England’s thrilling win in the first test has set the rest of the series in good stead.
After defeating Pakistan by 74 runs in Rawalpindi, attention turns to Multan, a stadium that is hosting an international match for the first time since 2006.
Pakistan has lost only once in the southern Punjab region of Pakistan – against India in 2004.
After the first Test that would have taken a lot from the England team, Ben Stokes will be hoping to change sides.
One name that will not feature again for Pakistan is Liam Livingston, who has been ruled out with a knee injury.
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Highlights from the fifth day of the first Test between Pakistan and England in Rawalpindi.
Livingstone was expected to take the mantle as a second bowler but suffered a knee injury before batting in the first Test.
In his absence, part-time opener Will Jacks impressed, taking six wickets in the first innings. But he did not play much in the second innings and, with Mark Wood fit, Stokes could look to revive his bowling attack.
The England bowlers bowled 106 overs in Rawalpindi, shared between James Anderson, Ollie Robinson and Ben Stokes.
Without Livingstone, England would be undermanned and given all of Jacks’ ability, Stokes may want to turn to a specialist bowler to share the load.
Jamie Overton is the other player in the group and could be a good option after impressing in his trials this summer, but Woods is the obvious choice.
Friday 9 December 6:00 am
As the bowlers worked quietly, England lacked a fast bowler who consistently clocked over 90mph.
While Multan’s pace is expected to not be too different from the first Test, Wood’s pace could be something that England can lean on to pull out a little more.
England’s other option is Rehan Ahmed, who is close to being added to the squad after impressing in the Abu Dhabi training camp ahead of the tour.
The youngster could have been a non-selector but he has impressed England with his bowling and batting. Whether he can transfer his style of cricket to England is another question, Stokes and Brendon McCullum are not afraid to use solutions to difficult problems.
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Jacks took six wickets in the first test but can they drop it?
Stokes’ other problem is that he takes the gloves. Ollie Pope was steady during the Test but showed some indiscretions at times.
Ben Foakes is expected to recover in time for the second Test and should take his place in the squad.
It would be difficult to leave Jacks out after such an impressive performance, but he could be offered to make way for Foakes and the bowler, Livingstone is unavailable,
Watch day one of the second Test in Multan live on Sky Sports Cricket from Friday (4.30am on air, 5am start).
