Kevin Pietersen’s form not a concern yet for Andrew Strauss

Such is the chaotic nature of Pakistan cricket that Yousuf, 35, who averaged just over 90 on his side's four Test tour of England in 2006, is back in favour, five months after he had retired from the international game in protest at being handed a life ban by his Board for his part in the team's disastrous tour of Australia last winter.

At Trent Bridge, Pakistan could muster only 262 runs for the loss of 20 wickets, which gave England a 354-run win. Yet the decisive nature of their victory should not mask some of the frailties in the batting line-up.

Kevin Pietersen's lack of form — he has not scored a Test hundred since March 2009 — represents a growing concern. It is hard to imagine an England batting line-up without KP contesting the first Ashes Test in Brisbane in November, but a big score, or at least a dominant display, would reassure Pietersen's peers and his supporters of his value.

What is more worrying, however, than Pietersen's lack of runs is his subdued demeanour at the crease. Pietersen's arrival in Test cricket five years ago was so thrilling because of his daring stroke play but there has been little evidence of that adventurous spirit in recent times.

Watching Pietersen push and prod at the artful swing bowling of Mohammad Asif, it is hard to remember that he hit Glenn McGrath for a straight six on his Test debut at Lord's. Even if it did not earn him a big score, the return at Edgbaston of the flamingo shot — the wristy swipe through midwicket played with one foot off the ground — or the switch hit would at least prove the 30-year-old was regaining his self-belief.

Pietersen's decision to announce in mid-season that he will leave Hampshire has deprived him of the opportunity to play first-class cricket but captain Andrew Strauss remains confident that his most-high profile player will not be hindered by this lack of match practice.

"KP has always been very clear in his mind what he needs to do practice-wise, and I don't think that's changed on the back of him not getting a 40-over game for Hampshire," he said.

"He's done a lot of work over the past couple of weeks, and the most important thing is that he feels well prepared. I don't think not playing in a 40-over game has made him feel any less prepared.

"He's very determined to make a telling contribution. He wasn't able to do it at Trent Bridge, although I thought he batted much better in the second innings. He's going to come right very soon, and it would be wrong to judge any player on this Test match."

Despite his words of encouragement, Strauss continues to emphasise the need for consistency, and he is sensible enough to realise that his batsmen were often in trouble in Nottingham. Had Pakistan's fielding been sharper – wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal dropped simple catches to dismiss Strauss and Paul Collingwood and reprieved Collingwood again by missing an easy stumping opportunity – and their batting more durable, England would have been firmly behind the eight ball.

Eoin Morgan's superb hundred in the first innings set up the game, and Matt Prior's unbeaten century second time around pressed home England's advantage.

Let's not forget, though, that England were 118 for four on the first day and 98 for six on day three.

Dealing with the swinging ball is exacting for any batsmen, but those who have been raised in these conditions should know how to counter it. A sizeable first-wicket stand would steady many of these wobbles. Strauss' talent and character mean he will surely cash in during this series, but doubts remain about his opening partner.

Alastair Cook's career average of 43.47 is strong, yet rarely does the Essex left-hander look comfortable, even when well set. His uncertain, fidgety foot movement was evident against Pakistan, and his scores of eight and 12 mean he is still searching for his first Test half-century of the summer.

Cook had a fine winter in South Africa and captained the team well in Strauss' absence in Bangladesh, yet it would do him no harm to know that there was pressure on his place. In making Cook the heir-apparent to Strauss, have the selectors been too hasty with a player who still appears vulnerable against the world's best bowlers?

Jonathan Trott, England's current No3, also possesses the temperament to open the batting. His promotion would also provide the team with a left-hand/right-hand combination at the top of the order, forcing a bowler to change his line constantly.

Leaving out Cook now would be premature, but with Ian Bell likely to return from a foot injury after this series, Strauss' current partner needs runs to cement his spot.