England Braced for Pakistan’s Spin Challenge

England captain Ben Stokes hopes the reused pitch for the second Test against Pakistan in Multan will work in the tourists' favour despite Pakistan's spin-heavy lineup. Pakistan, desperate to level the series after a crushing innings-and-47-run defeat, made four changes, including naming three spinners.

Pakistan's unusual decision to reuse the same flat pitch from the first Test, where England amassed 823-7 declared in response to Pakistan's 556 all out, could play a key role. "If another wicket like that is produced, it may give us an advantage," said Stokes, returning from injury after missing the first Test.

Despite a high-scoring first innings, England bowled out Pakistan for just 220 in their second innings to seal an impressive win. England made two changes, bringing in Matthew Potts and Stokes, but retained spinners Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir.

Stokes, who may not be fit to bowl yet, acknowledged the rare tactic of using the same pitch for back-to-back Tests, noting, "I've never seen this before."

Pakistan's assistant coach, Azhar Mahmood, defended the strategy, saying, "The used pitch is meant to help us take 20 wickets," with spinners Zahid Mahmood, Sajid Khan, and Noman Ali leading the attack.

Mahmood also addressed the decision to rest struggling star batter Babar Azam, explaining that it was to allow him time to recover ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming busy schedule.