England’s captain Ben Stokes expressed confidence on Monday that a reused pitch in Multan for the second Test against Pakistan could benefit the visitors, despite the spin-friendly conditions favoring the hosts. With Pakistan eager to level the series after their innings and 47-run defeat in the first Test, they have made four changes to the team, including the addition of three spinners.
In an unusual move, Pakistan opted to use the same pitch from the first Test, where England had amassed a massive 823-7 declared in response to Pakistan’s 556 all out. Reflecting on the surface, Stokes suggested that it might work in England’s favor once again.
“If we see the same kind of pitch like the first Test, that could play into our hands,” said Stokes, who missed the opening game due to a hamstring injury. Despite the high-scoring first innings, England’s bowlers had managed to bowl out Pakistan for just 220 in their second innings, securing a remarkable win.
For the second Test, England has dropped seamers Gus Atkinson and Chris Woakes, bringing in Matthew Potts and Stokes himself, while retaining spinners Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir. The captain noted the pitch might favor spin more this time, giving both teams more options.
“I’d expect the pitch to spin or reverse more, which gives both teams plenty to work with,” Stokes added. He also mentioned the rarity of using a pitch for back-to-back matches, a strategy he hadn’t encountered before, quipping about the large fans being used to dry the surface.
Since Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum took charge in May 2022, England has embraced an aggressive playing style, avoiding drawn matches.
“If we were 1-0 down at home, we’d probably be asking for a pitch to suit our strengths. Baz and I always play to win, no matter the conditions,” said Stokes.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s assistant coach, Azhar Mahmood, expressed confidence in the pitch favoring their spinners. With Zahid Mahmood, Sajid Khan, and Noman Ali forming a three-pronged spin attack, Mahmood emphasized the importance of taking 20 wickets to win the game. Aamer Jamal will be Pakistan’s sole frontline pacer for this match.
“The reused pitch is part of our strategy to take 20 wickets, and spin will be key in dominating England,” Mahmood stated.
Mahmood also defended the decision to rest star batter Babar Azam, who has been struggling with form, going without a half-century in his last 18 innings.
“There’s no doubt Babar is our best batter. He’s been rested with a busy schedule ahead, and we want him to come back fresh for the upcoming away tours,” Mahmood explained.
Both teams head into the second Test with different approaches, but the pitch and the conditions will be key to determining the outcome.
