28 Oct 2015 | Cricket
Head Coach Trevor Bayliss has backed England to bounce back when the third Test against Pakistan starts in Sharjah on Sunday.
Despite a valiant rearguard action led by Adil Rashid, England slipped to a 178-run defeat in the closing stages in Dubai and must now win the final Test in the United Arab Emirates to salvage a series draw.
But Bayliss insists his side have shown plenty of reason to believe they can do just that already on tour.
It was obviously disappointing to lose the Test match, he said. I thought for four of the five days we not only competed, but it was very even.
It's probably been a very even nine days of Test cricket here and unfortunately we played very poorly on day three of this last Test.
We had plans if we batted well that day to post a big score and go in front of them and put a bit of pressure on them in the second innings as we did in Abu Dhabi but it didn't finish up like that and we ended up having to fight pretty hard on day five.
But I think the character that the boys showed on day five will stand us in good stead going forwards.
We spoke about pride in the three lions and some individual pride as well in their performance and to show a bit of character. If we had shown that type of application in the first innings, it might have been a different result.
Rashid was the last man out, caught at point attempting to drive Yasir Shah with just 6.3 overs remaining as his half-century proved to be in vain.
However, Bayliss insisted no blame was being placed on the Yorkshire all-rounder, who survived more than four hours at the crease through determination and no little skill.
He was fairly quiet after the match, probably exhausted more than anything, Bayliss added.
Not just physically but mentally. To bat under that pressure for as long as he did was an outstanding effort.
I haven't spoken to him about his dismissal, that would be a bit poor to do that - he's batted out of his skin for four hours and played one false shot and paid the price for it.
Bayliss is looking for more from England's middle order in Sharjah, but plans to keep faith with Moeen Ali at the top of the order.
I think we've competed on equal terms but we've got to make some improvements: we've got to score some more runs in that middle order and probably our spin bowling, he continued.
I think the boys are a little bit disappointed with our spin bowling as well and their consistency.
I will say they are bowling at some of the best players of spin in the world, from that point of view it's a great learning curve.
The opening batting position hasn't been a success as yet but I'd like to give Mo another opportunity - he's a quality player.
Yes, he's in a position he's a little unfamiliar with - but he's a guy who wants to do it.
To me, someone who wants to go out there and do it - that's a guy you want in your team.