England coach Trevor Bayliss has insisted that no blame could be placed on Adil Rashid following the defeat to Pakistan in the second Test.
After a first-innings collapse handed the advantage to Pakistan, Rashid threatened to rescue a draw for the tourists by batting for 242 minutes before eventually becoming the last man dismissed with 6.3 overs remaining in the game.
Bayliss believes that the all-rounder deserves credit for his battling performance on the final day, rather than face criticism for his decision to play such a loose drive to get out.
"I am sure he is reflecting on the shot he played at the end and kicking himself," he told reporters.
"I thought he did sensationally well with the bat and showed his all-round qualities. He took five-for in the second innings of the first Test and now his batting in this - the potential for him going forward is very good.
"No-one is blaming him for that shot. If a few of our boys had played in a similar fashion to him throughout the match we wouldn't have been in that situation."
The third Test gets underway in Sharjah on Sunday, with England needing a win to draw the series.
Callum Mulvihill
