While the attention of sports fans and the media is dominated by events in Doha, the achievement of the MCC tourists under Ben Stokes may not receive due recognition. Not only did the England team (actually England & Wales, though there was no direct Welsh participation on this occasion) succeed in a country where only 4 England Test teams had won before, but the victory was achieved on a flat Rawalpindi pitch which the groundsman had admittedly prepared to help batsmen. There was minimal help for spinners and seamers on the final day, yet Anderson, Leach, Robinson and captain Stokes achieved the virtual impossibility of bowling Pakistan out. Stokes has melded the morale and togetherness of Root's period as captain with a boldness at the opposite extreme to Root's caution. Stokes also appears to be learning from experience and able to adjust tactics when needed. One should also stress Root's contribution to the victory both with the bat and in the field when he was far from 100% well.
Praise is also due to Pakistan for their contribution to a match which looked on a few occasions when it was tilting towards them. It is only recently that the national team has been able to return from exile in the UAE occasioned by the Lahore bombing of the Sri Lankan test tourists. They have recovered well and the second Test in Multan may well go the other way.
An example of cricket bringing people together is that Burnley's James Anderson has a great following in Pakistan. If only the Islamic Republic's warring politicians could also see the positive sides of their opponents!
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