Multan, October 8, 2024 – England Zak Crawley and Joe Root mounted a strong recovery after the early departure of skipper Ollie Pope, reaching 96/1 at the close of day two in the first Test against Pakistan at the Multan Cricket Stadium. With England trailing by 460 runs, Crawley and Root combined to resist Pakistan’s bowling attack and stabilize their innings.
The day began with Pakistan’s pacer Naseem Shah striking in his first over, sending England captain Ollie Pope back to the pavilion for a duck. However, England quickly found their footing through the determined partnership between Crawley and Root. Crawley played aggressively, smashing 64 runs off 64 balls, while Root provided steady support with 32 off 54 balls.
By the end of the day’s play, the pair had taken England’s score to 96/1, offering a glimmer of hope for the visitors as they continue to chase Pakistan’s massive first-innings total of 556.
Salman Ali Agha’s Century Propels Pakistan to 556
Earlier in the day, Pakistan were bowled out for a commanding 556 runs, thanks to Salman Ali Agha’s brilliant unbeaten century. Agha, who remained not out on 104, struck his third Test hundred, guiding Pakistan through the later stages of their innings. Abrar Ahmed was the last man to fall, caught by Ben Duckett off Joe Root for three runs.
Pakistan began day two at 328-4, and despite losing key wickets early, they continued to pile on the runs. Saud Shakeel contributed a solid 82, while Shaheen Shah Afridi added a valuable 26 lower down the order. Naseem Shah played a vital role too, scoring 33 runs and frustrating the English bowlers with his aggressive hitting.
England’s Bowling Struggles
England’s bowlers toiled under the Multan sun, with left-arm spinner Jack Leach being the pick of the attack, taking 3-160. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse chipped in with two wickets each, but they struggled to contain Pakistan’s batting lineup, especially Salman Ali Agha, who hit 10 fours and three sixes in his innings.
Carse, making his Test debut, managed to claim his first Test wicket when Saud Shakeel edged him to Harry Brook at leg slip. Despite this breakthrough, England could not prevent Pakistan from reaching a formidable total, as Agha and the tailenders continued to build partnerships.
England’s Challenge Ahead
As day three approaches, England face a daunting task with 460 runs still separating them from Pakistan’s total. The absence of regular captain Ben Stokes, sidelined due to a hamstring injury, has placed extra pressure on Pope, Root, and the rest of the English batting order.
The Test is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, and England will be hoping for a better performance than their previous red-ball tour to Pakistan in 2022, where they swept the hosts 3-0.