The Teams

Pakistan, led by Azhar Ali, has been a force to be reckoned with in recent times, having won their last two Test matches against England. The team’s batting unit has been particularly impressive, with Fakhar Zaman and Abid Ali forming a formidable opening partnership. Babar Azam, the captain-elect, has also been in good form, scoring centuries in both innings of the first Test.

England, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back from their defeat in the first Test. Their batting line-up, which includes the likes of Zak Crawley and Joe Root, has shown promise but has struggled to convert starts into big scores. The team’s bowling unit is well-equipped to take wickets, with James Anderson and Stuart Broad forming a potent new-ball attack.

The Pakistan squad also boasts a strong spin department, led by Yasir Shah, who has been one of the most successful bowlers in Test cricket over the past few years. England will need to find ways to counter his threat if they are to get back into the series. Here’s a list of players from both teams:

Pakistan:

  • Azhar Ali (c)
  • Fakhar Zaman
  • Abid Ali
  • Babar Azam
  • Asad Shafiq
  • Haris Sohail
  • Yasir Shah
  • Mohammad Rizwan
  • Shaheen Afridi

England:

  • Joe Root (c)
  • Zak Crawley
  • Dom Sibley
  • Ollie Pope
  • Ben Stokes
  • James Anderson
  • Stuart Broad
  • Jofra Archer

Pitch Report

The pitch at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is expected to be a lively one, with a decent amount of bounce and pace on offer for both seamers and spinners. The surface has been known to produce uneven bounce, making it challenging for batsmen to settle in early on.

  • Surface: The pitch will be made of a mixture of grass and clay, which should provide some assistance to the fast bowlers early on. However, as the match progresses, the surface is likely to become more even, allowing the spinners to come into play.
  • Weather Forecast: The weather in Lahore has been mostly sunny leading up to the match, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). There is a slight chance of thunderstorms on day three, but it should not significantly impact the gameplay.

The Pakistani batsmen will need to be cautious early on against England’s pace attack, while their own seamers will look to exploit any swing and seaming conditions. The spinners from both teams will play a crucial role in breaking partnerships and taking wickets as the match progresses.

Key Players to Watch

Pakistan

  • Babar Azam: The Pakistan captain has been in incredible form lately, scoring three centuries in his last four Test innings. His ability to score big runs at the top of the order will be crucial for Pakistan’s chances.

  • Azhar Ali: A veteran batsman with a strong record against England, Azhar has a good understanding of the conditions and can provide stability to the Pakistani middle-order.

  • Shaheen Shah Afridi: The pace sensation has been a revelation in Test cricket, taking 23 wickets in his last five matches. His ability to swing the ball at high speeds will be a threat for the English batsmen. England

  • Joe Root: The England captain has been struggling with form lately, but he still possesses the ability to score big runs and take wickets with his part-time spin bowling.

  • Jos Buttler: A dynamic wicket-keeper batsman, Buttler has the ability to change the course of a match with his aggressive batting. He’s also an excellent slip catcher and can get behind the stumps quickly.

  • Ben Stokes: A world-class all-rounder, Stokes has the ability to take wickets and score runs at crucial stages of the game. His experience in Test cricket will be invaluable for England.

Both teams have a strong squad with several players capable of making an impact on the match. The key will be how they adapt to the conditions and perform under pressure.

Recent Head-to-Head Record

Pakistan and England have a long history of rivalry in Test cricket, dating back to 1954. In their 64 matches against each other, Pakistan has won 13 times, while England has emerged victorious on 24 occasions. There have been 27 draws between the two teams.

Pakistan’s greatest victory over England came in 2006 when they won by an innings and 225 runs at Old Trafford. This match was significant as it marked a turning point in Pakistan’s Test cricket history, with their young team led by Inzamam-ul-Haq displaying exceptional skills against one of the strongest English teams. On the other hand, England’s most notable win over Pakistan came in 2016 when they won by 330 runs at Lord’s. This match was remarkable for its intensity and competitiveness, with both teams putting up strong performances.

Notable Statistics:

  • Pakistan has won only 4 out of their last 15 matches against England.
  • The average first innings score in Pakistan-England Test matches is around 350-400 runs.
  • The highest team total scored by Pakistan against England is 584/8d, while the highest by England is 657/9d.

Understanding this head-to-head record provides valuable insight into the strengths and weaknesses of both teams. With Pakistan’s recent resurgence in Test cricket and England’s inconsistency, fans can expect a thrilling contest between two of the world’s top cricketing nations.

Live Streaming and Updates

You can watch the Pakistan vs England 2nd Test match live online through various streaming options and TV channels. Here are some ways to catch all the action as it unfolds:

  • Cricket Australia: The official streaming partner of Cricket Australia will be broadcasting the match live on their website and mobile app.
  • Sky Sports: Sky Sports will also be showing the match live in the UK, with a free trial available for new customers.
  • Star Sports: Star Sports will broadcast the match live in India, with various languages options available.
  • Willow TV: Willow TV is another option to watch the match live online, with a focus on international cricket coverage.

You can also follow the action on social media platforms:

  • Cricket Australia Twitter: Follow Cricket Australia’s official Twitter handle for live updates and analysis of the match.
  • England Cricket Twitter: Follow England Cricket’s official Twitter handle for live updates and analysis of the match from their perspective.
  • Pakistan Cricket Twitter: Follow Pakistan Cricket’s official Twitter handle for live updates and analysis of the match from their perspective.

Additionally, you can also follow various cricket websites and blogs for live scores, commentary, and expert analysis:

  • ESPN Cricinfo: ESPN Cricinfo will provide detailed scorecards, ball-by-ball commentary, and expert analysis.
  • ICC: The International Cricket Council (ICC) website will also have live updates, scorecards, and match highlights.

In conclusion, the Pakistan vs England 2nd Test match is set to be an unforgettable experience for cricket fans worldwide. With both teams hungry for victory and a history of intense rivalry, this match promises to deliver high-octane action and thrilling moments. Don’t miss out on the live updates and team news as they unfold - tune in now and get ready to witness greatness.