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October 7, 2024
Ollie Pile’s England side experienced a challenging second session during their Test match against Pakistan in Multan. They struggled to make a breakthrough in the face of a dominant batting display from the hosts. Pakistan’s Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique showcased remarkable resilience and skill, piling on a staggering 253-run partnership that left England’s bowlers searching for answers.
Throughout the second session, England’s bowlers toiled away under the sweltering Multan sun, trying to find a way to dismantle the seemingly impenetrable Pakistani batting line-up. However, the combination of a flat pitch and disciplined batting proved a formidable challenge for Ollie Pile’s side as Pakistan’s score swelled. Despite their best efforts, England’s bowlers could not capitalize on any opportunities, with the nearest chance coming when Shafique took a risky single on 34, only for Ollie Pope to miss the stumps from close range. As the day unfolded, it became increasingly clear that the Multan surface favored the batters, leaving England’s hopes of gaining the upper hand in the opening Test hanging in the balance.
England’s cricketers faced a sweltering challenge on day one of their Test match against Pakistan in Multan. An imperious century from Shan Masood propelled the hosts to an imposing 233 for one at tea. This significantly contrasted with the tourists’ previous visits two years prior. England had asserted dominance on the opening day by amassing an impressive 506 for four.
However, the tables had turned on this occasion. Pakistan’s batters capitalized on a docile pitch that left the visitors struggling to make inroads. Despite an early breakthrough for Gus Atkinson, the English bowling attack toiled fruitlessly in the oppressive heat, with Masood compiling a flawless 130 not out. His partner Abdullah Shafique shook off a recent spell of poor form to reach 94, not out. The pair combined for an unbroken 225-run partnership, leaving the weary English side searching for answers and a much-needed change in fortune.
He struggled to contain the scoring as he conceded 59 runs from just 11 overs. Chris Woakes’ latest attempt to rediscover his form away from home also proved unsuccessful, as the Pakistan duo of Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique expertly navigated England’s bowling attack.
Debutant Brydon Carse experienced the heartbreak of a maiden wicket denied after his lbw appeal against Masood was overturned by DRS. Meanwhile, captain Ollie Pile curiously underutilized Jack Leach’s tidy bowling, leaving many spectators questioning England’s tactics on the field.
Despite the misfortune of losing an influential toss, England initially appeared to gain the upper hand when Saim Ayub edged a Gus Atkinson delivery down the leg-side for a mere four runs. While it was an uncharacteristically soft dismissal, it remained in keeping with the opening pair’s recent struggles, having failed to reach double figures in seven innings together.
As the day progressed, England had little to celebrate beyond their initial success. Chris Woakes’ efforts to make inroads proved fruitless, as he tried his luck from both ends of the pitch without reward. Meanwhile, Gus Atkinson’s attempts to generate extra pace and hurry the Pakistani batters met staunch resistance.
Brydon Carse showcased his potential with a quick spell, touching 90mph early on and winning an lbw decision against Shan Masood. However, a review revealed the ball had pitched just outside leg stump, denying Carse his first Test wicket.
At the drinks break, England stood at 56 for one and decided to adjust their tactics. They employed the spin of Shoaib Bashir alongside a barrage of short-pitched deliveries from Carse. Bashir found it challenging to settle into a rhythm, conceding runs at seven an over during his first spell and being struck for four boundaries in just eight deliveries. Shan Masood further compounded Bashir’s misery by dispatching him for a six.
England’s closest opportunity for a second breakthrough came when Abdullah Shafique took a risky single on 34. Still, Ollie Pope missed the stumps from close range, squandering a golden chance. Resuming after lunch at 122, both Masood and Shafique had already notched up their half-centuries, and it was Masood who accelerated the scoring rate, smashing a couple of sixes in the process. He dispatched Carse with a deft swivel of the hips and sent a resounding blow over long-on to disrupt Jack Leach’s steady run of overs.
Shan Masood displayed a masterclass in batting as he cruised to his fifth Test century. It was his first since a remarkable performance at Old Trafford during the unprecedented 2020 Covid summer. Masood reached the milestone of 102 balls, showcasing his aggressive intent and skill.
Even on the rare occasions when England managed to induce an edge, such as when Shafique edged Woakes for four runs, the visitors found little reward for their efforts.
The Multan surface continued to be a batting paradise, with Pakistan’s batters capitalizing on the favorable conditions to pile on the runs. As the day progressed, England’s search for a breakthrough became increasingly urgent, with the tourists needing a significant change in momentum to impact the match.
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