Pakistan’s bowling was once again overshadowed in a now-typical manner

On day three, Shan Masood was tasked with getting creative in the field, trying to find breakthroughs on a pitch that refused to deteriorate. It would always be a challenge on such a benign surface, offering little to no help to the bowlers. The 96 runs England piled on during the second evening signaled trouble for Pakistan despite their substantial first innings total.

Under the aggressive Stokes-McCullum regime, England has maintained a strong track record in this era. They have never lost a Test match after conceding over 500 runs in the first innings, showcasing their batting prowess. However, earlier this year, India reminded them that while their bold batting approach may bring periods of domination, actual victories in Test cricket come when the ball overpowers the bat. Even with injuries sidelining some of their key bowlers, England’s five-person bowling unit proved effective on their return to subcontinent cricket, facing the grueling conditions.

England’s adaptable tactics kept Pakistan’s innings in check, preventing them from stretching beyond 149 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to assert any consistent pressure despite the scorching heat and the slow, lifeless pitch. The familiar challenge of taking 20 wickets to secure a win in Test cricket remained a daunting task, as it always has, even in this modern era.

Pakistan’s home bowling performances could have been much better since they began altering the pitches in 2022, fearing the strength of opposing teams. The decision continues to backfire, with their bowling statistics showing a sharp decline. Before Australia’s visit, Pakistan’s bowlers were victorious at home, averaging 25.77 per wicket. However, since then, wickets have come much harder, with an average of 49.41 runs per dismissal and a strike rate of 79 balls per wicket.

Masood’s field placements at the start of the day aimed to create pressure, positioning close fielders to tighten England’s run-scoring. However, England’s batters, particularly Zak Crawley and Joe Root, found gaps quickly, frustrating the bowlers. Pakistan’s pacers and spinners alike struggled with their lines and lengths, allowing England to rotate the strike and pick up runs.

Aamir Jamal offered some resistance, using short-pitched deliveries to test England’s batters, but his inconsistent execution allowed them to score freely. He had brief success, trapping Ben Duckett LBW with a reverse swing, but he overpitched against Harry Brook, who capitalized and scored freely. England’s aggressive “Bazball” strategy caused Pakistan’s bowlers to lose their discipline, further complicating their efforts.

Head coach Jason Gillespie remarked on the difficulties of facing England’s aggressive batting approach. While Pakistan managed to limit the boundaries, England’s ability to exploit gaps and rotate the strike kept them ahead. Naseem Shah showed glimpses of promise in a seven-over spell before tea, tying down Root and Brook with an accurate reverse swing, but such moments were too rare to turn the tide.

In the end, despite fielding their best available bowling attack, Pakistan couldn’t restrain England, just as they had previously struggled against Bangladesh and Australia after initially gaining the upper hand. The familiar shortcomings of Pakistan’s bowling at home once again proved costly.

It’s easier to imagine a different result if things continue in this manner. Pakistan’s bowling struggles on home soil have become a recurring theme, and unless something changes in their approach, it’s hard to envision a different outcome. The flat pitches and lack of assistance for bowlers have exposed the limitations of their attack, and opponents like England have capitalized on these conditions.

Without adjustments or breakthroughs in their strategy, the likelihood of a significant shift remains slim. Pakistan must rethink their bowling tactics, field placements, and perhaps even the preparation of pitches if they are to avoid repeating these familiar results in future matches.

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