As the Pakistan-England Test series kicks off on October 7, 2024, at the iconic Multan Cricket Stadium, fans from both nations are eagerly anticipating a thrilling contest between two of the world’s top cricketing nations. This article takes a deep dive into the teams, their key players, the pitch report, head-to-head statistics, probable playing XI, and match predictions.
Teams Overview
Both Pakistan and England enter this series in good form, with strong squads and high expectations. Pakistan, under the leadership of Babar Azam, will be eager to defend their home turf and prove their mettle in the longer format of the game. England, led by Ben Stokes, arrives with a balanced and aggressive team, aiming to continue their resurgence in Test cricket with their fearless “Bazball” approach.
The conditions in Multan are expected to favour spin, which could play into Pakistan’s strengths, but England’s adaptability and strong middle order could present a tough challenge for the hosts.
Key Players to Watch
Pakistan
- Babar Azam – The Pakistan captain and prolific batsman has been in scintillating form across formats. In a series like this, his ability to handle pressure and play long innings will be crucial.
- Shaheen Afridi – Pakistan’s pace spearhead, Shaheen Afridi’s ability to swing the ball early and reverse it later in the day will be key on the Multan track, which may aid reverse swing.
- Abrar Ahmed – The young leg-spinner made a name for himself during the last Test series and will be critical in exploiting the spin-friendly conditions at Multan.
- Imam-ul-Haq – The left-handed opener will need to lay a solid foundation at the top, especially against England’s strong pace attack.
England
- Ben Stokes – England’s captain and talisman, Stokes has the knack of delivering in high-pressure situations. His leadership, along with his ability to change the game with both bat and ball, will be central to England’s success.
- Joe Root – England’s premier Test batsman, Root’s consistency in the middle order will be vital, especially in unfamiliar subcontinental conditions.
- James Anderson – The veteran fast bowler may be nearing the twilight of his career, but Anderson’s ability to move the ball in any condition, along with his vast experience, makes him a dangerous threat in Multan.
- Mark Wood – Wood’s raw pace will be a key factor as he looks to unsettle Pakistan’s top order with his aggressive bowling on flat wickets.
Head-to-Head in Test Cricket
Pakistan and England have a rich Test rivalry, having played 88 matches against each other. England holds the upper hand with 26 wins, while Pakistan has managed to secure 21 victories. The remaining 41 games have ended in draws. The upcoming Multan Test will be an opportunity for Pakistan to narrow that gap and for England to extend their lead.
In their most recent Test series, held in England in 2022, the teams played some highly competitive cricket, with England winning the series 2-1, courtesy of their aggressive style under the new leadership of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.
Pitch Report – Multan Cricket Stadium
The Multan Cricket Stadium pitch is traditionally known for being slow and offering assistance to spin bowlers as the game progresses. On Day 1, the surface is expected to be hard and good for batting, offering little movement for the pacers. However, as the game moves into the later days, the pitch will begin to deteriorate, with cracks opening up, offering significant turn for spinners.
Batsmen will need to capitalize on the early hours of play before the spinners come into full effect. Reverse swing might also be a factor on this dry surface, which should aid bowlers like Shaheen Afridi and James Anderson later in the match.
Probable Playing XI
Pakistan
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Abdullah Shafique
- Babar Azam (c)
- Saud Shakeel
- Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk)
- Salman Ali Agha
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Shaheen Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Abrar Ahmed
- Hasan Ali
England
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Joe Root
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Harry Brook
- Jonny Bairstow (wk)
- Chris Woakes
- Mark Wood
- Jack Leach
- James Anderson
- Ollie Robinson
Live Streaming:
India: No TV channel will broadcast this series
Pakistan: ASports, Ten Sports and Tamasha TV (App)
Match details:
The first Test of a three-match Test series between Pakistan and England will be played on October 7 at Multan Cricket Stadium. The match will start at 10:30 am (PST), 11:00 (IST) and 5:30 am (GMT)
Match Predictions and Possible Scenarios
The match promises to be a high-stakes affair, with both teams carrying momentum and boasting match-winners in their ranks. Given the conditions at Multan, the spin will be a crucial factor, and Pakistan may hold a slight edge due to their potent spin attack led by Abrar Ahmed. However, England’s aggressive brand of Test cricket has proven that they can adapt to challenging conditions and turn the game in their favour.
The key battle will be between Pakistan’s batting and England’s pace attack. If Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq can lay a solid foundation and shield Pakistan from the early damage inflicted by Anderson and Wood, Pakistan could post competitive totals. Conversely, if England’s batters can nullify Pakistan’s spinners, they will have a strong chance of outplaying the hosts.
