Pakistan-England’s Multan showdown sets stage for crucial Test series

 First Test Preview:

Pakistan-England’s Multan showdown sets stage for crucial Test series

Asher Butt

As Pakistan and England prepare to lock horns in the first Test of a three-match series starting Monday, October 7, at the Multan Cricket Stadium, both teams find themselves at critical junctures in their Test cricket journeys.

Pakistan has showed determination to end their 10-match winless streak at home. Pakistan, coming off a shocking 2-0 defeat to Bangladesh at home - their first-ever Test series loss to the Tigers - are desperate to regain their footing. The host nation's recent form has been concerning, with no wins in their last 10 home Tests. However, the return of all-rounder Aamer Jamal and spinner Abrar Ahmed provides a glimmer of hope for the struggling side.

Besides, Shaheen Shah Afridi has been reinstated to the team, leading a three-pronged seam attack alongside Naseem Shah and Jamal.

Their last Test victory on home soil came against South Africa in Rawalpindi in February 2021. Since then, Pakistan has endured a dry spell, losing six matches and drawing four – their longest winless run since earning Test status in 1952.

Since that 2021 victory, Pakistan has played 23 Tests overall, securing just eight wins – two each against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, three against Sri Lanka, and one against the West Indies. They’ve suffered 11 defeats, including four to Australia, one each to Sri Lanka and the West Indies, three to England and two to Bangladesh. The remaining four Tests, all drawn, were against Australia and New Zealand.

Skipper Shan Masood faces mounting pressure to deliver results. With a top six packed with talent, including the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan's batting lineup is theoretically on par with England's in terms of ball-striking ability. The challenge for Masood will be to harness this potential and translate it into match-winning performances.

However, the Pakistan team is now focused on putting the past behind them, determined to show resilience and pride, not just for themselves but for their passionate fans and stakeholders. When these two sides last met at the Multan Cricket Stadium, England secured a hard-fought 26-run victory. But Pakistan can take positives from that game – England will be without key pacers James Anderson (retired), Ollie Robinson (not selected), and Mark Wood (injured), while captain Ben Stokes is still recovering from a hamstring injury.

Captain Shan Masood and coach Jason Gillespie have been candid about the need to leave poor results behind and begin Pakistan’s resurgence as a top cricketing nation.

“We have a huge opportunity to turn things around against England, and we’re looking to make a strong start in Multan,” Masood said earlier in the week. “The team is excited, and we’re hoping for memorable results.

“I assure you, everyone is eager for a comeback and to take Pakistan cricket in the right direction. Pressure is a privilege – leading your country is an honor, but it also comes with responsibility. If the results are good, I’ll stay on, and if not, I’ll face the consequences. I don’t shy away from challenges, and this upcoming series is definitely one of them.

Gillespie echoed these sentiments: “Facing a team like England is exciting. Playing on home soil is a great opportunity, and we believe we match up well against them, though they’re a strong side. Our focus will be on disciplined, consistent Test cricket. If we stick to our plans and remain patient, the results will come.

“Our players love representing Pakistan in Test cricket and take immense pride in inspiring our supporters. We’re ready for this challenge,” he said on the PCB Podcast. “We know England’s evolved their game, but we’ll play our way – disciplined and strategic. When opportunities arise, we’ll seize them.”

Gillespie said optimistically: “People are writing us off, and that’s fine – it just motivates the boys even more. We’ll give our best, and hopefully, the results will follow.”

England, on the other hand, enter the series as favorites, riding high on their recent 2-1 victory against Sri Lanka. The visitors, however, will be without their talismanic captain Ben Stokes for the first Test due to a hamstring injury. In his absence, Ollie Pope will take on the leadership role, adding an intriguing dimension to England's "Bazball" approach under head coach Brendon McCullum.

The pitch at Multan Cricket Stadium is expected to favor batsmen initially, with spinners likely to play a crucial role as the match progresses. England's decision to include two specialist spinners in their playing eleven suggests they anticipate significant turn. This strategy could prove decisive, especially considering Abrar Ahmed's success against England in 2022, where he claimed 17 wickets in two Tests.

Key players to watch include Joe Root, who is on the verge of breaking Alastair Cook's record for most Test runs for England, needing just 72 runs to achieve this milestone. For Pakistan, much attention will be on Aamer Jamal, whose impressive showing against Australia has raised expectations.

The weather in Multan is forecasted to be clear and sunny throughout the Test, with temperatures hovering around 36-37 degrees Celsius. This should provide ideal conditions for cricket, barring any unexpected changes.

Historical head-to-head statistics slightly favor England, with 28 wins to Pakistan's 21 in their 88 encounters. However, with 39 draws, the rivalry has often been closely contested.

Despite England's recent success and Pakistan's struggles, many cricket pundits are cautioning against writing off the home team. Pakistan's ability to bounce back from adversity is well-documented, and the pressure of facing England often brings out their best cricket.

Currently Pakistan is placed eighth in the World Test Championship standings, and England is in fourth.

As the teams prepare for this crucial opener, both sides are aware of the series' importance in the context of their Test cricket aspirations. For Pakistan, it's a chance to silence critics and reassert their dominance at home. For England, it's an opportunity to prove that their aggressive "Bazball" approach can succeed in subcontinental conditions too.

With the stage set for an enthralling contest, a fascinating Test series between two of the sport's most unpredictable and exciting teams is expected to unfold.

Playing XI for first Test:

Pakistan - Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmad

England - Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir