Rated: England’s 7 best Ashes spinners in Australia

Another Ashes series looms on the horizon as England prepare to travel to Australia at the end of the year.

Without doubt it’s the biggest clash in Test cricket as it brings with it the extraordinary weight of history. Over the years there have been some amazing series between these two old foes.

As we start looking towards the latest staging of the Ashes, which is set to run from 21 November to 8 January, we pick our seven best England spinners to have done duty Down Under.

For the record we have limited this list to players from the last 70 years – there were plenty of great performers from the 1800s (guys like Bobby Peel, Johnny Briggs and Billy Bates), but the wickets and conditions were vastly different then.

1. Fred Titmus

• Innings: 23
• Wickets: 37
• Best match figures: 7/79
• Average: 40.35
• Economy: 1.96

A stalwart of Middlesex and England, Fred Titmus embodied reliability in an era dominated by fast bowlers.

His returns in Australia were not always headline-grabbing, but his ability to tie down an end with metronomic off-spin allowed England’s quicks to rotate and attack.

Titmus was never one to be flustered, and his economy rate of under two runs per over tells the story of a bowler who understood the value of pressure in Ashes cricket.

2. Geoff Miller

• Innings: 19
• Wickets: 36
• Best match figures: 6/57
• Average: 20.63
• Economy: 1.82

Miller’s numbers in Australia stand out for their sheer efficiency. With a superb average of just over 20, he proved to be England’s most effective post-war spinner Down Under.

His off-spin lacked extravagance but was highly effective on responsive pitches and against aggressive Australia batsmen.

Miller’s calm temperament, combined with his tactical nous, made him invaluable, particularly on the 1978–79 tour when he played a major role in England regaining the Ashes.

3. John Emburey

• Innings: 18
• Wickets: 34
• Best match figures: 7/140
• Average: 28.50
• Economy: 1.9

For over a decade, John Emburey was the go-to spinner for England in challenging conditions. His off-breaks were not explosive, but he extracted bounce and turn, on even the flattest of surfaces.

In Australia, his control was crucial, keeping scoring rates in check and chipping in with key wickets. Emburey also offered leadership and resilience, often fronting up against a dominant Australian side in the 1980s.

His best match figures of 7/140 highlight his ability to make an impact even on unhelpful decks. Would undoubtedly have claimed more Ashes wickets had he not opted to join Graham Gooch as a rebel tourist to South Africa.

Also read – Rated: Australia’s greatest Ashes openers – no room for David Warner or Justin Langer

4. Derek Underwood

• Innings: 19
• Wickets: 33
• Best match figures: 11/215
• Average: 33.78
• Economy: 2.20

Nicknamed “Deadly,” Derek Underwood remains one of England’s most celebrated spin bowlers. Though perhaps most dangerous in damp conditions at home, he still managed to carve out notable success in Australia.

His stamina and accuracy set him apart, with the ability to bowl marathon spells that kept England in contests. His 11 wickets in a match in 1974–75 demonstrated that even in a country famed for pace-friendly pitches, Underwood’s left-arm spin could be a real weapon.

5. Graeme Swann

• Innings: 16
• Wickets: 22
• Best match figures: 7/161
• Average: 52.59
• Economy: 3.20

Swann’s overall record in Australia may look modest, but context matters. He was a crucial part of the famous 2010–11 series victory, England’s first Down Under in nearly a quarter of a century.

Swann’s role was to hold up one end and give the seamers space to dominate, and he did that with resilience and skill. His 7/161 at Adelaide was pivotal, and his larger-than-life personality also brought confidence to the dressing room.

Swann is remembered as a spinner who embraced the battle and who was never intimidated by the stage.

6. Phil Tufnell

• Innings: 14
• Wickets: 19
• Best match figures: 6/156
• Average: 41.42
• Economy: 2.26

The “Cat” was mercurial, capable of brilliance one day and frustration the next. Yet Phil Tufnell gave England moments of inspiration in Australia, most memorably his 6/156 at Sydney in 1995.

His left-arm orthodox spin could bamboozle the best, and while his career was not always consistent, Tufnell’s talent was undeniable. In an era where spinners often played a supporting role, he had the ability to be a match-winner.

7. Phil Edmonds

• Innings: 11
• Wickets: 15
• Best match figures: 5/158
• Average: 37.66
• Economy: 2.02

Phil Edmonds brought a combative edge to England’s spin stocks in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Never one to shy away from a confrontation, Edmonds combined accuracy with aggression, often bowling long spells under pressure.

While his returns in Australia were steady rather than spectacular, he offered balance to the attack and was capable of prising out top-order wickets. His fiery competitiveness endeared him to teammates and kept him in the reckoning for major tours.

Read next – 5 nighthawks rated: The best nightwatchmen efforts of all time

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Ranked: The 7 biggest and best centuries in T20I cricket history – one Australians features twice

Scoring big runs is the goal of T20 cricket. It’s about getting in and maximizing the opportunity once you get a start.

Time is short and luck must be ridden, but when it comes off it can be spectacular. With risks taken with almost every ball that’s faced, scoring big totals is not easy.

But despite the risks involved in scoring big in T20I cricket, there have been some massive individual totals recorded.

Let’s look at the highest ever T20I scores recorded since the first ever game in the format was played back in 2005.

1. Aaron Finch (Australia)

• 172 runs vs Zimbabwe

Aaron Finch’s monumental 172 against Zimbabwe in July 2018 remains the pinnacle of T20I batting feats. Finch was in ruthless form, striking boundaries at will and maintaining a remarkable strike rate as he completely dominated proceedings.

This innings, which included 10 sixes and 16 fours as Finch scored more than 75% of all Australia’s runs. Having opened the batting with D’Arcy Short, who made 46, the only other batter to make runs was Marcus Stoinis who scored a single.

Finch’s ball striking was brutal as was his ability to keep the strike as he farmed it for himself facing 76 of the 120 balls bowled.

2. Hazratullah Zazai (Afghanistan)

• 162 not out vs Ireland

Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai etched his name into T20I history with an unbeaten 162 against Ireland in February 2019.

Zazai’s innings was a masterclass in fearless stroke play, combining raw power with precise placement. Coming in at the top of the order, he shared an excellent first wicket stand of 236 with Usman Ghani as Afghanistan made the most of winning the toss.

Zazai’s knock saw Afghanistan post an excellent score of 278 as they ran out winners by 78 runs.

3. Aaron Finch (Australia)

• 156 vs England

Finch makes a second appearance on this list with his 156 against England in 2013. Unlike his record 172, this innings displayed a blend of timing, innovation, and explosive hitting.

Finch’s ability to accelerate through the innings and adapt to the game situation made it one of the most entertaining T20I performances of its era.

At the time, it set the standard for how modern batsmen approached the T20I format, blending caution with aggression to construct a monumental score.

As was the case with his knock against Zimbabwe, Finch completely dominated the scoring making over 60% of the total, his effort made all the better by the quality if the attack he did it against – England’s bowling line-up included Steve Finn, Stuart Broad and Jade Dernbach.

Also read – Built: The perfect Test cricketer based on best drive, best defence and 7 other important features

4. Sacha De Alwis (Cayman Islands)

• 150 not out vs Brazil

While not from a traditional cricket powerhouse, Sacha De Alwis’ 150* for the Cayman Islands against Brazil in 2019 proved that exceptional T20I innings can come from anywhere.

Born in Sri Lanka, De Alwis combined innovative stroke play with fearless aggression, completely dominating the opposition bowling attack.

His innings stands out as a reminder that T20I cricket has given a platform to associate nations, allowing players from smaller cricketing nations to showcase talent on a global stage and produce record-breaking feats.

Certainly not a household name, De Alwis averages 27.55 in T20I cricket and along with his massive 150*, he has also managed a further three 50-plus scores in T20Is.

5. Glenn Maxwell (Australia)

• 145 not out vs Sri Lanka

Here’s a player nobody will be surprised to find on this list – it’s Australia’s Glenn Maxwell, a man known for his improvisation and power hitting. Known as the ‘Big Show,’ Maxwell delivered an unforgettable 145* against Sri Lanka in 2016.

His innings, which was one of the best examples of his sensational striking ability, was peppered with reverse sweeps, ramps, and towering sixes.

His ability to manipulate the field and maintain a blistering strike rate throughout made this innings one of the most entertaining in T20I history.

6. Sahil Chauhan (Estonia)

• 144 not out vs Cyprus

Another little-known player who banged his runs in a game between two sides not really known for their cricketing feats.

Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan stunned the cricketing world with an unbeaten 144 against Cyprus, highlighting the increasing competitiveness among emerging T20 nations.

Chauhan’s innings was a mix of consistency, power, and timing, allowing him to remain unbeaten while keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Coming to the crease with side in trouble at nine for two, Chauhan took control, scoring 75% of the runs as Estonia chased down a score of 191 to win with 42 balls remaining.

7. Phil Salt (England)

• 141 not out vs South Africa

England’s Phil Salt produced a scintillating 141* against South Africa on their recent tour to the UK. After England lost the series opener in a rain affected game, they were determined to show their quality in the second game.

After being asked to bat first Salt and Jos Buttler let rip as they completely unsettled the usually reliable Proteas attack.

While it was Buttler who started the strongest, when he departed for a brilliant 83 from 30, Salt took over, unleashing his fury on the hapless attack which included quality bowlers like Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Lizaad Williams and Kwena Maphaka.

England ended up posting a score of 304 as they beat South Africa by 146 runs.

Highest individual T20I scores – top 7 summary

1. Aaron Finch (Australia): 172 runs
2. Hazratullah Zazai (Afghanistan): 162 not out
3. Aaron Finch (Australia): 156
4. Sacha De Alwis (Cayman Islands): 150 not out
5. Glenn Maxwell (Australia): 145 not out
6. Sahil Chauhan (Estonia): 144 not out
7. Phil Salt (England): 141 not out

Read next – 5 nighthawks rated: The best nightwatchmen efforts of all time

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Jordan Cox pushes case with half-century as England seal series

Jordan Cox pushes case with half-century as England seal series

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Built: The perfect Test cricketer based on best drive, best defence and 7 other important features

It’s time to build our perfect Test cricket player.

The goal is to take elements from the games of different players to design the ultimate player.

There are not many rules to this game except for the fact that the players used to create this composite cricketing deity must be current cricketers, and to ensure that our superstar has global appeal, we have tried to include players from as many different countries as possible.

Let’s see how this player shapes up.

1. Best drive: Virat Kohli (India)

Few things in modern cricket are as instantly recognizable as Virat Kohli’s cover drive.

Balanced, technically immaculate, and delivered with a flourish, it’s the stroke young players still attempt to mimic in parks and nets across the world.

His timing, whether in English conditions where the ball swings or on truer India pitches, makes it a stroke of both beauty and ruthless efficiency.

Kohli’s drive is not just a run-scorer, it is a statement – the mark of a player who dominates attacks by taking the game on. In our perfect cricketer, it forms the foundation of an irresistible batting arsenal.

2. Best pull: Marnus Labuschagne (Australia)

The pull shot is often the litmus test of a batter’s courage and technique. Marnus Labuschagne has made it a signature, picking up length early and rolling his wrists expertly to keep the ball down for Australia.

Unlike some who play it purely as a counterattack, Labuschagne uses the pull as a bread-and-butter stroke, accumulating steadily even against bowlers operating at 90mph.

It is not just about mechanics: the confidence to take on the short ball time and again has underpinned his rise to the top tier of Test batting. His pull ensures no bowler can push him back into his crease.

3. Best defence: Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

Williamson’s defensive technique is a masterclass in simplicity. Minimal movement, soft hands, and an unshakeable balance mean he rarely plays an extravagant stroke when one isn’t required.

Bowlers talk about the frustration of seeing perfectly good deliveries met with a dead bat that offers neither edge nor opportunity. His forward defence neutralises spin, his back-foot defence blunts pace.

More importantly, his defence is not passive; it is an active tool to wear down bowlers and open up scoring opportunities later.

Also read: Kane Williamson over Ross Taylor – and no Stephen Fleming? Selecting New Zealand’s best Test XI since 1985

4. Mental game: Cheteshwar Pujara (India)

In an age of fast scoring and attacking batsmanship, Cheteshwar Pujara remains a throwback: a man who can bat for hours, absorb blows, and grind opposition attacks into dust.

His mental toughness has been most vividly on display in Australia, where he took bruising body blows without flinching, continuing to occupy the crease and blunt the edge of the opposition’s bowlers.

Pujara’s mental game is not just resilience; it is a belief in his role, an acceptance of hardship, and a selflessness that prioritises the team above personal numbers.

