England’s cricket captain, Ben Stokes, is all set for a wild ride as his team faces Pakistan in the second Test in Multanβon a used pitch! π― For Stokes, this is a first, and he’s buzzing over how Pakistanβs decision to reuse the pitch might shake things up π, giving both teams something juicy to work with.
π₯ Pakistanβs Bold Pitch Move & Struggles
In the first Test, Englandβs batting lineup went beast mode π₯, smashing a jaw-dropping 823 for 7 π±, while Pakistanβs 556 felt like a warm-up. The pitch was a snoozefest for bowlers, leading to Pakistan setting an unwanted record: the first team to lose by an innings after scoring 500+ runs in their first innings! π Ouch!
So, to mix things up, Pakistan decided to reuse the pitch. π² Stokes isn’t mad about it: “Using a used pitch brings a lot more into the game for both teamsβ¦ It could spin more, reverse more, and give both sides more options.” ππ― Let the chaos begin!
π Playing on a Used Pitch? Say What?!
“This is my first time playing on a used pitch in a Test series,” Stokes admitted. π€ But donβt worry, they’ve been prepping it with industrial fans π, soaking it, drying it, and baking it under the Multan sun π to ensure plenty of spin and reverse swing from Day 1. Buckle up!
Pakistan is pulling out all the stops as they look to snap a six-Test losing streak π and secure their first home win since 2021. π
πͺ Ben Stokes Back & Ready to Rumble
Oh, and did we mention? Stokes is BACK! π After recovering from a hamstring injury, he’s stepping up as the third seamer π³. βInjuries suck, but I like to keep a positive mindset,β Stokes said π, hinting he’s ready to go all in. With the pitch expected to favor spin π, Englandβs pace squad, including Brydon Carse and Matt Potts, will keep things spicy. π₯
π― Englandβs Winning Streak in Pakistan: Can They Keep It Going?
Englandβs been on a roll in Pakistan, now holding a four-match winning streak π₯. They’re aiming for a clean sweep with a 2-0 series win to add to their already epic 3-0 sweep from 2022. π
As we gear up for this next clash, all eyes are on whether Pakistan can flip the script π¬ or if England will continue their domination in the subcontinent. ππ