Misbah rues Pak's 'disappointing' batting show post England thumping

Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq has blamed his side's disappointing batting performance for their crushing 330-run defeat in the second Test, which allowed England to level the four-match Test series 1-1 here at Old Trafford on Monday.

Chasing a mammoth target of 565, Pakistan were bundled out for 234 in their second innings with more than a day left in a match.

Pakistan looked completely hapless during the match as neither the batsmen nor bowlers could produce any inspiring performance. Misbah was the top scorer for his side, scoring 52 and 35 in first and second innings respectively.

The 42-year-old observed that although Pakistan's top-order batsmen are getting a good start, they are failing to capitalize it into bigger innings, the area which requires a room for improvement according to Misbah.

Meanwhile, Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah, who bagged ten wickets for 141 in the opening Test at Lord's, managed figures of mere one for 266 at Old Trafford. But Misbah believes Yasir would bounce back stronger in the upcoming match.

Downplaying the leggie's mediocre performance, the skipper insisted Yasir is a strong character and that he would surely analyse the shortcomings and comeback even stronger, the Express Tribune reported.

The two sides will next lock horns in the third Test, starting at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham from August 3.