The much-anticipated Test match between Pakistan and England kicked off in Multan on October 7, with Pakistan winning the toss and opting to bat. The decision seemed to pay off as openers Abdullah Shafique and skipper Shan Masood capitalized on a flat pitch, putting England’s bowlers under immense pressure.
Shafique and Masood formed a commanding partnership, with Shafique scoring 102 and Masood adding a resilient 151. Their stand highlighted the ease of batting on the pitch, leaving England with a challenging task ahead. Although England struck back, dismissing both openers, the substantial total had already been set.
Kevin Pietersen’s Criticism of the Multan Pitch
As the match unfolded, former England batsman Kevin Pietersen took to Twitter, expressing his frustration with the conditions. Labeling the Multan wicket a “bowler’s graveyard,” Pietersen’s tweet, “That wicket in Multan – bowlers GRAVEYARD!” quickly went viral, reflecting the struggles faced by England’s bowling unit on this flat track.
England’s Fightback and Pakistan’s Push
Despite the breakthroughs, Pakistan’s middle order, led by Saud Shakeel, continued to frustrate England’s bowlers. The English team, revitalized by their late wickets, attempted to claw their way back into the match, but Pakistan maintained their stronghold, looking to post an imposing total.
As the first day came to a close, the Multan pitch had proven to be a batting paradise, with Pakistan well-positioned to push for a significant lead. England will now need to counter-attack on a surface that seems increasingly challenging for the bowlers, setting the stage for a gripping contest.
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