Ben Duckett swiftly reached a half-century, bringing England to 88-1 at tea on Wednesday’s second day of the Multan Test. This was in response to Pakistan’s first innings total of 366.
Duckett was progressing quickly on 53, alongside Ollie Pope, who was not out on five after England had lost Zak Crawley for 27. The visitors were behind by 278 runs with nine wickets in hand.
Achieving his 12th Test fifty from just 47 balls, Duckett led England’s rapid advance against a Pakistan bowling lineup featuring only one primary seamer, Aamer Jamal.
Pakistan introduced off-spinner Sajid Khan early, seeking a breakthrough, but Crawley resisted effectively. He narrowly escaped a run-out at 49-0 when Sajid dislodged the stumps without the ball in hand, forcing Crawley back to the crease.
Crawley also successfully challenged a leg-before call off Sajid at 24, caught behind off Noman Ali’s left-arm spin, following a successful review by Pakistan. Jack Leach captured four wickets, aiding England in bowling out Pakistan for 366.
Debutant Kamran Ghulam was the top scorer with 118, and Saim Ayub contributed 77. Pakistan’s tail-enders proved resilient, reaching 358-8 at lunch after losing three quick wickets in the morning session.
The day began with Pakistan at 259-5, and England struck early on a Multan Stadium pitch that offered some spin and allowed seamers to extract reverse swing. Carse quickly dismissed Mohammad Rizwan for 41, and Potts removed Salman Agha for 31, both caught by Jamie Smith.
Leach’s third dismissal of the innings came when he caught Sajid Khan at short cover for two.
Ghulam’s century anchored Pakistan’s efforts on the opening day. England, leading the three-match series 1-0 following an innings win in the first Test, aimed to maintain their advantage.
Read: Ghulam’s Century Anchors Pakistan on Day Two Against England
