3 massive takeaways from 2nd PAK vs ENG Test 2024 in Multan ft. Ben Stokes' Asian woes
Pakistan finally broke their tumultuous six-test losing streak and pulled off a spectacular 152-run win over England in the second Test in Multan to even the three-match series at 1-1. It was also their first Test victory under skipper Shan Masood and their first Test win at home since early 2021.
After making several changes to their lineup, the hosts won a crucial toss and batted first. They posted a formidable 366 on the board and restricted England to 291 in the first innings.
The lead proved vital as Pakistan huffed and puffed to 221 in their second essay, setting England a stiff target of 297. The hosts then stifled the English batters with spin to bowl them out for a dismal 144 and complete the crushing victory.
Both teams had several massive takeaways from the second Test that warrants a deep dive.
As we wait in anticipation of a thrilling series decider in a week at Rawalpindi, here are the three major takeaways from the second England-Pakistan Test.
#1 Spin to Win - Pakistan may have finally found their frontline spinners and home identity
One of the key reasons behind Pakistan's extended home struggles in Tests was the inability to lock their frontline spinners and the unpredictability of the pitches. There was seemingly a different spinner in every Test Pakistan played over the last two to three years, resulting in uncertainties in planning and having a set template.
Furthermore, there was a merry-go-round in pitch conditions at home with some being featherbeds, while others varied between turners and pace-friendly tracks. It meant Pakistan had no identity even at home like some of the more dominant sides in the world.
However, the Multan Test might have opened doors for them in terms of the ideal pitch conditions and the best spin options. On the same pitch used in the first Test, off-spinner Sajid Khan and left-arm spinner Noman Ali achieved the impossible of picking up all 20 wickets.
It was the first time since 1972 that such a feat had been achieved, giving Pakistan a clear indication of their frontline spin options at least for the foreseeable future.
# 2 Ben Stokes' continued poor Test form overall and in Asian conditions
England skipper Ben Stokes' recent overall Test form, especially on Asian conditions will likely go under the radar in the post-mortem of their second Test defeat. However, a closer look at the numbers paints a sorry picture for someone of his stature in world cricket.
The 33-year-old has averaged a dismal 26.81 in nine Tests this year, with the average dropping to an even worse 19.70 in Asian conditions in 2024. Stokes' last eight innings in Tests in Asia has only two double-digit scores and an average of under nine.
In the second Pakistan Test, he registered scores of one and 37, while being dismissed by left-arm spinner Noman Ali in both innings.
Stokes' overall average in Tests in Asia isn't all that impressive either with an average of 27.22 in 26 outings. For England to not lose a second consecutive series in Asia after their 1-4 defeat to India earlier in the year, their skipper must overcome his woes on turning tracks and deliver the goods.
#3 Kamran Ghulam's grand arrival - A welcome sign for domestic performers
Much was discussed and speculated when 29-year-old Kamran Ghulam replaced ace batter Babar Azam at No.4 for Pakistan in the second Test against England. Yet, much to the relief of the management, Ghulam answered the call in style in the first innings.
On a challenging Multan track, the right-hander scored a magnificent 118 off 224 deliveries with 11 boundaries and a maximum to set up Pakistan's victory. Ghulam's knock was also a reminder of how much domestic performances must be valued, especially for home Tests.
After scoring over 4,500 runs in 60 first-class games at an average of almost 50, Ghulam finally got his opportunity amidst firm pushback. Yet, his sensational arrival might be the perfect example of how Pakistan and its selectors should move forward, rewarding excellent domestic performances with brave calls.