PAK v ENG: England Aims To Seal Test Series Against Struggling Pakistan

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Pakistan will face England in the second Test at the Multan Cricket Stadium on October 15. Struggling to regain their form, Pakistan has not won a home Test since 2022. They suffered a 0-2 series loss to Bangladesh and were outplayed by England in the first Test, losing by an innings and 47 runs.

In response to their poor performance, Pakistan has dropped key players Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah for the rest of the series. Kamran Ghulam is set to make his Test debut. Meanwhile, England has rested Gus Atkinson and Chris Woakes, with Ben Stokes returning after a hamstring injury kept him out of the last four Tests. Fast bowler Matthew Potts is also included in the squad.

THE VENUE FOR THE SECOND TEST

Multan Cricket Stadium. Pic Credits- X
Multan Cricket Stadium. Pic Credits- X

The Multan pitch has a reputation for being a haven for batters, and it lived up to that reputation for almost all four days during the first Test. However, as the same track will be used for the second Test, spinners may come into play as the pitch starts to wear down. On the weather front, clear skies are expected throughout the match with no forecast of rain, ensuring uninterrupted play.

TEAM PREVIEW 

PAKISTAN

Babar Azam has been dropped from the 2nd Test. Pic Credits- X
Babar Azam has been dropped from the 2nd Test. Pic Credits- X

Pakistan has made significant changes following their recent struggles, dropping key players Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah for the remaining two Tests. In their place, the selectors have called up several fresh faces, including uncapped players Kamran Ghulam, Haseebullah, and Mehran Mumtaz. Additionally, Sajid Khan and Noman Ali have been brought into the squad. For the second Test, Pakistan has decided to field Kamran Ghulam, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan in their playing XI, looking to strengthen their spin attack while also giving the debutant Kamran a chance to prove himself.

Pakistan’s playing XI for the second Test will feature Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique opening the batting, with Shan Masood leading the team as captain and batting at number three. Kamran Ghulam will slot into the middle order, alongside vice-captain Saud Shakeel and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. Salman Ali Agha and Aamir Jamal provide depth in both batting and bowling, while the spin trio of Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Zahid Mehmood will be tasked with exploiting the conditions.

Playing XI – Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel (vc), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mehmood

ENGLAND

Ben Stokes set to return for the 2nd Test. Pic Credits-X
Ben Stokes set to return for the 2nd Test. Pic Credits-X

On the other side, England has largely stuck with the combination that helped them secure a dominant victory in the first Test, making only two changes. Ben Stokes returns to the lineup after recovering from a hamstring injury and will take over captaincy duties from Ollie Pope. Meanwhile, pacer Matthew Potts replaces Chris Woakes in the bowling attack. Potts last played for England at Lord’s against Sri Lanka.

Harry Brook and Joe Root had a historic partnership in the 1st Test. Pic Credits- X
Harry Brook and Joe Root had a historic partnership in the 1st Test. Pic Credits- X

England’s playing XI will feature Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett opening the innings, with Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Harry Brook forming a strong middle order. Alongside Stokes, Jamie Smith will handle wicketkeeping duties, and the bowling attack will include Brydon Carse, Potts, Jack Leach, and Shoaib Bashir.

Playing XI – Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir

PREDICTION FOR THE GAME

England will surely be the favorites for the 2nd Test Match as Pakistan Is really struggling to find their groove. But the interesting thing will be how England will tackle the spin conditions in this Test match as the pitch is expected to be a rank turner.

Also Read: PAK vs ENG: Sam Curran Expresses Disappointment Over Being Passed Over As Ben Stokes’ Test Replacement

 

 

 

 


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