Chris Woakes Hails Jos Buttler After Winning The Man Of The Match Award

Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler starred in England’s win over Pakistan in a highly memorable run-chase on day four in Manchester. The win gave Joe Root’s men a series lead with two more to go in Southampton. England found themselves in massive trouble as they lost the likes of Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Ollie Pope without substantial contributions. In pursuit of 277, the hosts were teetering at 106-5.

Also Read: England vs Pakistan, 1st Test, Day Four, Report – Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler Hold Their Nerve To Pull Off A Stunning Run Chase

Jos Buttler, who scored 38 and struggled behind the stumps throughout the match had a massive responsibility on his shoulders. Chris Woakes, who had a solitary hundred to his name, had to accompany Buttler under a pressure situation. Even as England were five down, the duo gave up the defensive mindset and instead played attacking cricket.

Pakistan’s three-pronged pace attack and Yasir Shah could not break their stubborn stand early despite best efforts. They gradually climbed from a fifty-run stand eventually to a century-partnership. Nevertheless, when it reached 139, Buttler departed for 75. Yasir Shah picked the wicket of Stuart Broad as well later on. However, Chris Woakes held his nerve till the end and collected four off Shaheen Shah Afridi to guide England to remarkable win with three wickets to spare.

“Today he showed why” : Chris Woakes

Chris Woakes, who bagged the man of the match award, mainly for his batting, underlined what went through their minds after Pope’s dismissal. The bowling all-rounder conceded that there was still a long way to go on the pitch and aimed to put Pakistan under pressure by counterattacking.

He heaped praises on Jos Buttler, labelling him as one of the best limited-overs batsmen and a great chaser. Woakes stated that he was only a second fiddle during the chase and Buttler proved why he is what he mentioned. Chris Woakes also picked up four wickets in the match while remaining unbeaten at 84 to see England home.

“After that ball that Ollie got, we knew that was the way to go on this pitch. It made up our minds for us, and worked into our hands, take it to them and put them under pressure. I was second fiddle to Jos, I’d have loved him to be there to the end. One of the best white-ball players in the world and one of the best run-chasers. Today he showed why,” Woakes said in the post-match presentation.

Also Read: Couldn’t Be More Proud Of The Lads: Joe Root After Stunning Win Over Pakistan