Saeed Ajmal recorded his best bowling performance in Test cricket by taking seven wickets for 55 runs on the opening day of the first Test match against England at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday (January 17).
It was the fifth best bowling performance for Pakistan against England after Abdul Qadir’s nine for 56 at Lahore in 1987-88, Saqlain Mushtaq’s eight for 164 at Lahore in 2000-01, Imran Khan’s seven for 40 at Leeds in 1987 and seven for 52 at Birmingham in 1982.
Saeed Ajmal’s previous best bowling in an innings of a Test match was six for 42 against West Indies at Providence in May 2011.
** Ian Bell received his ninth duck in 117 inning of 70 Test matches. It was his second golden duck. He was out off the first ball against Australia at The Oval in 2005.
** England made 192 in 72.3 overs in their first innings. It was 15th time when England scored less than 200 runs in an innings against Pakistan.
** Matt Prior and Graeme Swann’s 57-run stand was the 10th best 10th wicket stand for England against Pakistan.
** Andrew Strauss became only the fifth England captain to lead in 40 or more Test match. Mike Atherton (54 Tests), Michael Vaughan (51 Tests), Nasser Hussain (45 Tests) and Peter May (41 Tests) were the other England skippers to captain in 40 or more Tests before Andrew Strauss also led England for the first time against Pakistan at Lord’s in 2006 after playing 50 Test matches.
Best bowling for Pakistan against England in tests
Figures Bowler Venue Season Result
9-56 Abdul Qadir Lahore 1987-88 Pakistan won
8-164 Saqlain Mushtaq Lahore 2000-01 Draw
7-40 Imran Khan Leeds 1987 Pakistan won
7-52 Imran Khan Birmingham 1982 Pakistan lost
7-55 Saeed Ajmal Dubai 2011-12 Awaited
