The Pakistan Cricket Team is determined to make a strong comeback in the PAK vs ENG 2nd Test at Multan. After a humiliating loss in the previous Test at the same venue, the hosts have made a plethora of changes. After from using the same pitch, Pakistan has dropped key players like Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi.
And they have brought in 3 specialist spinners. On the other hand, there are already 4 part-time spinners in the squad making Pakistan’s spin department to have as many as 7 spinners. With just 1 pacer, it remains to be seen if the bold strategy from the hosts pays dividends or not.
Bold Strategy from Pakistan
The pitch will be considerably slower after it was left open in the sun on Monday. This means it is extremely crucial for the team that wins the toss. On the other hand, England has made 2 like-for-like changes, bringing in Ben Stokes and Matthew Potts who replaces Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson.
England will be reliant on their pacers as they believe the dry conditions to favor reverse swing. But what is more important, is the complete change in strategy for Pakistan. Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Zahid Mahmood are the three out-and-out spinners who make their way into the team.
On the other hand, part-time spinner Kamran Ghulam too makes his debut and is expected to bat at number 4, originally Babar Azam’s spot. The other part-time spinners include Agha Salman, Saud Shakeel, and Saim Ayub.
It remains to be seen if the gamble works or not. The bold strategy can work either way. For once, it can provide a massive benefit for the hosts, or on the flip side it can again horribly go wrong for Pakistan.