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October 11, 2024
Pakistan’s challenges intensified on Thursday, October 10, when Abrar Ahmed, their primary spinner for the first Test against England, fell ill and could not join the team at the ground due to a fever. His absence is particularly significant as it appears unlikely that he will be able to contribute further in England’s first innings. Sources from Cricbuzz have reported that the leg-spinner was taken to the hospital for examination, ultimately requiring admission for further treatment. This development poses a serious setback for the team as they attempt to navigate the match without one of their key bowlers.
The ongoing match has already seen Abrar struggle significantly. On the third day alone, he bowled 21 wicketless overs, conceding a staggering 143 runs. His performance throughout the innings has been disappointing, as he has bowled a total of 35 overs across four sessions, yielding 175 runs without taking a single wicket. This lack of effectiveness in the bowling department and his recent illness leave Pakistan in a precarious position, particularly against a resilient England batting lineup.
As the team grapples with this unexpected setback, the implications for Pakistan’s strategy and overall performance in the match are considerable. With the absence of their only regular spinner, Pakistan will need to reassess their bowling plans and rely on their remaining bowlers to step up in Abrar’s absence. The pressure mounts as they strive to regain momentum in the match and keep England’s scoring in check, highlighting the crucial role of adaptability in cricket, especially under challenging circumstances.
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In the absence of their primary spinner, Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan, turned to part-time options on Wednesday as Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, and Saud Shakeel shared the bowling duties. Together, they managed to bowl a total of nine overs, with Agha contributing six overs, Saim delivering one, and Shakeel pitching in with two. This strategy reflects Pakistan’s urgency to adapt to the circumstances, as they sought to maintain pressure on the England batting lineup despite the setback of losing their regular spinner.
Adding to their challenges, Pakistan had previously released their other two spinners, Noman Ali and Zahid Mahmood, from the squad on the first day of the Test. This decision left them with a limited bowling arsenal, forcing the team to rely on their part-time spinners and a hastily assembled strategy to manage the innings. The squad for the first Test was announced ahead of the series, highlighting the hosts’ decision to go with a leaner spin attack despite the conditions that typically favor spinners in Multan.
As the match progresses, the reliance on part-time spinners raises questions about Pakistan’s bowling depth and strategic planning. Without their first-choice options, the team must navigate the remainder of the Test by leveraging the skills of their less experienced bowlers, all while aiming to restrict England’s scoring and maintain competitiveness in the match. The situation underscores the need for adaptability and effective teamwork, particularly in the face of unexpected challenges.
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A monumental partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook, which currently stands at an astonishing 409 runs with no end in sight, has completely overwhelmed Pakistan in the opening Test at the Multan Cricket Stadium. The duo, who had already made significant progress on Day 3, continued their dominant display into Day 4, culminating in both players achieving their respective double centuries. By lunchtime, England’s lead surged past 100 runs, with further destruction looming on the horizon as the pair relentlessly punished the Pakistani bowlers.
Pakistan’s troubles began early in the day, as they took the field without their regular spinner, Abrar Ahmed, who was sidelined by illness. To compound their difficulties, captain Babar Azam dropped a straightforward catch that would have dismissed Root when he was on 186. This missed opportunity proved costly; Root capitalized by hitting a boundary and celebrated his sixth double-century in Test cricket. Meanwhile, Brook was not to be outdone, reaching 150 runs off just 186 balls, further highlighting the stark contrast in form between the two teams.
As the day progressed, it became increasingly evident that Pakistan struggled to regain control of the match. The devastating partnership between Root and Brook showcased England’s batting prowess while exposing Pakistan’s bowling attack’s weaknesses. With the home side reeling and the England batsmen in command, Pakistan’s situation looked dire. They now face a daunting challenge to turn the tide as they seek to limit the damage and regain some semblance of competitiveness in the Test.
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England seized the first-innings lead against Pakistan in no time, with the partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook proving utterly dominant. Despite Pakistan’s skipper making frequent bowling changes in an attempt to disrupt the rhythm of the two batters, nothing seemed to work as Root and Brook continued to pile on the runs. England’s run rate hovered around five, showcasing their aggressive approach. The duo toyed with the Pakistani attack and set a new record for England’s highest-ever partnership in Test cricket against Pakistan. It was Brook’s moment to shine shortly after that as he brought up his double century.
Just minutes before the break, Root surpassed his previous highest Test score and looked poised to achieve a maiden triple century once play resumed. The way both batsmen were playing suggested that if the visitors could maintain this momentum throughout the day, the prospect of a convincing win on the final day could not be ruled out, especially against a weary Pakistani side. The relentless pressure applied by England had effectively put the hosts on the back foot, with Pakistan struggling to find a breakthrough.
As the match stands, England is commanding with a substantial lead. Brief scores show England at 658/3, with Joe Root batting at 259* and Harry Brook at 218*. With a lead of 102 runs over Pakistan’s total of 556, the stage is set for England to continue their dominance and possibly push for a victory. At the same time, Pakistan must regroup quickly to avoid further collapse.
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