Pujara has retired from the international game, but he still plays and has been active in 2025, which means he is eligible for selection here.

5. Charisma: Ben Stokes (England)

The modern Test arena thrives not just on skill but also personality, and few players exude charisma like Ben Stokes.

Whether dragging England to impossible victories, rallying his side as captain, or simply carrying himself with a combative aura, Stokes has become a talismanic figure.

When Stokes is in the middle you know that things are going to happen. His presence electrifies grounds, his interviews convey honesty, and his leadership has helped rejuvenate England’s red-ball approach.

To craft a cricketer who inspires both teammates and spectators, Stokes’ charisma is essential – his is the magnetic force that transforms ability into legacy.

6. Most watchable: Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Elegance is an often-overused word in cricket, but with Babar Azam it feels insufficient. His wristwork, balance, and ability to caress the ball into gaps make him as delightful to watch as any batter of his generation.

What makes Babar truly compelling is that his artistry does not come at the expense of substance; he scores runs heavily and consistently in all conditions.

Fans who value aesthetics and those who value effectiveness are united in their appreciation. Our perfect cricketer must not only be great but glorious to watch, and Babar provides exactly that. His recent form has tailed off slightly, but in his pomp, Babar was a dream to watch.

7. Best bouncer: Pat Cummins (Australia)

The bouncer is a weapon of intimidation and tactical mastery, and no one currently bowls it better than Pat Cummins. His accuracy, pace, and ability to surprise with the short ball make it a constant threat, even in conditions where bounce is inconsistent.

What sets Cummins apart is his understanding of when to unleash it – as a strike weapon, a containment tool, or a psychological probe. Batters know it is coming, yet his ability to extract awkward bounce at chest or throat height keeps them unsettled.

Our composite player gains a lethal edge with Cummins’ short-pitched artillery.

8. Best yorker: Jasprit Bumrah (India)

The yorker remains the ultimate wicket-taking delivery, and Jasprit Bumrah has turned it into a trademark. His unorthodox action disguises the release point, making his full-length balls harder to pick.

He delivers them with venomous pace and unerring accuracy, often reversing the old ball late in the day to sneak past defences.

In Tests, where yorkers are rare, Bumrah uses them sparingly but devastatingly, often breaking stubborn partnerships or knocking over the tail. In our perfect cricketer, this skill ensures that even the most set batter can never fully relax.

9. Best fielder: Dewald Brevis (South Africa)

When it comes to youthful energy and athletic brilliance, few can match Dewald Brevis. Still early in his international career, the South African has already built a reputation for his electric fielding.

His agility allows him to cover huge ground in the outfield, while his sharp reflexes make him equally effective inside the ring. Brevis combines natural anticipation with the confidence to attack the ball, often converting half-chances into wickets.

Add in a powerful and accurate throwing arm, and he embodies the modern, multi-dimensional fielder. For our perfect cricketer, Brevis provides the spark and dynamism every team craves.

Read next: Did Chris Gayle get named in this West Indies’ best Test XI of the past 40 years?

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India’s bowlers vs Pakistan’s batters: One of the greatest T20 Asia Cup rivalries

Given the levels of animosity between the two countries, and the fact that T20I is a relatively new format, it’s not surprising that India and Pakistan have not faced each other very often in the shortest form of the game.

The two sides first met back in 2007 in a clash that ended in a tie.

Since that opening fixture, they have played each other a further 13 times, meaning that in the same period of time India has faced South Africa 31 times, but squared up against Pakistan only 14.

But in those games, which of India’s bowlers have claimed the most Pakistani wickets? Given the lack of opportunity in T20I cricket – with bowlers restricted to just four overs – it is perhaps unsurprising that only two Indians have reached double figures in the wicket column.

The names in the top five, though, may raise an eyebrow or two. Here’s the list:

1. Hardik Pandya: 14 wickets T20I wickets vs Pakistan

• Innings: 7
• Average: 13.57
• Strike rate: 10.5

It might surprise some that India’s leading wicket-taker against Pakistan in T20Is is not a specialist bowler but an all-rounder.

Hardik Pandya has often been thrown the ball at crucial stages, usually in the middle overs, where his ability to take pace off or surprise with a quicker delivery has paid dividends.

