Reactions after PAK-ENG Test in Multan

Pakistan slumped to an innings defeat in Multan against England, with their last win at home now over three-and-a-half years ago back in February 2021.

Pakistan haven't won a match in any of their last four home Test series and endured a horror start against England, slumping to an innings defeat on the first session on day five of the opening Test of the series.

It was the first time a team has lost a Test by an innings after posting more than 500 runs in their first innings. England, who smashed 823-7d in the only innings they batted, were led by Harry Brook and Joe Root, the latter surpassing Alastair Cook during his 262 to become England’s leading run-scorer in the format.

Pakistan, on the other hand, have equalled their worst-even streak at home, going 11 Tests without a win. Six bowlers conceded more than 100 runs on a flat wicket, termed as “shocking” by Michael Atherton. They have also lost all six games they have played so far under new skipper Shan Masood, who took over during the tour of Australia last year.

While Masood made his fifth Test hundred, and his first in four years, in the game, former captain Babar Azam’s struggles were highlighted again as he made 30 and 5 in the two innings. Babar has not made fifty in his last 18 Test innings, further increasing the pressure on an inconsistent middle-order.

The defeat also saw them slip to the bottom of the 2023-25 World Test Championship points table, with the manner of their capitulation drawing plenty of remarks and reactions.

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