ICT tour manager Gary is with our intrepid travellers in Pakistan. Here is his account of Pakistan’s victory in Multan…
After the euphoria of the first Test, and witnessing more records than Cliff Richards, we went sightseeing in Multan, visiting Uch Sharif and Derawar Fort in the Cholistan Desert, where a couple of intrepid tourists enjoyed a ride on a camel.
The following morning we had a four-and-a-half hour trip to Lahore, for a morning city tour including Shalimar Gardens and the ceremony on the Wagah border between India and Pakistan. This was my fourth time watching this twice each side, and I still have no idea what it’s about.
Still, I’m sure if it was a game of tiddlywinks between Pakistan and India it would be packed.
Landmark tours
The next morning was more cultural, visiting Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, old parts of the city and the Tomb of Jahangir. Our guide was telling us about the Mughals and Nawabs, times and dates… but the only numbers I could think about were 823/7.
After hotfooting it back to Multan for the second Test, we found out it would be played on the same wicket. No sign of a green tinge!
The toss would be vital, Ben Stokes always calls tails and once again it was heads.
England start well
After having the hosts 19/2 we knew early on it wasn’t going to be an easy wicket. Pakistan then had a stand of 145, England then forced their way back into the contest only for their tail to wag, posting 366.
England went about reducing their lead just like the first Test, but with the score 210/2 we lost six wickets for 81, mostly down to poor shot selection.
Pakistan started their second innings the way they did the first, losing a quick wicket, but they continued to play the percentage shots. England again failed to know to knock over the tail and two dropped catches in three balls didn’t help matters.
Chasing on day eight
England took to the field on a day eight pitch needing 298 to win. With occasional low bounce and turn, patience and playing each ball on its merit was the order of the day, not going at it gun ho!
England decided to adopt the latter approach and were undone once again by the brilliant Noman Ali and Sajid Khan.
So we head to Rawalpindi for the decider. Will the coin come down in Stokes’ favour or will it be heads for the third consecutive time, on a similar wicket? I’d guess the latter.
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