CRICKET | FIRST TEST
Pakistan toast Lord’s test win with boot camp press-ups
Pakistan celebrated their victory over England in the first Test at Lord's on Sunday by performing a series of press-ups although defeated skipper Alistair Cook admitted it wasn't pleasant viewing.
Pakistan celebrated their victory over England in the First Test at Lord's on Sunday by performing a series of press-ups although defeated home skipper Alistair Cook admitted it wasn't pleasant viewing for him and his players to watch.
Misbah-ul-Haq's side went on an army boot camp before the tour to improve their infamously poor fitness, and senior batsman Younis Khan led the squad in performing a routine of press-ups followed by a military-style salute in front of the ground's famous Pavilion.
Misbah, 42, had celebrated in similar fashion on the opening day on Thursday after reaching a hundred that helped set up his team's 75-run win. “The team was really hoping that we get a chance, because I got a chance after scoring a hundred”, said Misbah, the oldest man to score a Test hundred in 82 years, of his press-up celebration. “I did that and everybody wanted to do that. That sends a small tribute to all those army men who were working really hard (with us)”.
England captain Alastair Cook, asked for his views on Pakistan's unusual post-match celebrations, said: “You don't take any offence, but certainly at that emotive time it's not pleasant viewing. Certainly when you've lost a game of cricket for the first 20 minutes or so it's not pleasant. They (Pakistan) are entitled to do what they want. It's united them and shows what a challenge we've got”.
But Cook, speaking ahead of next week's second Test in Manchester. Hopefully the cricketing gods might (turn in our favour at Old Trafford)”.
