Andrew Strauss not panicking despite heavy defeat

England captain Andrew Strauss
insisted it was too soon to panic after Pakistan wrapped up an easy
10-wicket victory in the first Test in Dubai today.

England at least managed to make Pakistan bat again, but a target of 15 was reached easily after the hosts had bowled Strauss's side out for 160 in the second innings, having removed them for 192 first time around.

It amounts to a hugely disappointing performance for a side that is defending its status as the world number one in Test cricket for the first time.

"We're disappointed in the way we played," Strauss said on Sky Sports 1.

"To lose five wickets so quickly in the first session put us on the back foot when we shouldn't have been losing wickets. But we're not going to push the panic button by any means. We will show character and resilience and come back in the second match."

Saeed Ajmal proved England's undoing on the first day, taking seven wickets and leaving Strauss's men in a position from which they could not recover.

"We got caught off guard in that first session," Strauss said. "All credit to Pakistan, they played exceptionally well and once they got ahead they didn't allow us back in.

"We need to learn the lessons. We won't be panicking, we'll come back strong in the second match."

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq admitted he never expected to score such a big victory.

"We had not expected that it was going to be so easy for us, but it was a wonderful performance from the team, especially Saeed, because the way he took those seven wickets in the first innings really put us on the way to victory.

"I think everybody has gathered themselves together. They want to prove to the world they are good cricketers and prove Pakistan is a good side. The way they have responded to everything is wonderful."

PA