Pakistan play safe as batters continue to make merry in Multan

The cricketing world eagerly awaited the start of the Test series between Pakistan and England in Multan, where a tightly fought match in 2022 had seen England win by 26 runs.

Fans were hoping for another result-driven pitch. However, as the first ball was bowled, it became evident that the pitch prepared for the Multan Test was a dry, flat deck — an indication that Pakistan’s management had decided to play it safe.

A shift in strategy: From green to flat

In the lead-up to the Test, Multan’s pitch initially promised excitement, with a thick covering of grass that hinted at potential movement for the fast bowlers. Shan Masood, Pakistan’s Test captain, also spoke about the conditions, remarking that the team had asked for "a good cricket wicket" and observed "a noticeably green tinge" on the surface. This statement sparked expectations of a sporting wicket that would offer both batsmen and bowlers a fair contest.

However, by the eve of the match, the conditions had drastically changed. The grass was shaved off, and a dry, batting-friendly pitch was revealed.

On the first day of the Test, Bazid Khan, one of the television commentators, noted that while some grass remained on the surface, it was quite dry, signaling that the track would not offer much for bowlers. The Pakistan team management’s decision to ask for such a pitch suggests a conservative approach, likely influenced by the considerable pressure the team has been under following a string of poor performances.

The pressure of recent failures

The decision to provide a flat wicket in Multan comes in the context of Pakistan’s recent struggles in Test cricket. Since Shan Masood took over the captaincy last year, Pakistan has faced a challenging period, losing all five of their previous Tests. The most recent setback — a humiliating whitewash at the hands of Bangladesh — fueled criticism from fans and media alike. In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and team management seem to have prioritized halting the string of losses rather than risking further embarrassment.

Shan Masood (left) and Abdullah Shafique scored centuries on opening day of the first Test against England in Multan.PCB

Preparing a batting-friendly wicket is a move designed to increase the chances of the team avoiding a defeat, if not guaranteeing a win. A flat pitch typically reduces the likelihood of dramatic batting collapses, which have plagued Pakistan in recent times. It also places a greater emphasis on the batting lineup’s ability to post big totals, something Pakistan’s batsmen delivered in the first innings.

Pakistan’s batters capitalize on a flat deck

Pakistan’s batsmen made full use of the conditions on offer after winning the toss and opting to bat first. On the first day, the team piled up an impressive 328-4, thanks to centuries from captain Shan Masood and opener Abdullah Shafique. Masood’s 151 was his first century in four years, while Shafique’s 102 marked his return to form after a lean patch. The pair shared a mammoth 253-run partnership for the second wicket, effectively neutralizing England’s bowlers on a pitch offering little assistance.

On the second day, the lower-middle order joined in the run-fest. Salman Ali Agha scored a sparkling, unbeaten 104*, marking his third Test century, while Saud Shakeel contributed a valuable 82. Even the tail chipped in, with Naseem Shah scoring 33 and Shaheen Afridi frustrating the English bowlers with a 26-run cameo. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 556, a score that shows the one-sided nature of the contest between bat and ball.

Criticism from former England cricketers

While Pakistan’s batters thrived on the flat deck, the pitch drew heavy criticism from former England cricketers, who voiced their dissatisfaction with the lack of balance between bat and ball. Michael Vaughan, in his typically candid style, took to social media to express his disappointment, calling the Multan pitch a “road” and lamenting that it offered nothing for the bowlers.

"Looks like a road in Multan… Great toss to have won… also nice to see Shan Masood batting in what looks like Padel shoes," Vaughan posted on X.

Kevin Pietersen, never one to mince words, went a step further, labeling the wicket a “bowlers' graveyard,” emphasizing the difficulty that England’s attack faced on such a placid surface.

Michael Atherton also weighed in with a subtler critique, humorously noting that there were more security personnel present at the stadium than spectators, highlighting the lack of local interest in a potentially high-scoring, drawn-out Test.

A missed opportunity for a competitive contest?

The decision to prepare a flat pitch, though understandable in light of Pakistan’s recent form, also represents a missed opportunity. Test matches in Pakistan have often been characterized by conditions that favor spinners or reverse swing, creating a more thrilling contest. Multan, in particular, has a history of producing results-oriented pitches that provide excitement for spectators and players alike. However, by opting for a safety-first approach, Pakistan’s management has effectively ensured that this opening Test will likely be a high-scoring, attritional affair, which may not be enough to draw in crowds or keep viewers engaged.

While Pakistan’s batters flourished, England’s batters also made a solid start, despite losing Ollie Pope early, with Zak Crawley (64 not out) and Joe Root (32 not out) guiding their team to 96-1 in 20 overs by the end of day two.

Former Test cricketer Salahuddin Sallu said that while Pakistan has set a significant total, they must bowl with greater discipline on a flat wicket to dismiss England.

“The bowlers need to maintain stricter discipline on this exceptionally flat surface, which offers no movement, bounce, or assistance. It resembles a brown pitch with a lush green outfield, creating a batting paradise,” Salahuddin told Nukta after the end of second day's play.

Sallu emphasized that it is the home team's prerogative to prepare pitches that suit their strengths.

“Look at Root and Crawley; they’re playing beautifully. Root appeared confident from the start, hitting a boundary shortly after arriving at the crease. Crawley is also a skilled player, and both have shown excellent technique and approach with the bat,” said Salahuddin, who also served as a former chief selector.

The ease with which they batted after fielding for nearly two days suggests that England, too, will post a significant total, possibly turning this much-anticipated series into a high-scoring draw.

Long-term consequences of playing safe

Pakistan’s strategy of playing safe may provide short-term relief from criticism, it does little to address the underlying issues within the team. Pakistan’s recent losses, particularly the whitewash against Bangladesh, highlight deeper concerns about the team’s balance, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure.