Sunday 10 August 2014 09:35, UK
England captain Alastair Cook gave credit to his bowlers after his side wrapped up victory over India within three days in the fourth Test at Old Trafford.
The hosts took nine wickets after tea on day three - including four for Moeen Ali - as India collapsed to 161 all out and to defeat by an innings and 54 runs.
Mooen's devastating display of spin added to the damage done by man-of-the-match Stuart Broad and James Anderson in India's first innings, with England posting 367 in reply thanks to half-centuries from Joe Root, Jos Buttler and Ian Bell.
We knew we had a big effort to bowl for three hours today (without Broad) and Moeen was fantastic and everything went to plan. I've never seen a bloke work so hard and make such a big improvement in such a short space of time. He's really learnt how to bowl in international cricket.
And Cook has no doubt it was his bowling line-up which proved the difference as they took a 2-1 lead in the five-match series - even more so with Anderson battling sickness and Broad unable to return to the pitch for India's second innings after being hit in the face by a delivery from Varun Aaron which left him with a suspected broken nose.
"We didn't think we'd get it done today, we thought we'd get enough cricket over the next few days," Cook said. "But it's great to do it in nine wickets in a session.
"Jimmy's got the lurgy and hasn't been very well so it's great by him to get off the bed and bowl like that for his nine overs.
"We knew we had a big effort to bowl for three hours today (without Broad) and Moeen was fantastic and everything went to plan. I've never seen a bloke work so hard and make such a big improvement in such a short space of time. He's really learnt how to bowl in international cricket.
"And Anderson and Broad are a brilliant pairing. I'm very lucky to captain them. In all conditions they've learned how to bowl and they're really good with the younger guys as well. Hopefully we can keep them fit for a few more years.
"The squad will enjoy tonight and a bonus couple of days off and rest up well before going to the Oval."
On Broad's injury, Cook said: "He's got a bit of a sore nose. It was a really nasty blow, I think he's broken his nose.
"Fingers crossed there's no cheek fracture and hopefully he'll be all right. We wish him well and hopefully he hasn't ruined his good looks."
