England have been thrown a curve-ball ahead of Ben Stokes’ likely comeback in the second Test in Pakistan, with the hosts ready to re-use the same pitch in Multan.
Stokes looks set to return to the XI on Tuesday after missing the last four games with a torn hamstring and could do so on in highly unusual circumstances as the Pakistan Cricket Board prepare to use the same 22-yard strip for the second week in a row.
It is rare for Tests to be played back-to-back at one venue and unheard of for an identical pitch to be used twice in succession but, after losing the series opener by an innings and 47 runs, it appears the hosts have sought a left-field solution.
The track was stubbornly flat for the first Test, with first-innings totals of 556 and 823 for seven and just 13 wickets in the first three days.
Now, Pakistan are seemingly ready to gamble that a worn wicket that saw 353.3 overs of action in the past week offers greater balance between bat and ball than a pristine one.
Stokes Return
It could prove an interesting conundrum for Stokes to solve if the England captain returns to the side as expected on Tuesday.
He looked to be fully recovered from his torn hamstring, bowling near full tilt as well as running and batting at an optional net session.
The first indication of intrigue over the pitch came when players arrived for training on Sunday morning, with large industrial fans placed at either end of the original pitch to speed the drying process after it was heavily watered post-match.
Alternative wickets were also being prepared on either side but it was the central one that was attracting most attention.
Anderson’s View
James Anderson, England’s bowling consultant and the most experienced seamer ever to play Test cricket, admitted he had never witnessed a move like it but suggested the tourists were ready to play wherever asked.
“All the talk around is it’s going to be that pitch again. I’ve not seen that in international cricket, no,” he said.
“I thought there might have been a rule around not being able to do it, that you have to use a fresh pitch for international matches.
“But 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. It’s up to us to play well again and deal with the conditions, whatever that might be.
“I don’t know if I’m surprised or not, really. I’m not sure how well they can prepare any different sort of pitch from the one we got last week, so probably the best way to find a result pitch is to use the same one.
“They’ve watered it and tried to repair it as best as possible, so we’re not sure exactly what we’re going to get.”
Pitch Inspection
It was harder to tell what Pakistan’s recently installed head coach Jason Gillespie made of developments, with the Australian studying conditions for over half an hour and enjoying several animated conversations.
It is not yet impossible, then, that there could be a late change of heart.
While there was minimal deterioration in the first Test, there were visible cracks opening up and the occasional sign of variable bounce.
If things do begin to break up, it could prove a very different experience to last week’s run-fest.
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen labelled the Multan pitch a “bowlers’ graveyard” on X during the opening Test and even suggested playing on it for a second time, though he appeared to be making a tongue-in-cheek barb rather than a serious suggestion.
Stokes as fit as ever
As for Stokes, he looked lean and strong as he worked through what amounted to a fitness test after missing his side’s last four games.
He is now likely to reclaim the reins from Ollie Pope, perhaps as a replacement for all-rounder Chris Woakes.
“He looks great, as fit as I’ve ever seen him, and the ball’s coming out great so hopefully he’s good to go this week,” said Anderson.
“Playing on the same pitch it could be a big week for the spinners so his workload doesn’t have to be as big as it maybe would have been if he’d need more overs under his belt.
“He brings so much to the team. He is the captain, has showed over the last couple of years he is an amazing tactician on the field.”
