As the green shirts gear up for their upcoming Test series against England, all eyes are on Multan Cricket Stadium. Pakistan is striving to end a 10-match winless streak on home soil, with their last victory dating back to a commanding performance against South Africa in February 2021 in Rawalpindi. A victory here would not just be a win on paper but a statement of revival for a cricketing nation rich in history and pride.
In the world of cricket, form and momentum are often as crucial as talent. This is the longest stretch without a home win for Pakistan since they gained Test status in 1952. In those ten winless matches, Pakistan has faced six losses and four draws, creating a record that both players and fans are eager to rewrite. Will this series mark the beginning of a turnaround? Or will the English side, notorious for its aggressive “Bazball” approach, continue to thwart Pakistan’s aspirations on their home turf?
For skipper Shan Masood, the upcoming Test is more than just another match. It’s a test of his leadership, character, and ability to inspire his squad in dire circumstances. Having endured five consecutive losses as captain, Masood is keen to flip the narrative. “Pressure is a privilege – leading your country is an honor, but it also comes with responsibility,” he stated confidently, highlighting the weight of expectations on his shoulders.
Masood is aware that a victory would not only restore Pakistan’s pride but also cement his place as the team’s leader. “If the results are good, I’ll stay on, and if not, I’ll face the consequences. I don’t shy away from challenges, and this upcoming series is definitely one of them,” he said.
Red-ball coach Jason Gillespie, who has yet to register a series win in his two-year tenure, has emphasized the need for patience and discipline. “Playing on home soil is a great opportunity, and we believe we match up well against them,” Gillespie stated in a recent interview on the PCB Podcast. He knows the importance of striking a balance between playing aggressively and sticking to core fundamentals.
England’s squad is somewhat depleted with the absence of seasoned bowlers like James Anderson and Mark Wood, and captain Ben Stokes is still recovering from a hamstring injury. For Pakistan, this could be an opportunity to exploit a slightly less formidable English bowling lineup. “Our focus will be on disciplined, consistent Test cricket. If we stick to our plans and remain patient, the results will come,” Gillespie asserted.
Pakistan’s preparation has been thorough. After a demanding Bangladesh series that ended in heartbreak, the team regrouped and participated in the Champions One-Day Cup in Faisalabad to gain much-needed match practice. Their efforts culminated in a five-day camp in Multan to acclimatize to local conditions, further boosting morale.
When Pakistan last faced England at this venue, it was a tense battle that ended with England narrowly clinching a 26-run victory. But this time around, the English side will be without several key players. Pakistan can draw positives from that previous match, particularly the performances of Abrar Ahmed, who took 11 wickets, and Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel, who showed resilience with the bat.
Pakistan’s strategy will revolve around exploiting the absence of England’s experienced bowlers. With Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah leading the pace attack, and Abrar Ahmed returning to spin duties after his stellar performance last time, Pakistan will aim to pressure England’s relatively inexperienced batting order early.
The batting lineup, however, remains a concern. Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, and Babar Azam need to anchor the innings, while Rizwan’s role as a finisher will be crucial. A competitive first-innings score could put England on the back foot and set up a platform for the bowlers to build on.
Babar Azam, who has been Pakistan’s most consistent performer, will have to shoulder the responsibility of guiding the middle order. His composure under pressure will be vital against a side that thrives on forcing mistakes. Meanwhile, Abrar Ahmed’s ability to spin the game in Pakistan’s favor cannot be overlooked. His knack for breaking partnerships could be the deciding factor in this Test.
With the series poised on a knife’s edge, Pakistan’s Test against England will be more than just a contest between bat and ball—it will be a battle of redemption, resilience, and reclaiming lost glory. As coach Jason Gillespie said, “People are writing us off, and that’s fine – it just motivates the boys even more.”
Victory is not just a hope; it’s a necessity. For Pakistan, this is the moment to silence critics, reward loyal fans, and usher in a new era of dominance on home soil.