Yasir Shah leads Pakistan to 75-run win in first Test

The reformation on the same Lord’s ground where he had erred was symbolically achieved on the evening of July 17, 2016, when Amir shattered the stumps of the tailender Jake Ball and Pakistan defeated England by 75 runs to win the first Test in the four-match series.

“I am really proud of the team, the way that they fought”, said Misbah, who made 114 in Pakistan’s first-innings 339 – in a match when only two other batsmen reached 50.

Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah had another reason to celebrate on Monday after learning he is the top-ranked bowler in the world. He scored 73 in the first innings putting together 148 for the fifth wicket with Misbah, and followed that up with a timely 49 (under pressure from 60 for 4) in the second innings.

Yasir’s 10 for 141 – Pakistan’s all-time best figures at the home of cricket – included four for 69 in England’s second-innings 207 all out late on day four.

Misbah now joins an illustrious club of Pakistan captains to have led the team to win at the historic venue; the list includes Imran Khan, Javed Miandad and Wasim Akram besides Misbah. I thought we were OK on the first day, then Yasir getting six wickets hurt us, ” he concluded.

Former England seamer Tim Bresnan bristled at Pakistan’s celebration, tweeting “That might bite you boys”.

Off-spinner Moeen gives England options at the moment and I can see Yorkshire leg-spinner Adil Rashid, who has also been included in the squad for the second Test, playing as one of two spinners at some stage, but even that is hard for him to sustain – as we saw in the UAE last winter.

Pakistan celebrated their victory over England in the first Test by performing a series of press-ups although defeated skipper Alistair Cook admitted it wasn’t pleasant viewing.

“It’s really frustrating but we’ve lost before”, Cook added.

The corresponding Test match between England and Pakistan at Lord’s in 2010 saw teenage sensation Amir take a superb six for 84 to secure a coveted place on the dressing room honours board.

Buoyed by the probable return of Anderson and Ben Stokes, England will expect to play much better in the Second Test at Old Trafford, which starts on Friday. “Overall it was a good win for us”.

For a while, it looked as if Vince and Ballance might lead England to victory as they guided the side safely through to lunch.

Young or old, Pakistan’s Test cricketers bring a flair and passion to the game.