PAK vs ENG 2024: Second Multan Test to be played on same pitch as first

Pakistan is expected to use the same pitch for the second Test against England in Multan, following their crushing innings defeat in the series opener. Pakistan have now lost six consecutive Tests and have not secured a single victory in their last nine home Tests.

The first Test against England saw Pakistan make history for the wrong reasons, as they became the first team to lose by an innings after scoring over 500 runs in their first innings.

Following the conclusion of the first Test, groundstaff heavily watered the pitch, and industrial-sized fans were set up at both ends to help in its preparation for the second match. Pakistan's coach Jason Gillespie and skipper Shan Masood inspected the pitch on Sunday morning, followed by Gillespie's lengthy discussion with Tony Hemming, the PCB's Australian head curator.

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When you put up 550 on board, it's important to pick 10 wickets: Shan Masood

The decision to reuse the pitch is likely to favor spin bowling, which could influence England's team selection. Ben Stokes, who has been increasing his bowling workload, might return to the side as a third seamer if conditions suit. The tourists, now leading 1-0 in the series, might expect a low-scoring match.

The pitch used for first Test offered little assistance to bowlers, with 1599 runs scored for the loss of just 26 wickets. Chris Woakes described it as offering "bugger all" for bowlers, while former England batter Kevin Pietersen called it a "bowlers' graveyard" on social media. Pakistan's captain, Shan Masood, reflected on the first Test loss, emphasizing the need for his bowlers to support the batting performance. 

"When you put up 550 on the board, it's important to back it up with 10 wickets. That's something we didn't do. If we take those 10 wickets and keep England around our score, maybe a bit more, then these 220 runs on the fifth day become challenging," Masood said in the post-match presentation.