The summer of cricket continues this week as England take on Pakistan for the second of the three tests that are scheduled between the two sides. Pakistan will be looking to get a stranglehold back on the series, after they lost the previous test between the two sides. But, will they be able to get the win that they need to stay in contention for series success?
England vs Pakistan Preview
The first test was a stunning comeback effort from England, as they were tasked with a huge challenge to overcome from Pakistan. England were made to settle for 219 after the first innings, which ensured that Pakistan already had a 107-run advantage going into bat for the second time. However, they could only register 169 runs in that second innings, which left England with the target of 277 runs over the weekend. It was a compelling test match between the two sides, and England were able to get the 277 runs that they needed to claim the win in the end.
Chris Woakes and Joe Buttler were in inspired form during the second innings for England, as they scored 84 and 75 respectively at Old Trafford. Stuart Broad and Ben Stokes also should take credit for the excellent turn around as they were excellent from the field, as they got three and two wickets respectively to dismiss Pakistan for 169 runs. It was the manner of the victory that will certainly hit Pakistan the hardest, as they had the game in the palms of their hands.
Ultimately, they let their momentum slip and allowed England back into the game. There is no doubting the ability that England has as a test side, which meant that giving them the chance to take advantage of claim success was never a good idea. It was a memorable success for England, and the confidence within the camp will now be high. That will be a worry for Pakistan ahead of the second test at Southampton this weekend.
Latest Team News
There will be a slight opportunity for Pakistan however, as it was revealed over the weekend that Ben Stokes will be playing no further part in the test series. It was revealed that he has family issues, and will be unavailable for selection. That will come as huge blow for England, after Stokes had stepped in to captain the side in the place of Joe Root. England will need to remain strong after this set back.
England vs Pakistan Head To Head
The success in the first test will give England a great chance to secure a first test series win over Pakistan since 2010. The two countries have met on five occasions since then, with a draw being the result on three occasions. Pakistan have also won on two occasions.
England vs Pakistan Prediction
Pakistan go into the second test as the 2.50 outsiders with BetXChange. How England react with the departure of Stokes will be crucial to their chances, but is Woakes is able to continue his excellent form with the bat, then England should be able to get the win.
