Mon Oct 07 06:20:48 UTC 2024: ## Pakistan Aims for Home Win Against England in Multan Test
**MULTAN, Pakistan** – Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and elected to bat in the first test against England on Monday, hoping to end a drought of home test victories. Pakistan last tasted success at home in early 2021 against South Africa, and has since suffered a 2-0 defeat to Bangladesh in August.
Masood acknowledged the team’s recent struggles, but expressed confidence in a turnaround. “We asked for a good cricket wicket,” Masood said. “We want to change things, we want to get back on track and we’re looking to do so with this group of players.”
Pakistan has included fast bowling all-rounder Aamer Jamal, recovered from a back injury, alongside frontline bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. Specialist spinner Abrar Ahmed is also part of the team.
England, meanwhile, will be without their regular captain Ben Stokes, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the Hundred tournament. Stokes presented a test cap to Durham teammate Brydon Carse, who will make his debut as England’s new-look pace attack seeks to challenge Pakistan’s batting line-up.
Gus Atkinson, who had a strong home season against West Indies and Sri Lanka, will be playing his first overseas test, and Chris Woakes returns to the test fold after a two-and-a-half-year absence.
In Stokes’ absence, Ollie Pope will lead England for the fourth consecutive test match. Pope said he would have chosen to bat as well, given the expected hot conditions. “The conditions are probably the hottest I’ve played in,” Pope said. “We would have had a bat too, but there’s a little bit of moisture in the pitch so we’re hoping to make the most of it first.”
The match will take place in Multan, which will host back-to-back test matches after the second test was moved from Karachi due to construction at the National Bank Stadium for next year’s Champions Trophy. The third and final test will be played in Rawalpindi from October 24th.
England swept Pakistan 3-0 in their last tour of Pakistan in 2022. This series promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams look to prove their mettle in a challenging environment.
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