PAK VS ENG 2ND TEST

The stage is set for the second Test of the three-match series between Pakistan and England at the Multan Cricket Stadium. After a staggering defeat in the series opener, the hosts have a challenging task ahead, needing to quickly regroup and respond in this crucial encounter before the caravan moves to Rawalpindi for the third and final Test. Despite posting 556 in the first innings, Pakistan were overwhelmed by England's record-breaking reply of 823, the fourth-highest total in Test history, giving the visitors a commanding 267-run lead. Pakistan's third-innings woes in 2024 continued as they crumbled to 220 all out, succumbing to an innings and 47-run defeat. In a historic low, Pakistan became the first team to suffer an innings defeat after scoring over 500 in their first innings. The pressure is now squarely on Shan Masood and Co., who are winless in their last 11 home Tests. They will need to summon their mental resilience to bounce back against a confident England side and avoid another series loss on home soil. Pakistan’s newly appointed selection panel has made some bold calls for the remaining two Tests. Babar Azam, who has gone 18 innings without a fifty, has been left out, as have pace spearheads Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. While these decisions have raised eyebrows, they also present an opportunity for younger players to step up. All-rounder Kamran Ghulam, keeper-batter Haseebullah Khan, and left-arm spinner Mehran Mumtaz have been drafted in, making up the three uncapped additions. Abrar Ahmed, who was hospitalised due to fever during the first Test, has been ruled out for the rest of the series. To bolster their spin attack, Pakistan have recalled Sajid Khan and Noman Ali. In the absence of both Naseem and Shaheen, Mohammad Ali has been called up to the squad, and there is a strong possibility that either he or Mir Hamza will make it into the playing XI for the second Test. As for England, they will be riding high on confidence after their emphatic victory in the series opener. As has become the norm with England's Test side, they announced their playing XI a day before the game. Skipper Ben Stokes, who missed the first Test due to his recovery from a hamstring injury, makes his return. This will undoubtedly bolster England's batting, though his contribution with the ball remains uncertain as he continues his recovery. After enduring the gruelling heat in Multan on a docile surface, Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson have been rested. This has paved the way for right-arm seamer Matthew Potts to come into the side, providing fresh energy to England's pace attack. The surface for the second Test will undoubtedly be a major talking point, as the same pitch from the first game will be reused. Given Pakistan's squad composition, which emphasizes their spin options, we could be in for a spin-dominated contest this time around. Does Pakistan have it in them to stage a fightback? Or will England reign supreme again? We shall find out.