, when we had five wickets we were happy with our discipline, but the partnership changed everything.”
Ali mentioned taking part in in entrance of a packed home would have been extra fulfilling for each the edges, which was not doable in view of the continued Covid-19 pandemic.
“But watching at home on TV, they (fans) will have been entertained, and we’re happy to be a part of it.” England captain Joe Root mentioned he knew a particular innings or a partnership can be wanted to chase down the goal of 277.
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“Couldn’t be more proud of the lads, approach was outstanding and that partnership was magnificent. We knew it would take something special but after last summer we knew not to stop believing. It’s a real strong trait of ours,” Root mentioned.
“Jos, it shows the mental strength, to play that situation and manage different passages of it, calculating risks, manipulating the spinner, brilliant innings, and Chris was magnificent too.”
Man-of-the-match Chris Woakes mentioned the situation of the pitch left him and Buttler with no alternative however to play a counter-attacking recreation.
“After that ball that Ollie (Pope) got, we knew that was the way to go on this pitch. It made up our minds for us, and worked into our hands, take it to them and put them under pressure,” Woakes mentioned.
“I was second fiddle to Jos (Buttler), I’d have loved him to be there to the end. One of the best white-ball players in the world and one of the best run-chasers. Today he showed why.”
Talking concerning the 4 wickets he additionally took within the match, Woakes mentioned, “It’s pleasing to pick up the big scalps. I feel really good with the ball, not much cricket coming into the series, but found good rhythm and I hope that can continue.”
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