Security in Pakistan has always been a concern and the situation in the country, however, has improved over time and England are already in the country for the Test series. It was the Three Lions who won the first Test post defeating Pakistan by 74 runs, on the back of stellar bowling efforts from James Anderson and Ollie Robinson. As things stand, the two teams will face off against each other in the next Test on December 8, Friday in Multan.
As things stand, ahead of the second Test, reports emerged on the eve of Friday claiming that there were a few gunshots fired nearby to the hotel that the English team were staying in. However, none of the official news media outlets came forward to confirm the news and it remains to be seen if further clarification would be made on the alleged incident.
Gunshots heard 1km from England's team hotel this morning in Multan. Two rival gangs, it seems. Four arrests made, and no one injured. The team's security plans remain unaffected before tomorrow's second Test against Pakistan.
— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) December 8, 2022
The first Test between the two nations turned out to be a great one as England posted 657 runs in the first innings. Trailing a heavy score, Pakistan managed to put on 579 runs and the Three Lions gathered 264 runs in their second innings. Chasing a target of 343, Pakistan crumbled after managing to put on 268 runs on the board, letting England take a 1-0 early lead.
We were not up to the mark: Babar Azam
Babar Azam, the Pakistan captain, opened up on the loss and said that his boys were not up to the mark. Further, Babar claimed that a few things did not go in their favour and hoped to make a comeback in the next game set to get underway on Friday. It will be a must-win game for the team to win the series and to stay in the race to make it to the finals of the Test championship as well.
“We were not upto the mark. Had a golden chance in the second innings, but session by session we lost wickets. Our bowling group is young. Unfortunately Haris injured himself in the first innings. All credit to the bowlers who bowled well and tried without Haris. We try to stick to our plans. Difficult when opponent goes at 7 an over. We had an opportunity in the second innings. But we didn’t get partnerships in the end. Lot of positives. Our batting performed very well. Bowling also very well,” Babar was quoted as saying after the loss.
As things stand, here is how Twitter reacted to the reports of gunshots in Multan:
Go more in pakistan
— AJAY DHILLON (@IG_AJAYDHILLON) December 8, 2022
Heard a GUN going off in Multan and assumed it was Harry Brook having a net
— Sean (@seandw14) December 8, 2022
Don't worry it's our king umar akmal's bat sound
— Ahmar? (@aleanmask) December 8, 2022
— Haider Khan (@haiderkhan0800) December 8, 2022
Welcome to Punjab!!
— Arsalan Abbas (@ArsalanAbbas_) December 8, 2022
Ben stokes be like
Abey match fees bhi donate Kiya…or chaiye to 2nd & 3rd test matches bhi haar jayenge… England wapas jaane do bas— Sam yenti (@ILoganwa) December 8, 2022
Pakistan ko hraya. Ab zinda ghar nhi jaaoge…
— Cricket Updates (@Cricket23002283) December 8, 2022
Just a normal day in Pakistan! ?
— Bhavith Kumar (@BhavithKumarRai) December 8, 2022
