Multan. Former England fast bowler Steven Finn feels that Pakistan can make a comeback in the second Test of the series only if it gets spinning wickets in Multan for the next match. Despite scoring 556 runs in the first innings, Pakistan lost the opening Test of the series against England by an innings and 47 runs, continuing their losing streak at home since March 2022. They are winless after playing 11 Tests at home, which include seven losses and four draws. The first Test wicket in Multan was very helpful for the batsmen, as Harry Brook scored 317 runs, while Joe Root scored 262 runs and stitched a historic 454-run partnership for England, which had achieved the feat with Colin Cowdrey 57 years ago. And surpassed the previous best partnership of 411 runs made by Peter May. BBC Sport quoted the Finn as saying that at the moment it looks wet, but in the next three days it will dry up and it will be cleaned. I think spinning the ball and turning it sideways is the only way Pakistan can beat England. On the other hand, former England captain Michael Atherton does not see any change in the wicket for the second Test starting on October 15.
He said, “I don’t think the pitch in three days (for the next Test) can be very different from the one we have. Brook said that he would not mind if he had to take guard on another deck more suited to batsmen. The Yorkshire batsman joked that it was an incredible wicket. I would like to roll it up and take it with me. England are expected to make changes for the second Test, with captain Ben Stokes likely to return after recovering from injury. Brydon Carse, who impressed on his debut, may retain his place, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir’s status is uncertain after a clash of 1-156. The conditions in Multan, which historically favor leg spinners, could include Rehan Ahmed, who took 5-48 on his debut against Pakistan in 2022, in the squad, adding variety to England’s bowling attack. . The venue for England’s second Test in Pakistan was changed just weeks before the series, being moved from Karachi to Multan due to renovation work at the National Stadium. There were discussions about moving the series entirely to the United Arab Emirates as a possible alternative, but the third Test is scheduled for October 24–28 in Rawalpindi. Pakistan is also going to host the Champions Trophy next year, whose matches will be held in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.