Pakistan Opt to Bat First in Second Test Against England in Multan

Pakistan Opt to Bat First in Second Test Against England in Multan

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.

Brydon Carse's Maiden Test Wickets in Multan Heat

Brydon Carse’s Maiden Test Wickets in Multan Heat

Brydon Carse’s maiden Test wickets in Multan were a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite the oppressive heat and a two-day trial, Carse emerged with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Carse’s debut performance was marked by patience and perseverance. After a first-day lbw verdict against Shan Masood was overturned on review, he remained undeterred. In his final two spells, he claimed the wickets of Naseem Shah and Aamer Jamal, capping off a spirited effort in challenging conditions.

England’s bowlers faced an uphill battle against Pakistan’s imposing first-innings total of 556. However, they maintained their discipline until the end, preventing a more significant deficit. Carse acknowledged the physical toll the heat and wicket took on the team, but emphasized the importance of hydration and recovery.

Despite the absence of reverse-swing, Carse remained optimistic about England’s chances. He believes that if the ball starts reversing in the second innings, they can set different fields and put pressure on Pakistan’s attack.

Reflecting on his maiden Test stint, Carse admitted to feeling disappointed by the overturned lbw appeal against Masood. However, he and his teammates remained focused on their task, and his breakthrough moment came when Naseem Shah edged a lifter to Harry Brook at leg slip.

England faces an uphill battle in the match, but Carse remains confident. He believes that Zak Crawley’s flying start to their first innings provides a glimmer of hope. With two full days of cricket remaining, Carse is determined to fight for a positive result.

England's Pakistan Test Tour Revised: Back-to-Back Multan Fixtures

England’s Pakistan Test Tour Revised: Back-to-Back Multan Fixtures

England’s highly anticipated Test tour of Pakistan next month will unfold in a revised format, with back-to-back fixtures in Multan and a series finale in Rawalpindi. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finally approved the updated schedule after weeks of uncertainty.

Initially, the three-Test series, part of the ICC World Test Championship, was set to feature a second Test in Karachi, where England had triumphed in a historic 3-0 clean sweep during their previous visit in December 2022. However, ongoing renovations at the National Stadium in Karachi for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 and a major international conference in Islamabad from October 15-16 rendered Rawalpindi unavailable for the second Test.

Amidst speculation that the series might be relocated to the UAE, an agreement has been reached to retain the original venues of Multan and Rawalpindi. However, the teams will now remain in Multan for the second Test as well.

England’s arrival in Multan is scheduled for October 2, with Pakistan’s squad assembling on the same date. The first Test will commence from October 7-11, followed by the second Test from October 15-19. The teams will then move to Rawalpindi for the third Test from October 24-28.

“PCB is thrilled to welcome the England men’s cricket team back to Pakistan,” said Usman Wahla, PCB Director, International. “Despite minor adjustments, we are committed to supporting fans and ensuring a memorable tour. We look forward to a fiercely competitive Test series and showcasing Pakistan’s renowned hospitality.”

The announcement brings an end to the uncertainty surrounding the series, which had prompted England to name an unusually large touring squad of 17 players. England head coach Brendon McCullum had previously emphasized the need for advance knowledge of the venues to select a squad suited to the conditions.

The delay in finalizing the schedule had caused frustration among England’s fans, with several tour operators canceling their arrangements due to logistical uncertainties.

Pakistan Confirms Home Test Series Against England in Multan and Rawalpindi

Pakistan Confirms Home Test Series Against England in Multan and Rawalpindi

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the upcoming home Test series against England will take place in Pakistan, despite earlier reports suggesting a possible shift to Sri Lanka or the UAE. The series, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, will proceed as planned with matches in Multan and Rawalpindi.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi quashed reports of a venue change, stating that the venues are final and games will not be played outside the country. “No Tests will be played outside (the country). Multan and Rawalpindi venues are final,” Naqvi said.

The confirmation comes after reports emerged that the series might be moved out of Pakistan due to ongoing renovation work at stadiums in preparation for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy. However, Naqvi clarified that the venues are ready and will not be affected by the construction activities.

Recently, the PCB had to shift the second Test of their series against Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi because of similar renovation work. Spectators were barred from attending that match due to the construction activities. Experts had advised that construction could continue during playing hours, potentially distracting players because of the noise and dust.

England head coach Brendon McCullum had expressed concerns about the venue uncertainty, saying it made team selection difficult. “We don’t know (what is happening in Pakistan), but we can’t pick a team until we know where we’re going to play. It would be nice if, over the next couple of days, we found out. Then we’ll sit down and make sure we’ve got the right team for the right conditions and the right opposition,” McCullum had said.

The first Test of the three-match series between Pakistan and England is scheduled to begin on October 7 in Multan. The second match will take place in Karachi starting October 15. The series will conclude with the third Test in Rawalpindi on October 24.

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