What To Expect From Day 2 Of PAK Vs ENG 2nd Test In Multan?

PAK ended Day 1 of the 2nd Test vs ENG at 259/5 [Spurce: @TheRealPCB/x.com]PAK ended Day 1 of the 2nd Test vs ENG at 259/5 [Spurce: @TheRealPCB/x.com]

The Day 1 of the 2nd PAK vs NZ Test in Multan brought its fair share of twists and turns, with Pakistan showing character against a disciplined England bowling attack after opting to bat first. Debutant Kamran Ghulam, who came in for Babar Azam, emerged as the day’s hero, defying nerves to score a gritty century despite battling cramps.

As Pakistan ended the Day 1 at 259/5, both teams have plenty to play for as they prepare for the second day. Here’s what to expect from Day 2 of the PAK vs NZ Test.

1. Opportunity For Pakistan’s Middle Order to Show Their Mettle

Pakistan’s middle order will shoulder immense responsibility at the start of Day 2. Mohammad Rizwan (37*) and Salman Ali Agha (5*) are at the crease, and they'll need to hold their nerve against a spirited England attack.

Rizwan’s job will be to marshal the tail and pile on as many runs as possible. In a game where momentum swings like a pendulum, an early wicket for England could open up the innings, and with the ball beginning to reverse, Pakistan’s batters will be in for a stern examination.

Mohammad Rizwan will have to play the anchor role. If he and Salman can push the score beyond the 350-run mark, Pakistan would find themselves with a competitive total. But the path to 350 is fraught with challenges, and any lapses could see England pounce to regain control.

2. England’s Reverse Swing Strategy

Ben Stokes expertly rotated his bowlers on Day 1, bringing himself and Matthew Potts into the attack once reverse swing came into play. England’s seamers managed to beat the bat and create chances, but Pakistan’s batters had the last laugh in the second session.

The key for England on Day 2 will be maintaining this pressure while extracting every ounce of reverse swing that the Multan pitch has to offer. With Potts and Brydon Carse in form and the ball still showing signs of movement, the morning session will be crucial.

England’s bowlers will look to make the most of the hard new ball and force errors from Pakistan’s remaining batters. For England, striking early could mean the difference between restricting Pakistan to a chaseable target and watching the hosts bat them out of the game.

3. Spin-Friendly Conditions in Play

Multan’s pitch began assisting the spinners as early as the sixth over on Day 1. Jack Leach found considerable turn in his initial spell, troubling Pakistan’s openers and breaking through for two crucial wickets early on.

However, as the day wore on, the pitch seemed to settle down, and the Pakistani batters found their groove. But Day 2 might present an altogether different beast. With the pitch only expected to deteriorate further under Multan’s relentless sun, it’s likely to assist spinners more.

Leach will have a big role to play, and England might even consider bringing Joe Root more into the attack for some off-spin, testing the lower order with variations in pace and angle.

4. England’s Batting Approach: Cautious or Aggressive?

Once Pakistan’s innings wraps up, all eyes will turn to England’s batters. With the pitch assisting the spinners and likely to worsen as the game progresses, England’s top order may need to adopt a counterattacking approach.

Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, known for their positive play, might just take the game to the Pakistani bowlers, looking to establish an early foothold. However, a more conservative approach could backfire, allowing Pakistan’s bowlers to tighten their grip on a responsive pitch.

For England, bravery with the bat could help them post a solid response, but reckless play could hand the advantage right back to Pakistan.

PAK vs ENG: A Crucial Day 2 Awaits

Day 2 in Multan promises to be a an exciting affair, with both teams sensing an opportunity to tilt the game in their favour. For Pakistan, the task is clear: build on their foundation and set a challenging total.

For England, the goal will be to bowl Pakistan out swiftly and set up their own innings with intent. The day might just belong to whichever team seizes the initiative early. As the Test unfolds, it’s a game of catch as catch can, with both sides aiming for control in this high-stakes encounter.