England did what needed to be done yesterday in a confident and dominant fashion, winning the second Test against Pakistan by 330 runs.

Much was made on Sunday of England’s decision not to force the follow on and deciding to bat again.

However, the move proved to be a masterstroke as they declared early yesterday morning on 173-1, setting Pakistan a near-impossible target of 565 runs to win the match.

The visitors came nowhere close to reaching that target as they fell for 234 all out, with James Anderson, Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes all claiming three wickets.

The runs margin of success is in England’s all-time top five, almost as emphatic as the 354 by which they beat the same opponents in Nottingham on their last tour six years ago.

It means the scoreline is 1-1 with two to play, starting at Edgbaston next Wednesday.

Joe Root, who put in a spectacular display scoring 325 runs, four catches and a wicket with his second ball, said: “It’s a great feeling. It’s about contributing to wins — that’s what it’s all about.

“Those two occasions at Lord’s it was batsman error on my part. I tried to cut that out of my game. It’s the most controlled I’ve played.

“You’ve got to play the situation. It’s only later on in the innings and this morning that I took the risks.”

England will now prepare for the third Test.

Root, like his teammates, os chomping at the bit to get back out there and continue this impressive form.

“I’m really looking forward to getting to Edgbaston and hopefully put in a similar performance.

“The bowlers grafted really hard today and last night. It was a really good effort from all of the team. It sets it up nicely for the series.”

It wasn’t all positive for England however, as Ben Stokes was forced to pull out mid-over and will have an MRI scan today to determine the extent of the right calf injury.