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The second Test match between Pakistan and England in Multan concluded with a resounding victory for the visitors, highlighting the ongoing struggles of Pakistan cricket at home. England, employing their aggressive 'Bazball' approach, secured an innings and 47-run win, compounding the misery of the hosts. Despite a valiant effort in the first innings, where Pakistan amassed 556 runs, they were unable to maintain the momentum in the second innings and fell short by a considerable margin.
The match's defining factor was the dominance of England's batting, particularly the exceptional performance of Harry Brook. Brook continued his impressive run in Pakistan, scoring a magnificent 317 runs in the Multan Test. His aggressive batting style, a hallmark of 'Bazball,' proved to be too much for the Pakistani bowlers to handle. He has now established himself as a key figure in the England batting lineup and has become a threat to opposing bowlers on any pitch.
The defeat in Multan added to Pakistan's recent woes at home. They have now lost seven out of their last eleven Tests at home, highlighting a concerning decline in their performance. This loss is a significant blow to their confidence, especially after a disappointing series against Bangladesh. The Pakistani team's performance was marred by inconsistencies and a lack of direction. While there were glimpses of promise in the first innings, the batting order collapsed in the second innings, and the bowling attack seemed to be without a plan.
The match also brought attention to the effectiveness of the 'Bazball' approach, which emphasizes aggressive batting and relentless pressure on the opposition. While it has its critics, the approach seems to be working well for England, particularly in Pakistan. The success of 'Bazball' has raised questions about the future of Test cricket and whether teams will need to adapt their strategies to compete with this dynamic style of play.
The Multan Test was a painful reminder of the challenges facing Pakistani cricket. The team's performance at home has been underwhelming, and the current squad is struggling to find its footing. While the coaching system has undergone changes, the team is yet to find a new mantra that can bring about a revival in their fortunes. The series against England is a pivotal moment for the team, and they will need to regroup and find a way to improve their performance in the remaining matches. The upcoming Tests will be a stern test of their character and their ability to bounce back from this humbling defeat.
Source: PAK vs ENG: Pakistan's home humiliation continues as England win in Multan