England slumped to defeat on day four of the second Test in Multan, as Pakistan’s spinners dominated to lead the hosts to victory by 152 runs.
The visitors began the day on 36-2 with some hopes in Ollie Pope and Joe Root at the crease, but both fell early in the day as any dreams of another famous result faded fast.
Conditions were always likely to favour the home side on a used wicket, and this proved to be the case as left-arm spinner Norman Ali took a superb 8-46 in the innings, including the big scalps of Root, Harry Brook and captain Ben Stokes.
Stokes felt England were always up against it having lost the toss, saying it was “incredibly tough conditions” as his side looked to chase 297.
Stokes said: “It was always going to be a big toss knowing we were turning up on a day six pitch before a ball had been bowled.”
He was unapologetic about their approach in defeat, saying: “They put a good score on the board so credit to them, but the way we took the game on today was the only way we were going to get close.”
Pakistan will hope for another spinning surface to aid their strengths, with England hoping to win the toss to give them the advantage in the third and final test of their tour.
Stokes, who was making his return from injury having not been able to feature in the first test, was happy to be back.
He said: “It was great to be able to get through this Test match unscathed.”
“It builds me up nicely for next week, and it was nice to get some overs under the belt as well.”
The series is now level at 1-1, with the deciding Test beginning next Thursday at Rawalpindi.
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