PAK vs ENG | Cricket Outlook

Pakistan Cricket Team’s fitness issues under scrutiny after defeat to England

Aditya Bhagchandani — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 12:07:21 +0000

The Pakistan cricket team’s recent loss to England by an innings and 47 runs in the Multan Test has left fans and critics questioning not just the on-field performance but also the players’ fitness levels. Despite scoring over 500 runs in their first innings, Pakistan couldn’t avoid a heavy defeat, sparking concerns about the fitness and preparation of the squad.

According to a report from “Pakistan Cricket,” several players in the squad failed to meet the required fitness standards. Saud Shakeel, one of Pakistan’s top performers in the longer format, barely passed the fitness test, which included a 2-km run. Players are expected to complete five laps of the ground in under eight minutes, but many reportedly struggled to meet this benchmark.

Players like Kamran Ghulam and Zahid Mahmood were released from the squad even before the series began due to fitness issues. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has since announced that it will conduct fitness tests for four key players—Kamran Ghulam, Zahid Mahmood, Imam-ul-Haq, and Nauman Ali—before the next Test match.

Pakistan, after posting a strong total of 556 runs, allowed England to respond with a massive score of 823, thanks to impressive performances from Harry Brooks and Joe Root. Pakistan’s batting lineup then collapsed in their second innings, managing just 220 runs.

Adding to the team’s woes, spinner Abrar Ahmed, who fell ill during the first Test, remains hospitalized. With the second Test scheduled to begin on October 15 in Multan, Pakistan cricket will be hoping that their key players recover from both fitness and health setbacks.

Kevin Pietersen slams Multan pitch, calls It a ‘Graveyard’ amid PAK vs ENG 1st Test

Aditya Bhagchandani — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 11:05:13 +0000

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has joined the chorus of criticism aimed at the pitch in Multan during the ongoing PAK vs ENG 1st Test. With over 700 runs already scored and only 12 wickets taken in three days, Pietersen took to social media to express his frustration, calling the pitch a “bowler’s graveyard.” He lamented that the flat surface offered no assistance to bowlers, making it difficult to produce results in Test cricket.

That wicket in Multan – bowlers GRAVEYARD!

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) October 7, 2024

Pakistan posted a massive 556-run total in their first innings, thanks to the batting-friendly conditions. The surface has provided no support for either spinners or pacers, leaving bowlers from both teams struggling to make an impact. As a result, the match seems to be heading toward a draw with little chance of the pitch breaking down to favor a result.

Pietersen’s criticism echoes the sentiments of other former players like Michael Atherton, Michael Vaughan, and Nasser Hussain. Vaughan humorously compared the Multan pitch to a road, while Hussain stressed that Test cricket needs an even contest between bat and ball to remain competitive. All have expressed concerns about flat pitches that hinder the excitement of the game, arguing that such conditions make it difficult to maintain the integrity of Test cricket.

James Anderson joins England dressing room amid struggles in PAK vs ENG 1st Test

Aditya Bhagchandani — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 09:28:13 +0000

Former England cricketer James Anderson has rejoined the England squad as they face a tough challenge against Pakistan in the ongoing PAK vs ENG 1st Test in Multan. Anderson, who retired earlier this year, has returned to the England dressing room to mentor the team’s pacers as they continue to struggle on a flat wicket, with Pakistan going past the 400-run mark before lunch on Day 2.

The legendary pacer, delayed in joining the team due to his participation in a golf tournament in Scotland, is expected to offer crucial guidance to England’s struggling bowlers, including Gus Atkinson, Chris Woakes, and Brydon Carse, who have had little success against the dominant Pakistan batting line-up.

Pakistan’s batters, led by Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique, have piled on the runs, putting England under pressure after centuries on Day 1. Pakistan continued to extend their lead on Day 2, frustrating England with their resilience and strong batting performance. Anderson’s presence in the dressing room brings some hope that his experience and advice can provide the much-needed boost for the England bowlers in the challenging conditions.

PAK vs ENG Live Streaming: Where and how to watch Pakistan vs England Multan Test in India

Aditya Bhagchandani — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 11:14:05 +0000

Pakistan is set to host England in the opening match of a three-game Test series, starting on Monday, October 7, at the Multan Cricket Stadium. With Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood opting to bat first after winning the toss, both teams are ready to give their best performances. England aims to continue their winning streak after a 3-0 series victory over Pakistan on their previous visit in 2022. However, with the current standings in the World Test Championship (WTC), both teams have only slim chances of making it to the final, making this series crucial for any hope of advancement.

