The second Test match between Pakistan and England commenced in Multan on Tuesday, with Pakistan winning the toss and opting to bat first. The match is being played on the same pitch used for the first Test, which Pakistan lost by an innings despite scoring over 500 runs in their first innings.
England welcomed back their Test skipper and star allrounder Ben Stokes, who replaced Chris Woakes in the playing XI. Pakistan made three changes to their team, with Kamran Ghulam, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan coming in for Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah.
The pitch report by Michael Atherton indicated that the ground staff had taken measures to prepare the surface for the match. The pitch was watered two days prior and dried using fans and the sun. Atherton expects the pitch to play well for the first day or two.
Pakistan’s openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, faced England’s opening bowler Matthew Potts. The field had two slips and a leg slip in place. The match began with Potts bowling to Shafique.
Pakistan’s decision to bat first was influenced by the fact that they lost the first Test in an embarrassing fashion. Despite scoring over 500 runs in their first innings, they went on to lose by an innings, giving England a 1-0 lead in the series.
Pakistan will be looking to level the series in Multan, while England will be aiming to extend their lead. The match is expected to be closely contested, with both teams having a strong chance of victory.
