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The second Test between Pakistan and England erupted into chaos as runs flowed freely from all directions. After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bat first on a flat Multan pitch, amassing an impressive 556 runs in their first innings. However, England took things to another level, with Joe Root and Harry Brook delivering exceptional performances that left the Pakistan bowlers struggling. Root scored a magnificent 262 runs, while Brook added an astonishing 317, showcasing their batting prowess. As a result, England declared at a staggering total of 823 runs on Day 4, marking one of the highest scores in Test history. The match was remarkable, with over 1,500 runs scored in just the first 10 sessions, underscoring the dominance of the batters in this encounter.
Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja expressed his frustration with the state of the pitch, arguing that it offered little support for the bowlers. He was particularly vocal about the pitch preparation, questioning the decisions made by the groundsmen. According to Raja, the lack of assistance for bowlers made the game less competitive, shifting the focus solely to batting. His comments highlight the ongoing debate about pitch conditions in cricket and the impact they have on the balance between bat and ball in the game.
"I'm sure bowlers will be questioning the quality of this track because they bend their back and nothing has happened. You start questioning why such a surface was provided and why are we playing on such a surface at home,” said Ramiz Raja in a recent interview.
Criticism surrounding the Pakistan cricket team reached a fever pitch after their disappointing 2-0 series defeat to visiting Bangladesh in the preceding Test series. The team's performance was heavily scrutinized, and there was immense pressure on them to deliver a strong showing against England. Acknowledging this pressure, Pakistan skipper Shan Masood revealed at the toss in Multan that he had specifically requested a flat track for the match against England.
Masood’s strategy was likely influenced by the need to regain confidence and turn around the team’s fortunes following the backlash from the previous series. By opting for a flat pitch, he aimed to create favorable batting conditions that would allow his players to score freely and put up a formidable total. This decision underscored the importance of the match for Pakistan, not just in terms of results but also in rebuilding team morale.
However, the choice of pitch led to a high-scoring encounter that ultimately raised questions about the balance between bat and ball. As the game unfolded with runs flowing freely, the criticism regarding pitch preparation and conditions resurfaced. Masood’s admission highlighted the team's awareness of the need to perform, but it also sparked a broader conversation about the integrity of the game and the impact of pitch conditions on competitive balance. The stakes were high, and the outcome of the Test would carry significant implications for the team’s future.
“We asked for a good cricket wicket. Both teams are stacked with good batting line-ups. We have been in winning positions and not won from there, it has caused some hurt amongst the team and the cricket fraternity. We want to get back to winning ways and hopefully, these bunch of guys can do that,” said Pakistan captain Shan Masood at the toss.