Chris Woakes noted that the tourists are anticipating more lively pitches as Pakistan finds itself trailing 1-0 in the series. Ollie Pope leads his team off following their victory • Getty Images England is preparing to face “Result Wickets” for the last two Tests of their Pakistan tour, having triumphed by an innings on a flat pitch. Groundstaff in Multan, set to host the second Test of the series, began watering a newly prepared strip shortly after England’s win on Friday, aiming to ready it over the next three days.
Result Wickets Shan Masood has consistently expressed
Shan Masood has consistently expressed a desire for pitches that favor his fast bowlers since taking on the captaincy; however, they found little assistance as England amassed 823 for 7 in Multan. Pakistan must win both remaining Tests to achieve their first home series victory since February 2021, while England considers the possibility of a green pitch.
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There was some talk about green surfaces
There was some talk about green surfaces,” Chris Woakes remarked. was a hint of green on the first day, but conditions improved significantly. The ball is in their court. When it’s a home series with just three matches, losing the first means you hope the next two will deliver results—whether that means green pitches or spin-friendly ones. We’ll see how it goes.
Result Wickets We often overemphasize the pitch
Masood played down the pitch’s impact, attributing the situation to his bowlers. “We often overemphasize the pitch, he stated. “You adapt your pitch usage to fit your team and plan, but not everything can be controlle. England demonstrated that 20 Result Wickets can be taken on this pitch, so it’s not impossible.
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Ben Stokes back for the second Test
England Result Wickets is optimistic about welcoming Ben Stokes back for the second Test after his hamstring injury kept him from participating in the first. He has intensified his recovery this week, engaging in fitness training daily throughout the Test, bowling off a full run-up during breaks, and having extended batting sessions in the nets behind the media center.
Ollie Pope, who has captained for the fourth consecutive Test, was hopeful about Stokes’ prospects for the next match. “He’s been training exceptionally well this week and is eager to play again, so we’re all keeping our fingers crossed. He has had a productive training week, but I’m ready if he isn’t fit.”
Should Stokes return, England may face a selection conundrum based on his bowling capabilities and the pitch’s characteristics. The most probable adjustment would see him replacing one of the three seamers, though they might also opt to leave out one of their two spinners—likely Shoaib Bashir—allowing Joe Root a bigger role with the ball.
marked a successful return to international play
For Woakes, this marked a successful return to international play after two winters without a Test tour. He ended with match figures of 2 for 110 but claimed one crucial wicket in each inning: trapping Babar Azam lbw with the second new ball in the first, and dismissing Abdullah Shafique with the very first delivery of the second inning.
I honestly thought I might not get another chance like this,” Woakes admitted. “In a way, I had resigned myself to that. But with the support of the team, including Ben and Baz [McCullum], I feel invincible, ready to help win matches for England. I doubt I’ll average 25 in these conditions, but I don’t think many can.
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Thankfully in this Test
Thankfully in this Test, I managed to make a couple of breakthroughs with the new ball on a pitch that didn’t offer much assistance, so I’m pleased I was able to contribute. There will be times in these conditions where you need to hold back and support those at the other end.”