England vs Pakistan, 1st Test, Day 4: 5 talking points

Pakistan took a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series against England by beating them by 9 wickets in the first Test at Lord's. The match finished in just four days as England's remaining four wickets fell in quick succession and they were bundled out for 242.

Pakistan needed 64 to win the match and lost Azhar Ali early. However, Haris Sohail and Imam-ul-Haq easily chased down the target within 13 overs.

With the first Test done and dusted, let's take a look at five talking points of the fourth day.

#5. The inability of Buttler and Bess to stay longer at the crease

England had a lead of just 56 runs at the end of the third day with Jos Buttler and Dominic Bess at the crease. The pair needed to stay at the crease for at least half of the day to give the hosts a decent lead which they stood a chance of defending.

However, the duo could only stay for a while at the crease. During the second over of the day, Buttler attempted to drive a full, angling delivery from Mohammad Abbas but he missed the drive and was trapped lbw after scoring 67.

Debutant Bess could only score two runs in the day as he was falling short of partners. With only one wicket left and the lead being just 63, the pressure was rising on Bess and took its toll as he was castled by a Mohammad Amir delivery and England were bowled out for 242.

Had Buttler and Bess stayed for a long time, England might have stood a chance of saving the match.

#4. Stuart Broad's inability to score with the bat

Broad scored a duck

For a player who has nearly 3000 Test runs with 12 fifties and a career-best score of 169 to his name (the highest Test score by a No.9 batsman), Stuart Broad can always be expected to score some runs with the bat.

Broad was sent in to bat at number 10 with Dominic Bess at the crease and the scoreboard reading 241/8.

Bess was inexperienced but Broad has faced similar pressure situations as his 169 came at a time when his team was 102/7.

However, Broad could not score a single run as he edged a Mohammad Abbas delivery straight to Sarfraz Ahmed and was gone.

Had Broad stayed in then he could have stitched a decent partnership with Bess.

#3. The brilliant finishing by Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Abbas

Amir picked up 4 wickets for just 36 runs

Coming into the fourth day, Pakistan were well aware of the fact that if they took some wicket or two early in the day, then the pressure would mount on the England batting.

Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Abbas did exactly that. In only the second over, Abbas dismissed Buttler through a brilliant full delivery.

Abbas and Amir then quickly dismissed Mark Wood and Stuart Broad to mount the pressure on Dominic Bess. Bess was dismissed by Amir soon and England were out for 242.

Amir and Bess took four wickets apiece and proved the strength of the Pakistan bowling attack.

#2. Haris Sohail's brisk innings

Sohail scored 39 from just 32 deliveries

Pakistan needed just 64 runs to win but lost the wicket of Azhar Ali early. Haris Sohail then came in to join Inam ul Haq.

Sohail batted elegantly and hit some beautiful boundaries off the England bowlers.

While Inam ul Haq batted calmly, Sohail batted steadily.

In the 13th over of the Pakistan innings, Sohail began by slog-sweeping a brilliant six over the leg side off Dominic Bess.

After two dot balls, he finished the game with a wonderful boundary through the leg side.

Sohail did not have much to contribute but he will be looking to score a bigger knock in the final Test.

#1. England have to regroup ahead of the final Test

The hosts were more or less sloppy

England had a poor outing in the first Test as they were totally outplayed by Pakistan in all departments.

Except for a player or two, their batting was quite disappointing in both innings. There was no batsman who displayed consistency in both innings.

The lack of consistency showed by the England batsmen was a key reason why they lost the match.

Their bowling also needs improvement if they are to defend low scores.

Overall, England needs to regroup if they are to save the series. They still have four days before the second Test. They better make it count.