We have taken a positive step: Waqar Younis

London : Pakistan cricket coach Waqar Younis said that his team had taken a ?positive step? on the road to redemption despite succumbing to a 24-run defeat in the one-day international against England in Durham.

Waqar said that amdist charges of spot fixing it is a challenge for Pakistan to raise their game and restore some pride following a tour tarnished by corruption allegations.

?This game was a positive step. I am pretty confident that we will probably bounce back in the next few games,” Waqar was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph.

?We need to just win a few games to take some pride back. It has been a tough last 10 days, the last 20 to 25, with what is happening back home with the floods. The only thing we can do is play good cricket, win a few games and put a smile back on Pakistani faces.

“I?m very pleased with the way the crowd came out and supported us and hopefully looking at the performance I?m hoping the crowd will get better and better,” he said.

“This was a definite improvement from the T20. We looked a much better unit. The boys really batted well and looked good. There are definitely positives.?

Wqar also said that seamer Wahab Riaz, who is the fourth Pakistan cricketer to be questioned by detectives, is available for selection.

?He is in the 15 and all 15 are available as far as I am concerned,? Waqar said.

England captain Andrew Strauss paid tribute to his opponents, stating: ?There?s no doubt it has to have been a tough time for the Pakistan players, so for them to continue putting in spirited performances is important for their group but also important for the game.

?Cricket was the winner today. It was a competitive game and excellent wicket to bat on so there were plenty of boundaries, some real entertainment and the crowd enjoyed themselves.

?We had to work pretty hard for victory and it ended up being a tight game. Now there are only 11 games between now and the World Cup and we need to win as many as possible.?