It looks like Pakistan haven’t learnt from their mistakes, at least after an embarrassing defeat in the PAK vs ENG 1st Test. As per reports, the ‘lifeless’ pitch that was used in the first match is going to be re-used for the second game as well. It is to be noted that the surface was criticised as ‘unfit for Test cricket’ by many former cricketers after the game turned out to be a run fest without any sort of help to bowlers whatsoever.
Pakistan to re-use same Multan pitch for PAK vs ENG 2nd Test
As per ESPNCricinfo, the same pitch will be re-used for PAK vs ENG 2nd Test, with Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie getting a sneak peak of the pitch ahead of the game. The report stated that industrial-sized fans were deployed at both ends of the pitch to dry the surface, which was also aided by the blazing sun. Pakistan’s unusual move is also seemingly backed by under-fire skipper Shan Masood, who also happened to have a close of the pitch.
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The report adds that the two teams had an optional training session after the surface was heavily watered by the ground staff in addition to the fans doing the job. Pakistan’s move to re-use the pitch is questionable, given the reservations expressed by former cricketers including Kevin Pietersen and Nasser Hussain, who called the pitch a ‘bowler’s graveyard’ and surface unfit for Test cricket respectively.
Same pitch for PAK vs ENG 2nd Test to help Ben Stokes?
The report stated that Ben Stokes, who wasn’t a part of the 1st Test due to his injury, could potentially be picked for the 2nd Test in Multan. The England skipper has returned to bowling his qouta completely at the nets and could add to England’s firepower as the third pacer on a surface which will favour the spinners more.
Pakistan suffered an innings and 47-run defeat in the 1st Test, becoming the first side to lose a game after posting a 550+ run total in the 1st innings. With this defeat, Pakistan’s winless streak at home extended to 11 while Shan Masood’s losing streak as captain continued. The side will be hoping to turn around their fortunes by attempting this unsual strategy.
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