The opening Test Pakistan vs England, held at Multan from October 7-11, 2024, marked an extraordinary contest, showcasing England’s dominance in Asian conditions and Pakistan’s continued struggle in the longest format. England achieved a remarkable victory by an innings and 47 runs, despite Pakistan scoring over 556 in the first innings.
This game added to the growing legacy of England’s attacking style under the “Bazball” philosophy. Proved once again how they can turn challenging matches into great wins. They played fearlessly in the easy batting conditions and scored a massive total against Pakistan’s bowling which proved to be very ordinary in this match.
Pakistan Starts Strong, Runs Flow Freely
Opting to bat first, Pakistan looked in control on Day 1. Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood provided a steady start, frustrating England’s bowlers. Pakistan’s top order played fluently, with Agha Salman standing out as the backbone of their innings by scoring an aggressive century. Pakistan posted a formidable 556 all out, a score that would give most teams a significant edge.
England’s bowlers remained determined and disciplined. Debutant Brydon Carse, alongside experienced spinner Jack Leach, picked up crucial wickets despite the batter-friendly pitch. Carse’s aggressive lines and Leach’s persistence hinted that England had a plan for the second innings.
England’s Batting Masterclass
In response, England delivered a sensational batting performance, led by Harry Brook and Joe Root. Brook, playing one of the finest Test knocks of his career, scored 317 runs, becoming the core of England’s innings. Root supported him with a massive 262 runs innings, further increasing the pressure on Pakistan’s bowlers.
England declared their innings at 823/7, getting a massive lead of 267 runs. What made England’s innings special was not just the runs but the pace at which they were scored. Batting at an impressive run rate of over 4.5, England dismantled Pakistan’s bowling attack with aggressive stroke play. Pakistan’s bowlers, especially spinners, struggled to contain the onslaught. The English batsmen displayed masterful use of sweeps, reverse sweeps, and lofted shots, ensuring Pakistan could not build any pressure.
Pakistan’s Collapse Under Pressure
Trailing by 267 runs, Pakistan faced an uphill task on a deteriorating pitch. Their response was lackluster, managing just 220 in their second innings. Agha Salman once again provided some resistance, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to deliver. The relentless accuracy of Jack Leach and Brydon Carse proved too much for Pakistan. Leach’s 4/30 not only broke crucial partnerships but also exposed Pakistan’s inability to handle spin in the second innings.
Pakistan’s batting collapse reflected the pressure they faced after being pushed out of the game by England’s massive first-innings total. Despite the pitch offering low bounce and some spin, Pakistan could not hold their ground. This continued a worrying trend for Pakistan, as this defeat marked their sixth consecutive Test loss and extended their home winless streak to 11 matches.
Bazball’s Impact: Fearless and Ruthless
This victory exemplified England’s “Bazball” approach, emphasizing fearless cricket and attacking strategies. Even after conceding 556 runs, England played to win rather than aiming for a draw. Their aggressive batting not only neutralized Pakistan’s efforts but turned the game decisively in England’s favor.
The leadership of Ollie Pope, standing in as captain, was crucial. His bowling changes and field placements ensured Pakistan’s batters never got comfortable, and England’s young talents like Carse showed heart and discipline. The team’s mental strength was evident throughout the game, especially after conceding such a big total early in the match.
Highlights from the Match
- England’s Historic Win in Asia: This win by an innings and 47 runs is one of England’s most significant victories in Asia, demonstrating their adaptability to subcontinental conditions.
- Harry Brook’s Star Performance: Brook’s 317 will be remembered as one of the great Test innings, showcasing the aggressive mindset that defines England’s new era in cricket.
- Pakistan’s Struggles Continue: Pakistan’s inability to capitalize on a strong start, followed by a second-innings collapse, highlighted their ongoing inconsistency in Test cricket.
- Spin and Reverse Swing: England exploited reverse swing and spin effectively, with Leach and Carse playing pivotal roles in dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup.
A New Low for Pakistan, A New High for England
This Test was a story of two contrasting teams. England, full of confidence and aggression, outplayed Pakistan in all aspects. Pakistan, despite starting strong, crumbled under pressure, exposing weaknesses in their Test setup. The defeat adds to Pakistan’s woes at home, with their longest winless streak now extending to 11 matches, a worrying sign for Pakistan cricket board and fans.
For England, this match further solidifies their standing as a formidable Test side, capable of winning anywhere in the world. The combination of fearless batting, smart captaincy, and disciplined bowling sets them up perfectly for the rest of the series. Pakistan, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly if they hope to avoid a series whitewash and restore some pride at home.
This Test will be remembered not just for the individual brilliance of Brook and Root but also for how England, playing with a fearless approach, turned a high-scoring encounter into a one-sided victory. Pakistan will need to reassess both their strategy and mindset, as this loss has raised serious questions about their ability to compete at the highest level in the Test arena.
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