How to Watch PAK vs ENG in India

Indian fans looking to catch the action of the Pakistan vs England Test series can do so through the FanCode app and website. You will need a subscription to watch the matches online. Unfortunately, there is no live TV broadcast for the PAK vs ENG Test series in India.

For fans in England, live coverage will be available through Sky Sports News and the Sky Sports mobile app. The matches will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event.

Playing XI for Both Teams

Pakistan Playing XI:

Saim Ayub
Abdullah Shafique
Shan Masood (c)
Babar Azam
Saud Shakeel
Mohammad Rizwan (w)
Agha Salman
Aamer Jamal
Shaheen Afridi
Naseem Shah
Abrar Ahmed

England Playing XI:

Zak Crawley
Ben Duckett
Ollie Pope (c)
Joe Root
Harry Brook
Jamie Smith (w)
Chris Woakes
Gus Atkinson
Brydon Carse
Jack Leach
Shoaib Bashir

The stage is set for a competitive series as both teams look to secure valuable points on the WTC table and aim for a win in this crucial Test.

PAK vs ENG Test Series: Venue, dates, squads & live streaming details

Aditya Bhagchandani — Sat, 05 Oct 2024 11:20:21 +0000

Pakistan and England are set to face off in a three-match Test series starting October 7 at the Multan Cricket Stadium. The series will have the first two Tests in Multan, while the third and final Test will be played in Rawalpindi.

Schedule:

1st Test: October 7-11, Multan Cricket Stadium
2nd Test: October 15-19, Multan Cricket Stadium
3rd Test: October 24-28, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

Key Highlights:

England arrives in Pakistan without their regular captain Ben Stokes, who has been ruled out of the first Test.
Pakistan will aim to recover from their recent 0-2 loss to Bangladesh, while England comes in strong and confident.

Match Timings: All the Test matches are scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM IST.

Live Streaming Details:

In the UK: The matches will be live-streamed on the Sky Sports Network with coverage on Sky Sports Main Event.
In India: Fans can catch the live telecast on the FanCode app.

Squads for the Series:

Pakistan:
Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Salman Agha, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Hurraira, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

England:
Ben Stokes (ruled out of the first Test), Gus Atkinson, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Rehan Ahmed, Joe Root, Shoaib Bashir, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.

With the series set to begin soon, both teams will look to make their mark, setting the stage for exciting Test cricket over the coming weeks.

Ben Stokes out of first Pakistan Test, Brydon Carse set to debut for England

Aditya Bhagchandani — Sat, 05 Oct 2024 11:08:37 +0000

England will start their first Test against Pakistan in Multan without their regular captain, Ben Stokes, who is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained over two months ago during The Hundred. As Stokes continues his recovery, Ollie Pope will lead the side for the first time away from home, marking his fourth Test as captain. Pope previously led England to a 2-1 series victory against Sri Lanka.

Fast bowler Brydon Carse is set to make his Test debut in the match. Carse has 127 first-class wickets from 48 matches at an average of 33.78. He is joined by Chris Woakes, who will be playing his first overseas Test in over two years, and Gus Atkinson, who debuted in Test cricket earlier this summer. This will be the first time Carse, Woakes, and Atkinson will play a first-class game in Pakistan.

Zak Crawley will return to the top of the order, partnering with Ben Duckett. Crawley, who scored a brisk 122 off 111 balls in the opening day of the Rawalpindi Test in 2022, missed the series against Sri Lanka due to a fractured finger sustained during the West Indies series.

In the spin department, England will rely on off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and left-arm orthodox spinner Jack Leach. Stokes, although absent from the squad, took part in a training session where he was seen doing shuttle runs and batting in the nets. He has made it clear that he won’t rush his comeback to avoid any reoccurrence of the hamstring injury.

The second Test of the series, also in Multan, is scheduled for October 15, where England will hope for Stokes’s return. The series concludes with the third Test in Rawalpindi, starting on October 24.

England Squad for First Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (C), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse (Debut), Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.

