Grumpy Stokes sorry after loss

BEN Stokes has revealed he apologised to his team for acting like a "grumpy old man" as the second Test in Pakistan slipped through England's hands in Multan.

- RORY DOLLARD

The tourists tumbled to a 152-run defeat as Pakistan squared the series 1-1 on the fourth morning, with 38-yearold spinner Noman Ali cleaning up with eight for 46.

On a pitch offering extreme turn, England were set a nearimpossible chase of 297 but were left kicking themselves on the third afternoon when they put down two catches in the space of three Brydon Carse deliveries. The lucky batter, Salman Agha, was spared on four by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and on six by slip Joe Root and went on to make them pay with a vital 63.

Captain Stokes uncharacteristically let his exasperation show during the difficult session, glaring at the drops and yelling in frustration at England's weary fielding.

Speaking after the game, he admitted regretting his reaction.