Woakes, Buttler propel England to unlikely win over Pakistan in first Test

A magnificent partnership between Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler helped propel England to an unlikely three-wicket victory over Pakistan in a topsy-turvy first test at Old Trafford on Saturday. Woakes joined Buttler at the crease with England having slumped to 117-5 in their pursuit of a daunting 277 on a bowler-friendly pitch. But they launched a superb counter-attack to turn the tide with a sixth-wicket stand worth 139 runs. (Source: AP)

Buttler was eventually out lbw for 75 to leg spinner Yasir Shah with England requiring another 21 for victory, briefly reviving Pakistan’s flagging hopes. (Source: AP)

Stuart Broad was also dismissed lbw attempting to knock off the last four runs but fittingly Woakes edged a boundary to clinch victory, ending unbeaten on 84. (Source: AP)

Pakistan earlier boosted their overnight 137-8 with 32 quickfire runs to be bowled out for 169 — a frenetic flourish that looked to have put the visitors in control on a dry pitch offering bounce, pace and spin. (Source: Reuters)

England had reached 86-1 in reply with skipper Joe Root looking in control, but quick wickets left them reeling in their attempt at the second-highest successful fourth-innings run chase seen at Old Trafford. (Source: Reuters)

When Ollie Pope gloved an unplayable brute of a Shaheen Afridi delivery to gully, England still needed 160 with five wickets left. (Source: Reuters)

The only sad thing was there were no fans at Old Trafford to witness another great advert for Test cricket. (Source: Reuters)

A Pakistan fan plays the saxophone, as play resumes behind closed doors. (Source: Reuters)