Pakistan crush sorry England at Lord’s

The early dismissal of Azhar Ali was the only minor scare that Pakistan had to suffer after which Imam-Ul-Haq and Harris Sohail chased down the target in 12.4 overs.

With Dom Bess, it was like Joe Root walked back out, with his back foot punches and cover drives.

Buttler and Bess spared England from embarrassment by ensuring the team didn’t lose by an innings and pushed on from there, surviving through to the close.

Former Pakistan star Azhar Mahmood will ring the five-minute bell before the fourth day of England’s Test Match against Pakistan at Lord’s.

Babar Azam, who was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the wrist by a Ben Stokes delivery in the first innings and ruled out of further part in the series, has moved up 14 places to 86th position after his 68-run contribution.

The pair came together with the hosts reeling at 110 for six, 69 runs behind the touring side and heading for their first loss in a May Test at the home of cricket inside three days.

England resumed with apparent reason for a minor spring in their step thanks to Buttler and Bess.

England was 235-6 at stumps.

Instead, Buttler was pinned in front by Abbas and, with a review unable to save him, England’s hopes disappeared.

Mohammad Abbas of Pakistan celebrates.

Abbas had his fourth wicket when Stuart Broad also edged to Sarfraz Ahmed for a duck – and a pair – and then Bess was last out, clean-bowled trying to attack Amir. Both were taken by wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed.

The innings ended when Amir knocked over Bess’s off-stump.

However, England have won only two and lost six of their past nine Tests at Headingley.

Sarfraz Nawaz said that Pakistan needed same spirit going into the second Test.

They reaped the benefits of an elongated period of preparation. “It could have been interesting had we managed to take it deep into day four or five and had around a 200 run lead”. Pakistan, however, should still complete a deserved victory on Sunday. For his terrific 8-wicket haul in the match, Mohammad Abbas was awarded the man of the match.

“We can’t ignore this, we have to learn from it quickly”.

“If you look at the England team they are very experienced but I am proud of my players”. They can play good shots and understanding that is key.

If there were any jitters, though, they did not last long.

“It’s not a surprise that they have lost to Pakistan – they’ve been losing for a while”. It was just another game of cricket. “A lot of the things that we do are very good”.

Pakistani bowlers have always been hailed among the greatest for decades now and on Thursday evening at the Lord’s the young breed of the newer generation scripted an English collapse at its best.

Coverage: Ball-by-ball Test Match Special commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra, Radio 4 LW and the BBC Sport website. “Ireland gave us a tough time and that helped us prepare for this Test”, Sarfraz added.