PAK vs ENG: Pakistan sticks with same Multan pitch for second Test against England

Pakistan is set to take an unusual step by using the same pitch for the second Test against England in Multan. This decision comes after Pakistan's innings defeat in the first Test, and they are hoping the move will give them an edge as they try to bounce back. 

On Sunday, industrial-sized fans were placed at both ends of the pitch to dry it out after heavy watering by the ground staff. Pakistan’s coach Jason Gillespie and captain Shan Masood inspected the pitch along with Tony Hemming, the PCB's Australian head curator. The pitch still showed dry and cracked bowlers' footmarks from the first Test, which were further dried out by the fans and the strong Multan sun.

Using the same pitch for back-to-back Tests is a rare move, especially since venues typically switch to a fresh surface. However, ICC rules only require the pitch to be in the best possible condition, with no rule stating that it must be unused. Pakistan, having gone 11 home Tests without a win, is willing to try something different in an effort to change their fortunes.

The decision to reuse the pitch could benefit England, with spin likely to play a more significant role. All-rounder Ben Stokes, who has been ramping up his bowling workload, may make a return for the second Test. England’s fast-bowling coach James Anderson confirmed that Stokes has been training hard and is looking in great shape. "He’s good to go," Anderson said, adding that England would see how the pitch plays out.

The first Test in Multan saw a high-scoring affair, with 1,599 runs scored for the loss of only 26 wickets, averaging 61.5 runs per wicket. England, already leading the series 1-0, expects the second Test to be lower-scoring due to the wear and tear on the pitch.

Anderson admitted he was surprised Pakistan’s plan to reuse the pitch was allowed under ICC regulations but said England was unfazed.

"It's their decision, their conditions, their home game. They can do what they want. The fact that it's the same pitch doesn't determine the result," he said.

There were signs of variable bounce on the last day of the first Test, and England's Chris Woakes mentioned it offered very little help for bowlers. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen even described the pitch as a "bowlers' graveyard" on social media and suggested that Pakistan reuse it for the second Test, which is exactly what has happened.

The second Test was initially scheduled for Karachi, but due to renovations at the National Stadium and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, the match was moved to Multan. The PCB has promised major upgrades to these stadiums ahead of the Champions Trophy next year.

The second Test between Pakistan and England will begin on Tuesday, with both teams keen to see how the reused pitch will play.