England Battles Pakistan: England confronted a challenging mission on the primary day of the Test match against Pakistan in Multan, famously called the City of Saints. With a sizzling solar and an inexperienced bowling attack, the site visitors were up in opposition to a determined Pakistan facet. However, England hung in, grinding through harsh situations to earn their rewards.
Pakistan Takes Early Command
Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, led the charge with a commanding 151, well-supported by Abdullah Shafique, who added 102. The flat pitch offered little assistance to the bowlers, forcing England to dig deep. The situation looked grim as Pakistan reached 328-4 by stumps.
Despite this, England’s bowlers, led by Chris Woakes and Jack Leach, fought a return in the last session. Babar Azam’s wicket, as he planted his pad in the front of the stumps to Woakes, became a morale booster for the site visitors. England, though trailing, had motive to grin as they headed to the dressing room.
A Different Challenge Than 2022
There was a temptation to believe England could replicate their 3-0 series victory from two years ago. However, the circumstances at this time were vastly different. Despite enduring a winless streak at home, Pakistan looked stronger on paper. Furthermore, the shift in the series’ timing from December to October brought a significant elevation in temperature, making conditions more challenging.
Another significant change was the make-up of England’s pace attack. James Anderson had retired, Mark Wood was injured, and Ollie Robinson was not part of the squad. Instead, the visitors relied on Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, and Brydon Carse — a combination lacking sub-continental experience.
England’s New-Look Pace Attack
England’s seamers were the backbone of their success during the 2022 series, but they faced a much more challenging task this time. The Multan pitch offered the second-lowest movement and turn on day one of any Test since 2007, according to Cricviz data. The 0.47 degrees of swing and 2.64 degrees of turn were minimal, making life difficult for the fast bowlers.
Gus Atkinson had a problematic start while playing only his second away test. However, he managed to claim the wicket of Saim Ayub, caught down the leg side, to offer England a glimpse of hope. Chris Woakes, known for struggling in overseas conditions, eventually found his rhythm with the second new ball, snaring the crucial wicket of Babar Azam.
Brydon Carse, meanwhile, was tasked with the unenviable job of bowling bouncers early in the innings. Though he bowled with pace, touching 90mph, his over-reliance on short-pitched deliveries showed the plan’s limitations.
Spinners’ Impact and Fielding Brilliance
Despite the docile pitch, England’s spinners contributed with disciplined spells. Jack Leach, who had been playing his first Test since January, was impressed with his control and variations. He eventually got rid of Masood, catching a return shot after toying with his angles from around the wicket.
England’s fielding was also a highlight. As captain for the injured Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope showed creative field placements mirrored Stokes’ aggressive style from 2022. The only lapse was Pope’s missed run-out chance when Shafique was on 34, but overall, England’s fielders displayed exceptional commitment.
Woakes’ Late Strike Lifts England
England Battles Pakistan: The moment of the day came when Chris Woakes, who had been quiet for most of the innings, delivered a nip-backer to remove Pakistan’s talismanic Babar Azam. Woakes hadn’t taken a Test wicket in Asia since 2016, but this delivery was reminiscent of James Anderson at his best.
Anderson’s absence had been a talking point before the match, but Woakes’ performance showed that England’s bowlers could still deliver in harsh conditions.
Optimism for Day Two
England had weathered the storm. Pakistan held the upper hand, but England’s late breakthroughs, especially the dismissal of Babar Azam, gave them a glimmer of hope. The match could swing in their favor if they can strike early on the day. England’s resilience in harsh conditions has set the stage for a compelling contest in the City of Saints.
