Pakistan are likely to play three spinners when the Test series starts next week and, after three innings of the tour so far, England’s batsmen, apart from Cook, are looking rusty.
"One or two players are disappointed, quite rightly, as they like to get time in the middle but it is not the time to panic. It matters to the individual if he has not spent much time in the middle as you get your rhythm and confidence from scoring runs.
"You can have as many nets as you like, and that is important, but you don’t get that feelgood factor unless you get them in the middle. They will be a bit concerned that they would like more time out there but we know this happens and it is not time to start changing way you think. You have to believe in yourself."
Cook continued the fabulous form of 2011 with England’s first century of the year, eventually faling for 133 off 260 balls.
Kevin Pietersen batted for 75 minutes for 38, but the rest of the middle order faded. Eoin Morgan was out for 11 following scores of one and three in the first match. Jonathan Trott fell for a duck padding up and Ian Bell also made nought.
"The batting unit has worked well in the past," said Gooch. "They have to stay strong mentally. You don’t become a bad player over a couple of innings.
"The two bowlers who got wickets today bowled pretty well and what was good for us is this pitch is behaving like the conditions we think we are going to get - attiritional cricket, and you have to work hard for your runs and even harder for your wickets.
"That is the style of play required that our team have get to get their heads around."