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 England v Pakistan 1st Test, Lord's, 18-20 May 2001 ENGLAND WON BY INNS & 9 RUNS  CADDICK AND GOUGH REIGN SUPREME Pakistan were undone at Lord's, trying to beat England at their own game. They inexplicably left out Saqlain Mushtaq, in favour of a five-pronged seam attack, that came off second best to England's opening pair, of batsmen and bowlers. After day one was lost to rain, Waqar duly put England expecting some early assistance from the wicket. But Athers and Trescothick were having non of it, continuing their belligerent double-act. Only Tresco's sliced drive at Razzaq ruined the blossoming partnership. While Athers was deceived by a straight one from Azhar Mahmood, who deserved his four wicket haul, through perseverance and guile. After lunch Hussain and Thorpe set about ensuring the solid foundation was not left to crumble as the England of years gone by might have. Hussain looked dogged, until Shoaib reared one up to break his thumb, and deny him a home Test century. Thorpe remained as cool and imperious as he has all winter. I only hope he does run dry before the Australians arrive. In the context of the summer and his impending paternal duties, Hussain's pain has come at as good a time as any. I expect to see him mooching around Old Trafford looking wistfully toward the pitch. Of course it is a damn annoying and less than pleasant feeling for Nasser the human being, aside his cricketing persona, I hope it heals well and swiftly. Meanwhile, deputy Stewart, assured debutant Ian Ward and a feisty Dominic cork pushed England on to high ground, ensuring against defeat at the very least. Wasim and Waqar had been a shadow of their former selves, while Shoaib was less than threatening - Nasser's bouncing bruiser apart. Then Pakistan attempted meekly to regain some composure, closing the third day at 115-4, things looked in the balance. When Youhana departed early on day three, only Younis Khan remained to shore up the follow-on dash. He showed no little skill, but all around him were being dismissed by a masterly Caddick, and a deadly Gough spell to cut off the tail. Following-on, they all but threw in the towel, this time Younis was unfortunate to be given out lbw to cork - otherwise the Umpiring was excellent - only Razzaq attempted any lengthy occupation of the crease. But Gough, now a fully-fledged, eighth member of England's 200 club and a confident miserly Caddick were merciless. Atherton and particularly Thorpe in the slips sparkled, and clasped everything within range. Caddick and Gough both finished with eight wicket's apiece, but the Westcountryman had dismissed top-order names to justify his deserved man of the match award. Corky even managed to get in on the act, he who had not a single first-class wicket to his name before the match forced Waqar to edge to Stewart with minutes of the fourth day remaining, giving him four scalps. The deed was done, Pakistan lay in ruins, while England's dream run continues. Richard Kendall |
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