Pakistan set to use the same Multan pitch for second test that was in use to play the first test against England.
Pakistan set to use the same 22-yeard strip in Multan that was used to play the first test.
Both sides held optional training sessions on Sunday after the pitch was thoroughly watered by ground crew following the first Test. Industrial-sized fans were up at either end of the pitch.
On Sunday morning, Pakistan’s captain and coach, Shan Masood, and Jason Gillespie inspected the pitch. Gillespie then had a long discussion with Tony Hemming, the Australian head curator for the PCB. The first Test’s bowlers’ footprints were cracked and dry, and the intense sun and crowds just made them look dryer.
With spin expected to play a bigger role, England may be able to select Ben Stokes thanks to the decision to play the second Test on the same strip. Over the past week, Stokes has increased his bowling effort. On Sunday morning, he bowled at full pace in the nets. This indicates he will be ready to go back, filling in as a third seamer if needed.
With two Tests remaining, England had anticipated “result wickets” following their 1-0 victory. They are now expecting a lower-scoring contest when the second Test begins on Tuesday. With 1,599 runs scored for the loss of 26 wickets in the first Test, an average of 61.5 runs per wicket, the ground offered bowlers nothing.
The second Test unexpectedly shifted from its original location of Karachi to Multan. This is because of ongoing repairs at the National Stadium. In addition to promising to give it a “major facelift” before the Champions Trophy the following year, the PCB also claimed that Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore would not be accessible for the England series.
Pakistan’s action is peculiar, in part because it is uncommon for successive Tests to be held at the same location. Nevertheless, the ICC’s pitch standards do not stipulate that the surface has to be new or unused. Rather, they simply call for the “best possible pitch and outfield conditions.” Pakistan might feel compelled to experiment after 11 home Tests without a victory.