England captain Ben Stokes expressed confidence ahead of the second Test against Pakistan in Multan, where an unusual decision to reuse the same pitch from the first Test could shift the balance in favor of the visitors. Stokes, who missed the first Test due to a hamstring injury, sees the reused flat surface as a potential benefit for England, despite Pakistan’s spin-heavy squad.
“If another wicket like that is produced, maybe that gives us more of an advantage,” Stokes said. England had a dominant first Test, posting 823-7 declared in response to Pakistan’s 556 all out. Despite the high-scoring first innings, England’s bowlers managed to dismiss Pakistan for just 220 in the second innings, sealing a remarkable victory.
In a bid to level the series, Pakistan made four changes, including the introduction of three spinners—Zahid Mahmood, Sajid Khan, and Noman Ali. Pakistan’s assistant coach, Azhar Mahmood, defended the decision to use the same pitch, saying the strategy aims to help Pakistan claim all 20 English wickets.
“We want to get 20 England wickets, and going with spinners will help us dominate,” Mahmood stated.
England also made changes, bringing in Stokes and Matthew Potts while retaining their spin duo of Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir. Despite the focus on spin, Stokes admitted to being surprised by the reuse of the pitch. “I’ve never seen a pitch used in back-to-back games,” he noted, referring to the use of industrial fans to dry the surface.
With aggressive cricket under Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, England remains committed to results. “There should be a winner,” Stokes emphasized, looking to leverage home advantage tactics for a series comeback.
Meanwhile, Pakistan left out struggling star batter Babar Azam, who hasn’t scored a half-century in 18 innings. Azhar Mahmood clarified the move, stating it was not a dropping but a rest for Azam ahead of a hectic cricket schedule.
As both teams adjust their tactics for the reused pitch, the Test promises an intriguing battle, with spin likely to play a critical role.
