Pakistan celebrate Test win with press-ups, military salute

LONDON: Pakistan celebrated their victory over England at Lord’s in the first Test on Sunday with an unusual celebration when the squad performed a series of press-ups.

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 display, 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).”

 

Fair play to @TheRealPCB who played some excellent cricket and good celebrations too. #EngvPak https://t.co/czkHg2bFsu — England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 17, 2016