In hot and humid conditions, Pakistan edged the first of three Test Matches against England at Cannock HC 2-1 with all goals coming in the first half.
It was England who created the early chance when an aerial ball from Ashley Jackson was nicely brought down by James Tindall who fed the ball through to an advancing Barry Middleton, but his diving attempt failed to get the touch needed.
The penalty corner of the game went to Pakistan, but goalkeeper James Fair, playing on his home ground, was equal to the attempt and made a good save low to his left. He was also on hand to save the subsequent corner which awarded.
In the 18th minute, Pakistan created a good opportunity from open play in a fast moving attack involving a nice interchange between Muhammad Zubair and Syed Abbas Haider, but Abdul Hasseem Khan could not complete the move.
A minute later, England were awarded their first penalty corner of the game, but Jackson's mid-height shot was saved and as the players appealed for another corner, Pakistan broke quickly catching the home side unaware and took full advantage of the confusion, scoring through Akhtar Ali.
However, England were back in the game very soon with a trademark Jackson penalty corner in the 21st minute.
Haseem Khan and Abbas Haider worked well together in another dangerous move, but Rob Moore stole the ball in defence to avert the threat.
Haseem Khan was involved yet again shortly after when he linked well with goalscorer Ali in another attack, but Ben Hawes was brave in defence with a great tackle to put a stop to the move.
James Fair parried away a set piece shot from Abbas Haider on the half hour mark but could do nothing to stop a well-worked corner two minutes later with Muhammad Irfan squeezing the ball past the Cannock ÔÇÿkeeper.
In a second half which lacked decent opportunities for either side, England failed to make the most of a period of play which was peppered with penalty corners - five were awarded in the space of as many minutes.
Speaking after the match, Head Coach Jason Lee said ÔÇ£I'm very disappointed with our play tonight, as is the team. It was a tired and lethargic display and our basics let us down. I'm sure the stats will show that we had more circle entries than they did, but we just couldn't finish.
ÔÇ£We're trying to integrate a lot of new players into the side, and we're trying to be a better team, trying new things out, but this can lead to mistakes being made.ÔÇØ
England - Pakistan 1-2 (1-2)
Goal England: Ashley Jackson 20 (PC)
Goals Pakistan: Akhtar Ali 19 (F), Muhammad Irfan 32 (PC)
Source: England Hockey