PAK vs ENG 1st Test: Where to watch live streaming of Pakistan vs England Test series

Aditya Bhagchandani — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 20:36:29 +0000

The highly anticipated Test series between Pakistan and England is crucial for both teams as they aim to improve their positions on the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table. England, led by Brendon McCullum, arrived in Pakistan on October 2, and will play the first two Tests in Multan before heading to Rawalpindi for the series finale. Here’s all you need to know about where to watch the PAK vs ENG 1st Test live.

PAK vs ENG Live Streaming

For cricket fans in India, the PAK vs ENG Test series will not have a live telecast on television. However, live streaming will be available through the FanCode app, which requires a paid subscription.

For viewers in England, the matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event. Fans can also follow updates on Sky Sports News and the Sky Sports mobile app.

England Favorites in PAK vs ENG Test Series?

England comes into the series as favorites due to Pakistan’s recent struggles in home Tests. Pakistan suffered a 0-2 series defeat to Bangladesh, marking their first-ever Test and series loss to their Asian rivals. They have played ten consecutive Tests at home without a victory, losing six and drawing four. Their last win on home soil came against South Africa in Rawalpindi in February 2021.

Pakistan’s form against England at home has also been poor, as they suffered a 0-3 whitewash in December 2022, marking their first-ever series whitewash at home. England has won the last two Test series between the two nations and has an edge in head-to-head records, winning 29 out of 89 matches. Pakistan has claimed 21 wins, while 39 matches ended in a draw.

The series is a chance for both teams to reset and aim for better results as they prepare for the challenges of the WTC and beyond.

Pakistan vs England Test Series: How to purchase tickets for matches in Multan & Rawalpindi

Aditya Bhagchandani — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 07:58:09 +0000

Pakistan is set to host England for an exciting three-match Test series in Multan and Rawalpindi. The matches hold significant importance as both teams aim to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2025. With high anticipation surrounding Babar Azam’s potential return to form and Joe Root’s exceptional performances, fans are eager to catch the action live.

How to Buy Tickets for the PAK vs ENG Test Series?

Tickets for all three matches in the Test series will be available for purchase online from September 30 at 5:00 PM PST. They can be bought through the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) official ticketing website: PCB.tcs.com.pk.
Starting from October 4, physical tickets will be sold at various outlets from 9:00 AM onwards.

Ticket Prices for PAK vs ENG Test Matches

Tickets for general enclosures are priced at PKR 50 (approximately 15 INR).
The most premium VVIP gallery tickets are available for PKR 2000 (around 603.99 INR).
For Day One of the match, fans can enjoy free entry in general and premium enclosures.

PAK vs ENG Test Series Schedule and Ticket Link

1st Test: Multan
2nd Test: Multan
3rd Test: Rawalpindi

Pakistan-England second test moved to Multan

Aditya Bhagchandani — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 10:28:51 +0000

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a change in the schedule for England’s upcoming tour of Pakistan from October 7 to 28, 2024. The second Test, originally set to take place at Karachi’s National Stadium from October 15-19, will now be played at the Multan Cricket Stadium on the same dates. This change means Multan will host two consecutive Tests, including the first one starting on October 7.

The shift in venue is due to renovation work at Karachi’s National Stadium in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy next year. The third and final Test of the series will be held in Rawalpindi from October 24-28, as originally planned.

Both the Pakistan and England teams will assemble in Multan on October 2 ahead of the series. PCB Director – International, Usman Wahla, expressed excitement for the upcoming series, stating, “Despite minor adjustments, we are committed to supporting fans and ensuring a memorable tour.”

Revised Schedule:

October 7-11 – First Test, Multan
October 15-19 – Second Test, Multan
October 24-28 – Third Test, Rawalpindi

Pakistan faces venue crisis ahead of Test series against England

Aditya Bhagchandani — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 07:13:46 +0000

Pakistan’s upcoming Test series against England, set to begin on October 7, is in jeopardy as key venues are still under renovation for the ICC Champions Trophy. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is racing against time to prepare the stadiums, with PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi expressing frustration over the delays.

The three-match Test series is scheduled to take place at Multan, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. However, ongoing construction work at these venues has raised concerns about whether they will be ready in time. With less than a month to go, the PCB has yet to confirm where the first match will be held.

PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi is determined to keep the series in Pakistan and has rejected suggestions to relocate the matches to South Africa or the UAE. He believes moving the series would hurt the PCB’s reputation, and he is pushing for Rawalpindi and Multan to be used as venues despite the ongoing work.

The PCB now faces a tight deadline to get the venues ready in time for the high-profile series.