Monday, February 6th, 2012
Pakistan have wrapped up a 3-0 series rout of England with a 71-run win in the third Test in Dubai on Monday.
Set a tough 324 to win, England resumed day four at 36-0 as they attempted to salvage some pride in a series they already trailed 2-0.
But despite reaching 116-2 at one stage, England collapsed as the likes of Umar Gul (4-61) and Saeed Ajmal (4-67) bowled Pakistan to victory.
Monday, February 6th, 2012
Pakistan have wrapped up a 3-0 series rout of England with a 71-run win in the third Test in Dubai on Monday.
Set a tough 324 to win, England resumed day four at 36-0 as they attempted to salvage some pride in a series they already trailed 2-0.
But despite reaching 116-2 at one stage, England collapsed as the likes of Umar Gul (4-61) and Saeed Ajmal (4-67) bowled Pakistan to victory.
Pakistan gather to celebrate their 3-0 whitewash of England
Skipper Andrew Strauss resumed on 19 and was joined by Alastair Cook on 15 when play got under way on day four.
The pair looked solid in the early stages but they could only add 12 runs to their overnight score before Strauss was trapped in front by Abdur Rehman (2-97).
Although the captain was caught plumb he reviewed the decision – rather wastefully – and replays backed up the initial call.
Shortly after Cook became the second-youngest man to score 6000 Test runs, passing the milestone at the age of 27 years and 43 days.
Disappointed English Cricket Team
He beat the likes of Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis and Kumar Sangakkara to the feat with only Sachin Tendulkar getting there quicker.
Cook and Jonathan Trott looked comfortable at the crease together, showing plenty of patience and commitment in a slow 37-run partnership.
It was no surprise to see England's resistance broken by Ajmal, however, who has been a thorn in their side throughout the series.
Star of the Test Series – Pakistan Spin Bowler, Saeed Ajmal bamboozled the English batsmen
He had Trott caught by Rehman before he added the wickets of Kevin Pietersen (18) and Cook (49) in successive overs.
Paceman Gul then got in on the act as he removed Ian Bell (10) and Eoin Morgan (31) to leave England reeling at 173-6 at tea.
And despite the best efforts of Matt Prior (49 not out) the wickets continued to tumble around him in the final session as Stuart Broad (18), Graeme Swann (1), Jimmy Anderson (9) and Monty Panesar (8) all departed cheaply.
The loss capped off a miserable series for England and they will lose their world number one ranking if South Africa defeat New Zealand 3-0 in their upcoming Test series.
Courtesy: "Cricket World"
