The England cricket squad has arrived in Multan for their three-match Test series against Pakistan, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. The first match is set to commence on October 7 at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
Led by captain Ben Stokes, the England team landed in the early hours of Wednesday, allowing ample time to acclimate and prepare for the series. The squad will begin their practice sessions on October 4, following two days of rest.
This series marks an important fixture in the ICC World Test Championship, providing both teams an opportunity to earn crucial points. The second Test will also be played in Multan, while the third Test is scheduled from October 24 to 28 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan’s Test team captain, Shan Masood, expressed optimism ahead of the series despite a recent disappointing whitewash against Bangladesh. The Pakistan squad for the first Test includes prominent players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
The inclusion of left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who replaces the injured fast bowler Khurram Shahzad, is a notable change. Meanwhile, Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali, who were part of the squad for the Bangladesh Tests, remain in the selectors’ plans but have been advised to stay match-ready through domestic competitions.
Head coach Jason Gillespie highlighted the importance of rest for the players amidst a busy schedule, expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming series and the opportunity to play in front of Pakistani fans.
The series promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams looking to perform well and gain momentum in the World Test Championship standings.
