LONDON, July 17 (Reuters) Acting England captain Andrew Strauss defended his decision to delay a declaration until more than half an hour into the final day of the drawn first test against Pakistan at Lord's today.

Strauss decided to continue batting for 34 minutes today before declaring England's second innings at 296 for eight, leaving Pakistan an unlikely victory target of 380 from 80 overs.

Pakistan made no effort to go for the runs after losing two early wickets and play was called off with the visitors 214 for four with eight overs still to bowl.

Strauss said Pakistan had a fine batting line-up who had batted well today.

''All credit to those guys,'' he told SkySports. ''The wicket stayed very, very flat. We weren't able to force a result.'' Strauss, who became the third England player to score a century on his debut as captain yesterday, will step down as soon as all rounder Andy Flintoff is available again.

Flintoff is expected to return for the second test if his injured heel stands up to a four-day match for his county Lancashire this week.

''We are looking forward to having Freddie (Flintoff) back,'' Strauss said. ''There's no doubt about that. But I enjoyed the job.'' Reuters PKS GC0020