What To Expect From Day 3 Of Pakistan Vs England Second Test In Multan?

Sajid Khan led Pakistan's fightback late on Day 2 [Source: @TheRealPCB/x]Sajid Khan led Pakistan's fightback late on Day 2 [Source: @TheRealPCB/x]

The Pakistan cricket team clawed its way back into series contention by dismantling the English middle-order on Day 2 of the second Test match in Multan on October 16. After the visitors reached 211-2, in pursuit of Pakistan’s first innings total of 366, home spinner and comeback-man Sajid Khan claimed three wickets in quick succession, including that of last week’s milestone men Joe Root and Harry Brook.

Khan also had England’s well-set centurion Ben Duckett caught out at first slip in the final hour of the day as the visitors reached a troublesome 239-6 by stumps. As Pakistan team sniff potential Test redemption by celebrating one of its best days in the office in recent memory, here we take a detailed look as to what fans and viewers can expect from Day 3 of the rip-roaring Multan affair.

What to expect from Day 3 of PAK vs ENG 2nd Test?

Serial ‘BazBallers’ England had their full-throttled aggression smothered by Pakistan spinners Sajid Khan (4-86) and Noman Ali (2-75). From being comfortably placed at 211-2 at one stage, the visitors reached a sluggish 239-6 by stumps as they lost four crucial wickets in the final hour of the day.

Jamie Smith (12*) and Brydon Carse (2*) will now resume the English innings as they find themselves another 127 runs away from Pakistan’s first innings total.

From Pakistan’s perspective, captain Shan Masood will rely on his bowlers to skittle out the remaining England wickets as early as possible to secure a first innings lead. A wicket early on Day 3 might well allow Pakistan’s rampaging spinners to mop up the English tail before the first drinks break of the day. 

For England, captain Ben Stokes will be hoping for his overnight batters to play out the opening session, all while upholding the visitor’s ‘BazBall’ approach to get closer to Pakistan’s total.

All in all, the initial moments of Day 3 will be crucial as an early advantage for either team might well set the tone for the rest of the day, and possibly, for the rest of the match.