Pacers wreck Pakistan as England lead series 2-1

BIRMINGHAM: Superb pace bowling, immaculate catching and astute captaincy combined to forge a thrilling final-day victory for England, who dismissed Pakistan for

BIRMINGHAM: Superb pace bowling, immaculate catching and astute captaincy combined to forge a thrilling final-day victory for England, who dismissed Pakistan for 201 to win the third test by 141 runs and go 2-1 up in the series.

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England refused to be cowed by a 103-run first-innings deficit, building a 343-run lead when they batted again and then destroying the tourists with an immaculate performance in the field that saw six wickets tumble between lunch and tea.

Pakistan’s most determined resistance came in the final session when a last-wicket stand of 50 between Sohail Khan and Rahat Ali frustrated England as the overs ticked down and play entered the final hour.

But, on 36, Sohail drove a flighted delivery from Moeen Ali straight back at the bowler, who safely clung on to a catch that sparked wild celebrations among Alastair Cook’s side.

The final test in the four-match series is at the Oval on August 12.

BRIEF SCORES: England 297 & 445/6d vs Pak 400 & 201 (Aslam 70; Broad 2/24, Anderson 2/31).