England complete innings victory
Spin king Monty turns the screw
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Saturday, 29, Jul 2006 09:54
Steve Harmison was the star for England as they completed an impressively comprehensive innings victory against Pakistan.
The England seamer took 5-57 in Pakistan's second innings of 222 by wrapping up the Pakistani tail, giving him match figures of 11-76, the first time he has ever taken ten wickets in a Test.
Meanwhile Monty Panesar, taking five crucial wickets including the vital scalps of Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf for just 13 and 15 respectively, registered his first five-wicket haul for England.
The Northamptonshire spinner ripped through one of the finest batting line-ups in international cricket with a spell which offered Bob Woolmer's side only lunch as respite.
Imran Farhat was first to fall to the cult figure of Panesar, badly deceived by the bounce the Pakistani opener dollied up an easy catch to Ian Bell via an inside edge and pad.
Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousef and captain Inzamam-ul-Haq were the slow bowler's victims after the interval as their second innings staggered to 167-5.
With Matthew Hoggard looking strangely short of form and Steven Harmison still feeling the effects of an ankle injury that prevented him finishing his last over yesterday, Panesar found vital turn in the pitch at exactly the time needed.
But it was Harmison, bowling at less than his full pace following a slight strain encountered during yesterday evening's brief bowling spell, who appropriately finished off the tourists' resistance.
In the end England won by an innings and 120 runs, Harmison being named the man of the match.
England now take a 1-0 series lead with two Test matches left to play this summer. The third Test takes place next week at Headingley in Leeds, beginning on Friday 4th August at 11:00 BST.