Pakistan secure series draw after crushing woeful England

Pakistan closed in on the top of the ICC Test rankings after completing a comfortable 10-wicket win over England to level the four-match series at The Oval. After the hosts were bowled out for 253, with a lead of just 40, Pakistan knocked off the total inside 14 overs to clinch victory.

England resumed with six second innings wickets in hand and it didn't take long for their resistance to be broken again as Gary Ballance [17] edged behind. Jonny Bairstow [81] and Moeen Ali [39] put on a much-needed 65 but when both were dismissed with parity having only just been restored the writing was very much on the wall.

The tail was unable to wag sufficiently to build a lead to test Pakistan's nerves, as the tourists completed the chase just after tea. Azar Ali made 30 from 28 balls including a six which confirmed the win and set the team up nicely for the upcoming one-day series.

Man-of-the-match Younis Khan said, after his double century in the first innings: "Whenever Pakistan win like that, there's always a happy side, as a senior player it's important to contribute. I was thinking about the last game, we were in a good position but we needed to lead to go bigger, so yesterday I was very calm and cool, saying if we try hard here, maybe we win this game tomorrow.

"It was amazing how Wahab and the rest played with me, a real team effort. All the time I just start off and carry on going for big runs for the team. It was a surprise for me, the way I get out, if I get through 20-30 balls. It was hard work for me but I received a call before the game from Mohammad Azharuddin and he talked about my batting, stay in the crease - I trust other people and it worked for me."

Steven Finn is a doubt for that five-game ODI series with a hamstring injury suffered on day four. The Middlesex seamer has been sent for a scan which will determine his fitness ahead of the opening game at the Ageas Bowl on 24 August. The series is followed by a one-off Twenty20 match at Old Trafford in September.