His 14 wickets have come at a remarkable strike rate of just 10.5, meaning he takes a wicket almost every two overs. Given his match-winning exploits with the bat as well, Pandya has arguably been India’s most valuable asset in these high-pressure contests.

2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 11 wickets T20I wickets vs Pakistan

• Innings: 7
• Average: 17.18
• Strike rate: 14.1

The master of swing bowling, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been India’s new-ball weapon in several meetings with Pakistan. His ability to shape the ball both ways, particularly under lights, has often unsettled Pakistan’s top order.

Eleven wickets at an average of 17.18 underline his consistency, and he has regularly provided India with the early breakthroughs that tilt the game in their favour.

In a format where the first six overs can define the tone of a match, Bhuvneshwar’s control and discipline have made him a key figure.

Also read: Kane Williamson over Ross Taylor – and no Stephen Fleming? Selecting New Zealand’s best Test XI since 1985

3. Arshdeep Singh: 7 wickets T20I wickets vs Pakistan

• Innings: 4
• Average: 17.57
• Strike rate: 13.4

Still just 26-years-old, Arshdeep Singh has already made a significant impact against Pakistan. His left-arm angle, coupled with a calm temperament, has made him a dependable option at the start and at the death.

Seven wickets in four matches show how quickly he has adapted to the cauldron of India–Pakistan contests with his performance in his first meeting against the archenemy perhaps his best.

In Melbourne in the 2022 T20 World Cup Arshdeep tore into the Pakistan lineup removing superstars Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for scores of zero and four respectively. Arshdeep is with the team at the Asia Cup although he hasn’t yet been called on to bowl.

4. Jasprit Bumrah: 7 wickets T20I wickets vs Pakistan

• Innings: 5
• Average: 14.85
• Strike rate: 15.4

No list of Indian bowling greats would be complete without Jasprit Bumrah. While injuries and scheduling have limited his appearances against Pakistan, his seven wickets in five innings have come at a superb average of under 15.

Bumrah’s pinpoint yorkers and ability to vary his pace make him a nightmare in the death overs. In tight finishes, and there have been a few, he has often been the bowler India turns to.

Though not the leading wicket-taker, his economy and impact ensure his presence has always been decisive. He is almost certainly destined to climb this list.

5. Irfan Pathan: 6 wickets T20I wickets vs Pakistan

• Innings: 3
• Average: 11.00
• Strike rate: 11.0

A veteran of India’s early T20 days, Irfan Pathan rounds out the top five. His left-arm swing and useful variations made him a handful in the first encounters between the sides.

Six wickets in just three matches at an average of 11 highlight his effectiveness in the shortest format.

Pathan’s career may have wound down before T20Is fully took off, but his impact against Pakistan remains part of his legacy, a reminder of how influential he could be with ball-in-hand.

In the famous tied T20I in Johannesburg, the first encounter between these teams in the format, it was Pathan who was the pick of India’s bowler claiming figures of two for 20 – and it was the big scalps of Younis Khan and Shoaib Malik that he grabbed as well.

Most T20I wickets for India vs Pakistan – top 5 summary list

1. Hardik Pandya: 14 wickets T20I wickets vs Pakistan
2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 11 wickets T20I wickets vs Pakistan
3. Arshdeep Singh: 7 wickets T20I wickets vs Pakistan
4. Jasprit Bumrah: 7 wickets T20I wickets vs Pakistan
5. Irfan Pathan: 6 wickets T20I wickets vs Pakistan

Read next: Did Chris Gayle get named in this West Indies’ best Test XI of the past 40 years?

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Second Ireland vs England T20 abandoned in Dublin rain

Second Ireland vs England T20 abandoned in Dublin rain

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5 nighthawks rated: The best nightwatchman efforts of all time

The role of the nightwatchman in Test cricket is simple: survive.

Usually a lower-order player is sent in late in the day to protect a more established batter from facing a tricky period under fading light or with a new ball.

More often than not, the nightwatchman scratches around, blocks doggedly, and ideally departs the following morning having fulfilled his duty.

But occasionally, the nightwatchman does far more than survive. Some have gone on to produce innings that shaped matches, turned careers, and even entered the folklore of the game. Here are five of the most memorable occasions when a nightwatchman came good.

