PAK vs ENG 1st Test | Playing 11 Prediction, Preview And Live Streaming

PAK vs ENG 1st Test (Source:@timesnowsports/X.com)PAK vs ENG 1st Test (Source:@timesnowsports/X.com)

The stage is set for the all-important first Test match of the three-match series between Pakistan and England. The Test will be played at the Multan Cricket Stadium, and both teams will be itching to start off with a bang, with crucial WTC points up for grabs. It promises to be a cracking series, with England expected to come out all guns blazing with their Bazball tactics. So, let's dive deeper into the combination of two teams ahead of the high-octane clash.

PAK vs ENG 1st Test: Team Previews

Pakistan

Pakistan are coming into this series on the back of a disastrous Test series against Bangladesh. They were whitewashed by Bangla Tigers, and with Pakistan still winless under Shan Masood's captaincy, this series is crucial for his future. There has been a lot of talk about the nature of the pitches in Pakistan, but irrespective of their behaviour, Pakistan's batting has been pretty below par for a long time now. Abdullah Shafique has struggled at the top of the order, while their star batter, Babar Azam, is also under a lot of pressure after his poor returns against Bangladesh.

The skipper Shan Masood has also not played a big knock and there is lot of dependency on Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan. So, they need their top order to fire, if they want to keep England on their toes. Pakistan have announced their playing XI ahead of the game, and have brought back the experienced duo of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah back. Aamer Jamal is also fit and raring to go, and the home team would be hoping that they produce the goods in this Test match. 

Overall, Pakistan do have quality in their ranks, but their performance has not been upto the mark in recent times, and they would need experienced players to step up in this opening Test.

England

The visiting England side have also announced their playing XI and will be without their regular skipper, Ben Stokes. Ollie Pope will lead the side and Brydon Carse is set for his Test debut. In Stokes' absence, Chris Woakes would have to take more responsibility as a seam-bowling all-rounder, and we can expect England to play the same aggressive brand of cricket that has worked for them in the last couple of years. Joe Root, though. would be crucial for the visitors as he has been in great form and has scored runs in the subcontinent in the past.

On the bowling front, England have an inexperienced arsenal. However, the likes of Shoaib Bashir and Gus Atkinson have done well in the recent past, and Pope would be hoping that they can deliver against vulnerable Pakistan batting line-up. Jack Leach is also back and he brings experience with him. Overall, England do have plenty of options at their disposal which makes them a dangerous unit. They also have fond memories of whitewashing Pakistan in these conditions on the previous tour, so expect them to play positive cricket again.

PAK vs ENG 1st Test: Match Details & Live Streaming

Date & Time
October 7, 10:30 AM (IST)
VenueMultan Cricket Stadium, Multan
Broadcast and Live StreamingFanCode

PAK vs ENG 1st Test: Multan Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

The pitch at the Multan Cricket Stadium is traditionally known to be a good batting deck. However, the pitch has a green look to it ahead of the Test match, which might bring some help for the seamers, especially with the new ball. It would also help the pitch to stay even for a longer time and conditions are expected to be best for batting on Day 2 and Day 3. The spinners are likely to get help from Day 4 onwards, but it is not expected to turn a lot and overall, there will be good balance between bat and ball. 

PAK vs ENG 1st Test: Playing XIs

Pakistan Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (C), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed


England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Shoaib Bashir, Jack Leach

PAK vs ENG 1st Test: Winner Prediction

Pakistan have struggled in recent times and are low on confidence after a series loss against Bangladesh. England, on the other hand, have been pretty successful and expect them to come out on top with aggressive approach in the opening Test.