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Strauss rues lack of runs

Andrew Strauss admitted a lack of runs had been England's downfall in the Twenty20 international at Bristol.

Andrew Strauss admitted a lack of runs had been England's downfall in the Twenty20 international at Bristol.The stand-in skipper fell for a second-ball duck against Pakistan as the home side only managed to make 144-7 in their innings.

Although Marcus Trescothick managed to make a half-century and debutant Michael Yardy added a quick-fire 24 in the final overs, their final score failed to prove challenging to their opponents' explosive line-up.

Mohammad Yousuf made 44 at the top of the order while Shahid Afridi thrilled the crowd by hitting 28 from just 10 balls.

"I think the key was losing the middle order and we had to consolidate," Strauss said on Sky Sports. "We needed 30 more than we got.

"It was a spirited performance by the boys but we did not put enough runs on the board."

Despite the defeat, England's seventh straight loss in limited overs cricket, Strauss feel there were positive signs ahead of the upcoming NatWest Series.

Sussex all-rounder Yardy enjoyed an excellent first game for his country while fellow debutant Stuart Broad picked up two early wickets.

The duo's displays will have given plenty of food for thought for the selectors ahead of the first one-day international on Wednesday, which is live on Sky Sports.

"They showed they could rise to the occasion and play in the same way they have done for their counties," Strauss admitted.

"They have put their names in the hat for the one-day series."

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq was pleased to finally register a win over England after suffering a 3-0 defeat in the npower Test series.

Shoaib Akhtar and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan returned to boost the bowling attack and the tourists will be hoping for more of the same in the one-dayers that follow.

"Yes it is nice to win here. I am happy, the boys are playing really well," Inzamam said.

"It is our main strike bowlers coming back - but I think England are a pretty good team.

"We are not playing well in Test matches so we will try to win the one-day series."

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