The England vs Pakistan first Test highlights from Multan featured a day of grueling effort for England as they battled Pakistan’s determined batting lineup. The day began with Pakistan’s batsmen dominating the field but ended with a late fightback that kept England in the game.
Despite the early struggles, England’s perseverance, referred to as “high-end toil” by assistant coach Jeetan Patel, proved crucial in gaining a foothold on a challenging first day.
England’s “High-End Toil” in Multan
At the close of play, Pakistan was 328 for 4, a score that reflects a day where England had to work hard under difficult conditions. Jeetan Patel praised the team’s efforts, noting that England was “pretty happy” with where they stood at the end of the day. The big partnership between Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood, who combined for a massive 253-run stand, set the tone for most of the day.
Early on, Pakistan looked firmly in control. After the cheap dismissal of Saim Ayub, the pair of Shafique and Masood put Pakistan in a commanding position. Their partnership frustrated England’s bowlers, who toiled on a flat surface under the hot Multan sun.
Patel referred to the day as a test of stamina and strategy, saying, “The toil they put in today was high-end. The different tactics, the changes in the field—it was a testament to their effort.”
Turning the Tide: England’s Late Fightback
Just as the game seemed to be slipping away from England, they found breakthroughs in the final session. Gus Atkinson and Jack Leach managed to dismiss both set batters, with Shafique and Masood falling softly. The breakthrough gave England a glimmer of hope. To further solidify their position, Chris Woakes trapped Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam lbw late in the day, bringing Pakistan’s score to 328 for 4.
As Patel emphasized, the three wickets taken in the final session were crucial:
“We’re pretty happy with how it’s ended up, with them four down.”
The Conditions: Tough but Manageable
Patel didn’t shy away from commenting on the challenging conditions. The sun bore down relentlessly, providing no relief throughout the day. “The guys were fizzing all day,” he said. But despite the heat and a docile pitch, the England bowlers maintained their energy and focus.
The pitch, which was expected to offer more for the bowlers early in the day, remained largely flat.
Patel remarked, “We probably expected [the ball] to do a little bit more this morning. It didn’t, but that’s okay. We’ll figure it out.”
Despite the docile conditions, England’s effort in the field was commendable. Their field settings and bowling changes kept the game from completely getting away from them, ensuring that they stayed within striking distance going into Day 2.
The Role of James Anderson’s Absence
A notable story around the Test has been the absence of England’s bowling coach, James Anderson, who missed the start of the tour due to a golf tournament in Scotland.
While some speculated on how Anderson’s absence might impact the team, both Brendon McCullum and Patel downplayed any concerns. According to McCullum, Anderson has been in constant communication with the team, providing valuable input via WhatsApp groups.
“We live in a world where you can still communicate without being face-to-face,” said McCullum.
Patel, who worked closely with the fast bowlers in Anderson’s absence, was confident that the team would not be negatively affected. Anderson is expected to join the squad soon, but for now, the bowlers have adapted well under Patel’s guidance.
Day 2: England’s Game Plan
Looking ahead to Day 2, Patel suggested that a strong start could shift the momentum in England’s favor.
“We always talk about putting two wickets on it: how does the game change?” he said.
The current nightwatchman offers England an opportunity to apply pressure early in the morning, potentially reducing Pakistan’s total to a more manageable score.
If England can dismiss a few more batters early, Patel hinted that they could limit Pakistan to 350-7 or something similar. After that, much will depend on how England’s batsmen fare on this relatively flat surface.
Conclusion: A Battle of Stamina and Strategy
As the England vs Pakistan first Test continues, it’s clear that this match is shaping up to be a test of endurance for both sides. England’s “high-end toil” was key in keeping them competitive on Day 1, but much will depend on how well they can capitalize on their late breakthroughs. With Anderson set to return and the game finely poised, the next few sessions will be crucial in determining the outcome of this Test.
For full details of the England tour of Pakistan 2024-25, including fixtures and squad information, you can check out the official tournament page and match fixtures. You can also find player lineups for both teams on the squads page.
For more updates and detailed match information, visit the ICC World Test Championship site.
Engage with Us!
Want to stay updated on more cricket action? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive insights, match reviews, and behind-the-scenes stories. Share your thoughts on this match in the comments below or follow us for more live updates and analysis throughout the series!
