Pakistan to re-use same pitch for second Test in Multan: Reports

In a desperate bid to snap out of the horror 11-match winless streak at home, Pakistan are reportedly all set to re-use the same pitch used in the first Test for the second Test, starting October 15 (Tuesday).

Pitches being re-used in white-ball games is a common occurrence, but seldom has the same wicket been used for two Test matches in a row. But ESPNCricinfo have reported that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are confident that the wicket will hold up well, and crucially believe that the surface will certainly prove to be bowler-friendly, aiding the spinners.

“Industrial-sized fans were set up at either end of the pitch as both teams held optional training sessions on Sunday after it was heavily watered by groundstaff in the aftermath of the first Test,” ESPNCricinfo reported.

The wickets in Pakistan have come under the scanner for being extremely batter-friendly, providing nothing for the bowlers whatsoever. In the first Test in Multan, England racked up 823/7 after Pakistan posted 556 on the board batting first. 

That Pakistan have still found a way to lose matches on such surfaces is what’s been inexplicable. 

Pakistan have not won a single Test at home since December 2022 and have gone 11 matches without a win. They’ve now suffered three defeats in a row at home in 2024, having earlier been whitewashed by Bangladesh on surfaces that were similar to the pitch that Multan dished out for the first Test. 

Should the same pitch be re-used as reported, then both the hosts and visitors might consider beefing up the spin department. England played two spinners in the first Test but still have the option to bring in another in the form of Rehan Ahmed. Pakistan, meanwhile, could play both Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, who are both expected to be named in the squad for the second Test.

The news of Abrar Ahmed being all but ruled out of the second Test comes at an unfortunate time for the hosts, especially with the track for the second Test expected to assist spin. 

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