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Yousuf's return was a catalyst, says Butt
Pakistan captain Salman Butt said the return of Mohd Yousuf to his side was one of the catalysts for their 4-wicket win over England at the Oval.
- Agence France-Presse
- Updated: August 21, 2010 04:33 PM IST
Read Time: 2 min
London:
Pakistan captain Salman Butt said the return of Mohammad Yousuf to his side was one of the catalysts for their four-wicket win over England here at the Oval on Saturday.
The veteran Yousuf hit a first innings half century, helping Azhar Ali through to 92 not out and made 33 in Pakistan's nervous pursuit of the 148 they needed for victory.
Yousuf was banned for life in March for his part in Pakistan's disastrous tour of Australia in the winter. That ban was lifted and although he could not play in the second Test at Edgbaston because of jetlag his presence was crucial in the win that cut England's lead to 2-1 in the series with one to play.
It was Pakistan's second Test win in England - they beat Australia at Headingley recently in the second match of their two-game series against Ricky Ponting's side.
And Butt claims the mix of youth and experience will help Pakistan become one of the world's leading sides.
"Mohammad Yousuf really helped and the youngsters have fed off his experience," said Butt.
"But everyone chipped in and it was a real team effort. This is a young team but it has great potential - we showed that against Australia and we have shown it again against England.
"This team needs time but it will become one of the best sides."
England captain Andrew Strauss, presiding over his side's first Test defeat of the summer, said his team were under pressure from the moment they lost five wickets in the first session of the game.
But he dismissed any claims that England were hampered by complacency after winning the first two Tests so comfortably.
"I don't think complacency comes into it at all," he said. "Our bowling was outstanding in the first innings but credit to the way Pakistan played.
"We weren't complacent we just didn't play well enough and that is the nuts and bolts of it."
England's batting has failed to fire in this series with only Jonathan Trott of the top six batsman averaging over 40 in the three Tests.
Alastair Cook probably saved his place after a string of poor scores with 110 but Kevin Pietersen, Strauss himself and Paul Collingwood are all short of runs.
"We are not bad players but we have not batted well enough in this game as a unit," said Strauss.
"They are all quality players, we just need to get some runs on the board."
The fourth and final Test begins at Lord's on Thursday.
![](https://s.ndtvimg.com/images/misc/fullImage/ver1/y/yousuf.jpg)
The veteran Yousuf hit a first innings half century, helping Azhar Ali through to 92 not out and made 33 in Pakistan's nervous pursuit of the 148 they needed for victory.
Yousuf was banned for life in March for his part in Pakistan's disastrous tour of Australia in the winter. That ban was lifted and although he could not play in the second Test at Edgbaston because of jetlag his presence was crucial in the win that cut England's lead to 2-1 in the series with one to play.
It was Pakistan's second Test win in England - they beat Australia at Headingley recently in the second match of their two-game series against Ricky Ponting's side.
And Butt claims the mix of youth and experience will help Pakistan become one of the world's leading sides.
"Mohammad Yousuf really helped and the youngsters have fed off his experience," said Butt.
"But everyone chipped in and it was a real team effort. This is a young team but it has great potential - we showed that against Australia and we have shown it again against England.
"This team needs time but it will become one of the best sides."
England captain Andrew Strauss, presiding over his side's first Test defeat of the summer, said his team were under pressure from the moment they lost five wickets in the first session of the game.
But he dismissed any claims that England were hampered by complacency after winning the first two Tests so comfortably.
"I don't think complacency comes into it at all," he said. "Our bowling was outstanding in the first innings but credit to the way Pakistan played.
"We weren't complacent we just didn't play well enough and that is the nuts and bolts of it."
England's batting has failed to fire in this series with only Jonathan Trott of the top six batsman averaging over 40 in the three Tests.
Alastair Cook probably saved his place after a string of poor scores with 110 but Kevin Pietersen, Strauss himself and Paul Collingwood are all short of runs.
"We are not bad players but we have not batted well enough in this game as a unit," said Strauss.
"They are all quality players, we just need to get some runs on the board."
The fourth and final Test begins at Lord's on Thursday.
Topics mentioned in this article
Cricket
Mohammad Yousuf
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