vs PAKISTAN (UAE: Three Tests)
England could not cope with the mystery spin of Saeed Ajmal and were thrashed in the First Test in Dubai.
Thereafter, the bowlers performed well but dire batting in Abu Dhabi and again in Dubai cost Andrew Strauss’s men dearly as Ajmal and left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman took 43 wickets in the series.
vs SRI LANKA (Away: Two Tests)
England’s flimsy batting was culpable again as they slipped to a fourth successive Test defeat in Galle. Playing spin was a problem once more and this time slow left-armer Rangana Herath was the destroyer. An improved display in the Second Test, crowned by Kevin Pietersen’s brilliant hundred, ensured England shared the series.
vs WEST INDIES (Home: Three Tests)
Back-to-back centuries from Andrew Strauss (left) underpinned wins at Lord’s and Trent Bridge, restoring his own confidence and that of his team. Yet Marlon Samuels’ batting and Kemar Roach’s bowling exposed English frailties. Andy Flower was questioned for resting Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad from the final Test with the series won.
vs SOUTH AFRICA (Home: Three Tests)
With defeat at Lord’s, England waved goodbye to the No1 spot, an outcome that appeared likely ever since South Africa outclassed them at The Kia Oval and Hashim Amla scored an unbeaten 311. Pietersen’s breathtaking century at Headingley helped secure a draw but KP was then dropped following texts he sent to opponents.
