Shouting from the Hop

As suspected, Pakistan won the first test this morning, bowling England out for 175 to win by 22 runs. Only once before have England scored over 200 runs in Pakistan to win a game in the fourth innings, so it was no great surprise.

Defending a lead of 198, the pace of Sami, Akhtar, and Shabbir, plus Kaneria's wildly turning leg breaks proved too much for the fragile England batting. Geraint Jones top scored with 33, and Ian Bell weighed in with 31, but it was too little as England collapsed from 64-1 to 117-7. Jones and Udal then added 49 to give the team hope, but Akhtar returned to bowl Jones and end any dreams the side may have had of a famous win.

Overall, the batting line up looks weak without Michael Vaughan in the team; Paul Collingwood (out LBW to Sami above) is not a test match number four, and his run return from this game (just 13) confirms that. Kevin Pieterson (just 24 runs in the game) also needs to start scoring on the pitch rather than with Caprice off it! Andy Strauss (9 and 23) was also short of runs in this game.

On the plus side, Marcus Trescothick got plenty in the first innings, Bell scored well in both innings, Andrew Flintoff got in twice, only to get himself out caught in the deep twice, and Jones chipped in well down the order. The seam bowlers all came out with credit, and the wickets were shared around fairly well; the spinners took just one wicket each in the match, but both looked good and tight in short spells.

Hopefully, Vaughan's knee will have recovered in time for the first days play of the second test at Faisalabad on Sunday; I expect Paul Collingwood to be rested if Vaughan returns to the team.