Multan: As the second Test of the three-match series approaches, Pakistan and England have finalized their playing XIs, ready to face off at the Multan Cricket Stadium starting tomorrow. England leads the series 1-0 after their victory in the first Test, with the final match scheduled for the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium beginning October 24.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board, England sees the return of captain Ben Stokes, who missed the first Test due to an injury. His presence is expected to bolster the English squad, which is already riding high from their previous win. On the other side, Pakistan is introducing a new face, 29-year-old Kamran Ghulam, who is set to make his Test debut. Ghulam enters the match with an impressive first-class record, including 16 centuries and an average of 49.17.
Pakistan’s lineup, in batting order, will feature Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, captain Shan Masood, debutant Kamran Ghulam, vice-captain Saud Shakeel, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Zahid Mehmood. England’s team, listed alphabetically, includes Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, captain Ben Stokes, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, Brydon Carse, Matt Potts, Jack Leach, and Shoaib Bashir.
The second Test is crucial for both teams, with Pakistan aiming to level the series and England looking to secure a series win. The strategic changes in the teams highlight each side’s approach to clinching a victory in Multan’s challenging conditions.