Vikrant Shekhawat : Oct 13, 2024, 04:20 PM
PAK vs ENG: The recent performance of the Pakistani cricket team has been very disappointing. The poor form of the team's batsmen and bowlers has remained a matter of concern. Every strategic effort of Pakistan is failing, due to which the team's losing streak continues. The recent 2-0 defeat in the Test series against Bangladesh exposed the weakness of the team. After this, Pakistan had to face defeat by an innings and 47 runs in the first Test played against England in Multan.Second Test on the same pitchAccording to ESPNcricinfo's report, the second Test between England and Pakistan will also be played on the same pitch in Multan, where the first Test match was held. This pitch will be used once again, although the pitch was filled with water after the first Test. Now the work of drying it is going on through fans and sunlight on both sides of the pitch. On Sunday, both the teams also held a practice session in Multan.Pakistan's search for victoryThe Pakistan team has been yearning for victory on home ground for a long time. Test coach Jason Gillespie and captain Shan Masood had inspected the Multan pitch and discussed it with PCB's Australian curator Tony Hemming. The bowlers' footprints on the pitch have dried up even more now, which is expected to help the spinners.Even after the last 11 home Test matches, Pakistan is struggling for a single win. Winning on home ground is usually considered easy as the team gets the advantage of home conditions. But the situation is the opposite with Pakistan at the moment.Ben Stokes expected to returnThe good news for the England team in the second Test is that Ben Stokes may return. Stokes could not play in the first Test due to injury and Ollie Pope took over the captaincy in his place. Now Stokes is preparing fully to play in the second Test and his return can give additional strength to England.The Multan pitch, which has already faced five days of cricket, can be even more favorable for spin bowlers. In such a situation, the challenge for Pakistan will be to overcome its weaknesses and return to the path of victory.