England had a fulfilling day on Monday as they won the second Test series against Pakistan after finishing the day with a 26-run victory. The win was inspired by efforts from Mark Wood (4-65), who was responsible for dismissing two of Pakistan’s batters before lunch. 

The fourth day of the second Test started with Pakistan looking well on course to win the day as Saud Shakeel (94) and Mohammad Nawaz (45) stood strong to take Pakistan to 290-5. But the glory was only short-lived after Wood helped to dismiss both men. 

This did not still deter the hosts, and efforts from played like Agha Salman (20 no), Abrar Ahmed (17), and Mohammad Ali helped them stay afloat. But England fighting spirit on day 4 was unable to prevent Pakistan from having any real successes, and they settled with finishing with 328. 

With Monday’s victory, England now leads the series 2-0 and would aim for a clean sweep when the third Test begins on Saturday in Karachi. The victory also marked the first time England would win two Test series as the away team against Pakistan. 

So far, England’s first tour of Pakistan in almost two decades has ended turned out fine, with England recording impressive victories so far. The first Test in Rawalpindi was just as impressive as the second in Multan, and the current England team have it in them to make the series 3-0 by next week. If that happens, it would be the first time that Pakistan would lose 3-0 in their home. 

The win is also a reflection of the changes England made to their Test team at the start of the year after recording a string of losses in their previous outings, especially after losing to Australia at the Ashes last December. 

Leon Osamor