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Strauss: Pakistan too strong

Strauss: Pakistan too strong

02/06/2012 09:33:52 PM

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England skipper Andrew Strauss had no complaints with his side's 3-0 series defeat to Pakistan.

The final Test finished in Dubai on Monday, with England bowled out for 252 in pursuit of 324 to win.

In a series in which no England player scored a century, Strauss pointed the finger at his side's batsmen and paid tribute to Pakistan's efforts.

"I'm a bit surprised we didn't get bigger scores," Strauss said.

"That was a consistent failure on our part. You have to give credit to Pakistan. When they got their noses ahead in the game, they didn't let us back in."

"The better team won, that's all you can say, Pakistan have been outstanding, they've been a unit, I've been very impressed by their professionalism, their unity in the field."

"England weren't technically good enough, strong mentally, Pakistan have completely dominated with the ball. That's been the story of the series actually, ball dominated bat."

Strauss said his side will not make rash changes but hopes they learn to play spin bowlers better in the future.

"We haven't been in the business of panic (team) changes and I don't expect that to start now," he said.

"The obvious lesson is to get bigger scores on the board in this part of the world and to play the spin bowlers a bit better."

"Test cricket is difficult by its nature, especially if you allow opposition bowlers to get on top of you, and we regret the way we played in the first Test, which set the tone for the series."

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq was understandably delighted with his side's series whitewash.

"I think it was a wonderful performance by the team and I just can't explain this in words," Misbah said.

"This victory means a lot to us. After getting out on 99 (in the first innings), I think nobody thought that you can come back in this game, but that's what this Pakistan team has been doing for a year and a half."

Azhar Ali was awarded the man-of-the-match award for his gritty 157 in the second innings and he spoke of the positive spirit in the Pakistan camp afterwards.

"I'm loving playing with my team," Ali said.

"It's a great unit and an honour to be playing with them. It's a great effort from all of us and a great achievement."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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