England Falls to Pakistan’s Spin Web: Series Set for Decider

In a thrilling Test match that underscored Pakistan’s bowling mastery on home soil, Pakistan leveled the three-match series with a resounding 152-run victory over England in the second Test in Multan. England, chasing a daunting target of 297, collapsed to 144 all out, as Pakistan’s spinners, led by the remarkable Noman Ali, spun a web around England’s batters. With this victory, the series stands at 1-1, setting up an exhilarating decider in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan’s victory was anchored by the remarkable bowling performance of left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who claimed career-best figures of 8-46, backed by fellow spinner Sajid Khan, who also played a crucial role. The duo’s control over the conditions turned the match on its head, making it one of the few instances in Test cricket history where two bowlers shared all 20 wickets in a match.

Noman Ali, who had already troubled England in the first innings, proved too much for the tourists as they struggled to handle the unpredictable turn and bounce on the re-used Multan pitch. His match haul of 11 wickets for 147 runs made him the clear standout, and his dominance on a tricky surface solidified Pakistan’s control on the fourth morning.

Sajid Khan complemented Noman perfectly, collecting nine wickets in the match, and both spinners bowled unchanged for 33.3 overs to secure victory. This marked the longest spell bowled by two bowlers in a completed Test innings since 1956, a testament to their endurance and skill.

England’s defeat came after a strong start to the series, where they dominated Pakistan in the first Test, posting a mammoth 823-7 declared. However, their fortunes reversed in Multan, as they failed to replicate their aggressive batting style from the first Test.

The tourists’ struggles in the second Test can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, England’s inability to adapt to the changing pitch conditions proved costly. The Multan pitch, known for its sharp turn and bounce, was far removed from the batting paradise they had encountered in the first Test. England’s famed aggressive style, particularly against spin, faltered as they tried to force the pace.

Ben Stokes, England’s captain, top-scored with 37 runs, but the rest of the batting order could not cope with the relentless pressure applied by Noman and Sajid. Ollie Pope and Joe Root, two of England’s most reliable players, both fell to uncharacteristic dismissals, adding to the team’s woes.

England’s overall collapse in the second innings, which saw them lose their last eight wickets for just 80 runs, was symptomatic of their larger problem in dealing with the conditions. This was compounded by their missed opportunities in the field, particularly in the third innings, where key dropped catches by Jamie Smith and Joe Root off Salman Agha allowed Pakistan to extend their lead.

Pakistan’s victory in the second Test is also notable for the bold changes they made to their squad. Following their heavy defeat in the first Test, the team management took the unusual step of dropping superstar batter Babar Azam and two of their premier fast bowlers, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. This decision raised eyebrows, but it ultimately paid off.

Kamran Ghulam, filling in for Babar Azam, impressed with a composed debut century that stabilized Pakistan’s innings and provided the foundation for their match-winning total of 366. Ghulam’s performance will be a talking point going into the series decider, as he proved that Pakistan’s batting depth runs deeper than just their established stars.

Additionally, Pakistan’s decision to recycle the Multan pitch—a move that invited scrutiny—proved to be a masterstroke. While the choice to play on a worn pitch was questioned by some, especially in light of the first Test’s flat surface, the conditions suited Pakistan’s spin-heavy attack perfectly. The emphasis on spin, as opposed to raw pace, shifted the balance in favor of the hosts, who have a long history of success on turning tracks.

The stage is now set for a thrilling conclusion to the series in Rawalpindi. The third Test, scheduled to begin on October 24, will be played on a new surface, but England should brace themselves for more spin-friendly conditions.

England, despite the loss, will take heart from their performances in patches. Their ability to bat long periods, as shown by Ben Duckett’s fine century in the first innings, could serve them well if they can adjust their approach to Pakistan’s spin attack. The visitors must also tighten up their fielding if they are to prevent Pakistan from capitalizing on crucial opportunities, as was the case in Multan.

The psychological advantage, however, firmly rests with Pakistan. After six consecutive Test defeats and an 11-match winless streak at home, this victory not only snapped a losing run but also restored confidence in the side. With their spin duo of Noman and Sajid in prime form, Pakistan will look to replicate their Multan success in Rawalpindi.

For England, the Multan Test was a harsh lesson in the realities of Test cricket in Asia. Historically, they have struggled on turning tracks, and the second Test exposed their vulnerability once again. In preparation for the series decider, England’s management will likely have to re-evaluate their batting strategy, particularly against spin.

One possible change could involve a greater emphasis on playing with soft hands and rotating the strike to negate Pakistan’s spinners. England’s batters were too often caught on the back foot, either defending or trying to hit their way out of trouble. A more nuanced approach might involve picking gaps, playing straighter, and minimizing risk against Pakistan’s relentless bowling attack.

On the bowling front, England may also consider introducing an extra spinner into their lineup. While Jack Leach did a commendable job as the lead spinner, the addition of a second specialist spinner could provide the team with more control on slow and turning tracks.

As Pakistan and England prepare for the final Test, the stakes could not be higher. For Pakistan, this series represents an opportunity to reassert themselves as a formidable Test side on home soil, while for England, it’s a chance to recover from a stinging defeat and continue their quest for overseas success.

With both teams bringing their own strengths and weaknesses into the third Test, the series decider promises to be a gripping contest of skill, strategy, and mental fortitude. The Multan Test showcased the brilliance of Pakistan’s spinners and the resilience of their team, but Rawalpindi will demand a fresh approach from both sides as they battle for supremacy in this historic series.

Wasim Qadri

Wasim Qadri, Islamabad based Senior Journalist

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *