Beating England boosts Pakistan

KARACHI: Former Pakistan cricket greats rejoiced on Friday after the emphatic 10-wicket win in the first Test against England amid hopes the victory will boost the country's battered sporting image.

Pakistan bowled the world number one side out for 160 in the second innings and notched up the required 15 runs in no time to take a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series.

Saeed Ajmal was Pakistan's star turn, taking a career best seven wickets for 55 runs in the first innings, and finishing with his second 10-wicket Test haul, while paceman Umar Gul took 4-63 to derail England in the second knock.

"It's a great win. It will have a great impact on Pakistan cricket and if we win the series against the best Test team in the world then it will take the team to new heights," he said.

Abbas, famous for his two double hundreds against England in the 1970s, hoped the cricket world will recognise Pakistan's development.

The current series, being played in the United Arab Emirates, is the first between the two countries since the spot fixing scandal.

"I think Ajmal's brilliant and varied bowling mesmerised the England batsmen who have a weak record on the sub-continent pitches and this was a typical sub-continet pitch," said Abbas.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Zaka Ashraf praised what he called a "brilliant and professional" team effort. (AFP)