1. Jason Gillespie (Australia)

• 201 not out against Bangladesh, 2006

It remains the most extraordinary nightwatchman story of all. Jason Gillespie, better known for his fast bowling than his batting prowess, was promoted up the order during Australia’s tour of Bangladesh.

Sent in late on the second day in Chittagong, Gillespie not only survived but thrived. Over two days, he blunted Bangladesh’s bowlers with a marathon display of concentration.

He eventually compiled an unbeaten 201 – his first and only Test century – and still holds the record for the highest score by a nightwatchman.

It was a match-sealing effort and, remarkably, his final Test innings. Few players have ended their careers with such a flourish.

To put his effort into perspective, in a 71 Test career, Gillespie batted in 93. In that time, he scored a total of 1218 runs. That means that 16.5% of his runs were scored in just 1.07 percent of his innings.

2. Mark Boucher (South Africa)

• 125 against Zimbabwe, 1999

Although he batted in the lower-middle order, South Africa’s wicketkeeper Mark Boucher was a very useful batsman who was occasionally asked to do the job of a nightwatchman.

In a Test against Zimbabwe in Harare in 1999, he was shifted a few places up the order and went far beyond the brief.

Arriving at the crease late on the second evening, Boucher bedded in, and the following day played one of his finest innings. His 125 was full of grit and character, frustrating Zimbabwe’s bowlers and lifting South Africa to a dominant position.

While Boucher was already a recognized batter compared to most tailenders, his century as a nightwatchman remains one of the stand-out contributions to the role’s history.

3. Alex Tudor (England)

• 99 not out against New Zealand, 1999

One of the most bittersweet nightwatchman stories came at Edgbaston during the 1999 Test between England and New Zealand. Alex Tudor, a tall fast bowler with useful batting ability, was sent out late on the second day of a remarkably low scoring game.

When he strode to the wicket at the end of day two, New Zealand had already been dismissed twice (for 226 and 107) while England had been rolled for 126 in their first knock.

What followed was a batting display full of composure and power that ended up as the difference between a win and a loss.

Tudor, who had also scored the second highest score for England in their first knock with an undefeated 32, showed aggression as he sought to dominate the New Zealand attack.

In all he hit 21 fours as New Zealand persisted with attacking fields, knowing they needed wickets to win.

He reached the nervous nineties and was seemingly destined for a maiden Test century only to find himself stranded on 99 not out as England reached the required target to win the game.

Though he never reached three figures in his Test career, he retired with two First-Class tons to his credit. His innings remains one of the most celebrated efforts by a nightwatchman in England’s history.

4. Tony Mann (Australia)

• 105 against India, 1977

Long before Gillespie, there was Tony Mann, the Australian leg-spinner who turned nightwatchman hero. Against India at the WACA in 1977, Mann came in late on the fourth evening with Australia chasing a stiff target.

Few expected him to last long, but Mann counter-attacked brilliantly the next day.

He scored a bold 105, the first Test century by an Australian nightwatchman (and only the second ever by a nightwatchman after Nasim-ul-Ghani did it for Pakistan), and played a decisive role in a famous victory.

For many, it was a defining moment of that summer and a reminder that the nightwatchman’s role, occasionally, could alter the course of a match.

Mann only played the one Test series for Australia, losing his place in the side for the fifth Test and never returning – his fantastic knock as nightwatchman was undoubtedly the highpoint of his Test career that otherwise saw him claim just four wickets for 316 runs in his primary role in the team.

5. Nasim-ul-Ghani (Pakistan)

• 101 against England, 1962

The first ever century by a nightwatchman came in 1962 and it was mercurial Pakistani spinner Nasim-ul-Ghani who achieved the feat. A left-arm spinner and batsman, when he made his debut for Pakistan, he was only 16 years old and, at the time, the youngest ever Test cricketer.

As much as he was selected as a bowler, ul-Ghani was a useful batsman – he batted up and down the order for Pakistan, opening on occasion and also coming in at 11.

In the second Test against England at Lords in 1962 Pakistan were in trouble having been dismissed in the first innings for a paltry 100.

England replied with a knock of 370 and the tourists were in trouble at 77 for four when Nasim, promoted up the order joined his skipper in the middle at the end of day two.

Both batsmen made scores of 101 as they steered Pakistan to a total of 355. It wasn’t enough though and England duly won by nine wickets.

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