A jubilant skipper Misbah-ul-Haq hailed turn around of Pakistan and his paceman Mohammad Amir at the venue where a spot fixing incident dented their image six years ago.
Pakistan achieved a remarkable 75-ruin win on the fourth day at Lord’s, defending a target of 283 by dismissing England for 207 with just nine overs left in day’s play.
Misbah admitted the turn around was remarkable.
“Remarkable turnaround after that 2010 incident, this team took responsibility. They showed respect to the game, playing all through the six years, bringing the team to No. 3.
“And winning this Test match against a top side in their conditions speaks volumes of our team.”
Misbah also hailed Amir and termed him as a “good kid.”
“Everybody wants Amir to play, the crowd especially, the supporters. Everyone believes he is such a good cricketer, it’s something special for him also, he is part of a team which has won a Test match here.
“It’s a really memorable day for him and from here he can start his career again, he is a good kid now.
Misbah said his team was confident of winning the Test after a good first innings total.
“If we can cross 300, we have a chance, especially in the first innings. We have a top spinner and the bowlers in the fourth innings, they can put so much pressure with reverse swing and making it really difficult for the opposition.
Misbah said the team attributed the win to Pakistan Army trainers who helped them prepare for the tour. The whole team did pushups in command of senior batsman Younis Khan.
The twin was also attributed to philanthropist Abdus Sttar Edhi who died last week.
“Live by the sword, die by the sword. You have to back yourself, if someone invites you to play your favourite shot, you play it. The celebration was again for the same camp, we enjoyed that camp and it was again a message to those guys and we have been really working hard and I think they would have really enjoyed this celebration.
“I would like to dedicate this win to Abdul Sattar Edhi [a philanthropist and a social activist]. They supported good cricket, they enjoyed the cricket and we love playing cricket here.”