Former England cricketer Steven Finn believes that Pakistan can only make a comeback in tests if they get a spinning wicket for the next encounter.
Shan Masood-led side suffered a 47-run and an innings defeat in the opening test of the England tour of Pakistan 2024 and continued their winless run at home since 2022.
Despite scoring 556 runs in the first innings, Pakistan continued their losing momentum at home. They are winless after Playing 11 Tests at home including seven losses and four draws.
The first test pitch helped favoured England batters Harry Brook who smashed a triple century and Joe Root smashed a double century in the 454-run partnership for England, breaking a previous highest partnership of 411 by Colin Cowdrey and Peter May 57 years ago.
“It looks wet at the moment but over the next three days it will dry and be shaved down,” said Finn in media.
“Getting the ball spinning and moving laterally, I think, is the way Pakistan can beat England – if they can at all. If they play them on ‘shirt fronts’ like they did during this first Test match it is England all the way,” Steven Finn added.
Meanwhile, former England captain Michael Atherton does not see any change for a wicket in the second test scheduled to begin on October 15.
“I don’t see how the pitch in three days (for the next Test) can be much different to what we’ve just had quite frankly,” Steven Finn said.
Brook said he would not mind if he had to take guard on another batter-friendly deck. “It was an unreal wicket. I would like to roll it up and take it with me,” said Yorkshire batter.
England is expected to make changes for the second test with the captain Ben Stokes likely to return from his recovery. Brydon Carse who made his impressive debut could retain his spot while Shoaib Bashir’s position is uncertain after he struggled in the first test picking only 1 wicket for 156.
Meanwhile, Rehan Ahmed took 5/48 on his debut against Pakistan in 2022, adding variety to England’s bowling attack.
Brook said he would not mind if he had to take guard on another batter-friendly deck. “It was an unreal wicket. I would like to roll it up and take it with me,” said Harry Brook.
Suffering a loss in the ongoing test series, Pakistan will be playing their second test against England starting on October 15 at Multan Cricket Stadium.
