England Thumps Pakistan by 330 Runs to Level the Series 1-1

England had lost the first match of the series to Pakistan at Lord’s, London.

James Anderson, Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes took three wickets apiece as England completed a thumping 330-run win over Pakistan on the fourth day of the second test at Old Trafford on Monday.

Joe Root Named Man of the Match

Chasing a mammoth target of 565 for victory, Pakistan found batting no easier second time round and were dismissed for 234 in the final session as England levelled the four-match series at 1-1.

English batsman Joe Root was named man of the match after following his brilliant 254 in the first innings with 71 not out in the second. Captain Alastair Cook was also happy with the improvement in team’s performance after a woeful outing at first test at Lord’s.

It’s quite nice to bounce back and play like that. You have to consign the last test to the bin. Joe Root’s performance, stepping up to number three in the order from four, was so controlled. We all know what a world-class player he is, he didn’t put a foot wrong.

Alastair Cook, Captain, England

Anderson, Ali and Woakes Shine

Anderson got the ball rolling for England on Monday when he removed Shan Masood for one, the opener edging a ball to Cook at first slip and then trapped Azhar Ali plumb lbw for eight.

It was, however, a frustrating day for Ben Stokes as he limped off with a calf injury.

Opener Mohammad Hafeez looked reasonably secure but fell on 42 when he was caught by Gary Ballance at short-leg off a full delivery by Moeen.

Meanwhile, Pakistan batsman Younus Khan couldn’t get his foot in as he continued to live dangerously. His patience snapped when he tried to launch a Moeen delivery over the long-on boundary but was caught by Alex Hales for 28.

Pakistan Lost Wickets at Regular Intervels

Pakistan Captain Misbah-ul-Haq smashed Moeen for a six and played aggressively for his 35 before he was bowled by Woakes off an inside edge just before tea.

Sarfraz Ahmed was caught down the leg-side by wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow off Woakes for seven, Anderson trapped Asad Shafiq lbw for 39 and Moeen had Yasir Shah lbw for 10.

Wahab Riaz top-edged Joe Root to Cook at short fine leg for 19 and Mohammad Amir, after making an entertaining 29, drove Woakes to Stuart Broad at mid-off, completing a comprehensive victory for England.

The third test in Birmingham starts on 3 August.

(With inputs from Reuters.)