MX23RW : Saturday, December 14 23:48:33| >> :600:760509:760509:

Alastair Cook left with mixed feelings after dramatic finish

Alastair Cook admits that it was a "bittersweet" finish as England fell just short of a famous win over Pakistan in the first Test.

England captain Alastair Cook has admitted that it was a "bittersweet" finish as his side fell just short of a memorable victory over Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.

A draw looked the only realistic result heading into the final day of the first Test, but debutant Adil Rashid changed the game with 5-64 as Pakistan slipped to 173 all out in their second innings.

It left an altered batting lineup chasing 99 to win, before bad light finally rescued the hosts with England on 74-4.

"We'd have liked another three or four overs at the end but that's the way it goes," Cook was quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "I can't fault the guys for hanging in there on that wicket.

"The pitch did deteriorate and spun more today which gave us hope, so it's a bit of a bittersweet finish. We knew we had to put the pressure on Pakistan and then on the last day you never know.

"It was brilliant from Adil Rashid who I think got some unfair criticism after the first innings. He's a very fine bowler."

The second Test begins in Dubai on October 22.

ID:252811: cacheID:252811:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2025:
Written by
Callum Mulvihill
Restore Data
Share this article now:
James Anderson poses during an England portrait session in May 2015
Read Next:
James Anderson strikes give England hope
>