BSS
  26 Oct 2024, 17:03

Stokes says Pakistan spin duo just too good after series defeat

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan, Oct 26, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Captain Ben Stokes admitted 
that Noman Ali and Sajid Khan were too good for his England team after the 
spin duo propelled Pakistan to a series victory on Saturday.

The hosts sealed a nine-wicket win in the third Test in Rawalpindi with Noman 
taking 6-42 and Sajid 4-69 in the second innings as England were bowled out 
for just 112.

The irrepressible pair shared 39 wickets in the last two Tests to spur 
Pakistan's revival from an innings defeat in the first match.

"You've got to hold your hands up to say that those two in particular were 
obviously too good for our batting line-up in those last two games," Stokes 
said.

Noman and Sajid both came into the side following Pakistan's heavy defeat in 
the first Test in Multan, their inclusion proving pivotal in the hosts' 2-1 
series triumph.

"Credit to Noman and Sajid, the way in which they bowled in the second Test 
match and in this game, you know it was very good and challenging," said 
Stokes.

Stokes said the series defeat was all the more disappointing with England 
having whitewashed Pakistan 3-0 away two years ago.

"Losing games for England hurts so it's disappointing," said Stokes, who 
missed the first Test in Multan with injury and failed to find form with the 
bat on his return.

The talismanic Stokes has been central to England's attacking philosophy, 
which saw records tumble in the victory in the first Multan Test.

But he said consistency had been an issue since.

"We need to do things for longer," said Stokes, whose team next tours New 
Zealand for a three-Test series in late November.

"As I said, we did good things in very small amounts of times at certain 
points throughout the second game and this game.

"But when you don't sustain that, you know you're always going to start 
falling away."