England’s positive approach netted them another thrilling Test win which is becoming a habit for the practitioners of ‘Bazball’. Pakistan will be gutted to have fallen into the England trap to an extent.
Pakistan vs England | 9 – 13 December 2022 | The Multan Cricket Stadium
To Win Match
Pakistan 14/10 | Draw 5/2 | England 7/4
Pakistan were in a position to win or even safely bat out the Test but they learned the hard way that this format of the game is the ultimate battle of wills.
They were lured into a trap by England’s attacking declaration in the first Test and must find a way to counter the Three Lions’ positivity without playing into their hands.
Knowledge of Multan will be key to throwing this England juggernaut of its game.
It will be a nuanced approach that allows Pakistan to build a fightback but they do have plenty of in-form players.
England will be thrilled with the players who stepped up in the first Test.
Zak Crawley probably saved his Test career at the last possible moment with his hundred in Rawalpindi.
Harry Brook showed that he really belongs in that England middle order.
Joe Root has settled in as a strong No 4 and the team are now flourishing around him after he was unburdened of the captaincy.
Verdict: England 7/4
England have the momentum now. If the Multan wicket has a bit more for the bowlers, I reckon the tourists will wrap the series up.
