After losing the previous two matches easily it was an impressive recovery, with 38-year-old Younus Khan reaching 200 for the sixth time and Shah claiming his sixth five-wicket haul in only his 16th Test. Seamer Sohail Khan proved a useful addition, taking 13 wickets in the final two matches.
Pakistan completed a 10-wicket win over England on day four at The Oval to earn a 2-2 draw in the four-match series. Resuming 126 runs behind at 88-4, England began well with consecutive half-century stands. But two wickets fell in successive balls after lunch, including the enterprising Jonny Bairstow for 81 from 127 balls, and they were 253 all out. Spinner Yasir Shah took 5-71 and, set a paltry 40 to win, Azhar Ali sealed the match with a six soon after tea.
With their supporters basking in the south London afternoon sunshine, there was double celebration as victory was achieved on the nation’s Independence Day.