Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat by an innings and 47 runs in the first Test, despite putting up 556 runs in their first innings. This loss extends their winless streak at home, where they haven’t secured a victory in 11 Tests since March 2022, with seven losses and four draws.
The pitch for the first Test in Multan was highly favourable for batters, allowing Harry Brook to score 317 and Joe Root to hit 262. Together, they set a historic partnership of 454 runs for England, surpassing the previous record of 411 set by Colin Cowdrey and Peter May 57 years ago.
“It looks wet at the moment but over the course of the next three days, it will dry and be shaved down. Getting the ball spinning and moving laterally, I think, is the way Pakistan can beat England” said the former pacer to a media outlet.
Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan and Others Called for Fitness Tests in Multan
England are likely to make adjustments for the second Test, with captain Ben Stokes expected to return after recovering from injury. Brydon Carse, who impressed in his debut, may keep his place, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir’s spot is uncertain after a tough performance with figures of 1-156.
Given Multan’s history of favouring leg-spinners, Rehan Ahmed could be called up, adding diversity to England’s bowling attack. Ahmed took 5-48 on his debut against Pakistan in 2022.
