Pakistan's long wait for a home Test victory came to an end in emphatic fashion as Noman Ali's exceptional bowling helped the team defeat England in the second Test. With eight wickets falling in less than two hours, the match concluded swiftly, leveling the series at 1-1 ahead of the third Test in Rawalpindi. This victory marks a significant milestone for Pakistan, as it is their first home win since 2021.

A record-breaking bowling display

Noman Ali's career-best performance was the highlight of the match, as he took 8 wickets for 46 runs, finishing with match figures of 11 for 147. Alongside Sajid Khan, who claimed 7 wickets for 111 runs in the first innings, they became the first bowling duo to take all 20 wickets in a Test since Dennis Lillee and Bob Massie in 1972. The duo's remarkable performance dismantled England's batting order, showcasing the effectiveness of Pakistan's spin attack on a pitch that was favorable for bowlers.

Despite being faced with the pressure of an innings defeat from the previous match, Pakistan's decision to include a three-man spin attack paid off handsomely. The team made significant changes, dropping Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah in favor of the spin-heavy lineup. The match concluded within three and a half days, further emphasizing the dominance of the Pakistani bowlers on a re-used pitch that offered consistent turn.

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England's batting collapse

England's chase of 261 runs for victory fell apart as they succumbed to Noman and Sajid's relentless bowling. The English batsmen, including Ollie Pope and Joe Root, attempted to employ an aggressive sweep strategy, but it quickly backfired. Pope was the first to fall, caught off a simple return catch to Sajid, while Root's adventurous approach led to his dismissal for a low score. With England reeling at 78 for 5, the match appeared all but over.

The chaotic innings continued as Jamie Smith, Ben Stokes, and other key players were dismissed cheaply. Stokes, who scored 37 runs at a rapid pace, was stumped after a reckless charge down the pitch to Noman. Ultimately, England's batting performance was riddled with mistakes, showcasing a stark contrast to their earlier success in the series. Noman's ability to pick up wickets consistently solidified Pakistan's control over the game, leading to a comprehensive victory.

In the end, Pakistan's victory was not just a welcome relief but also a testament to their resilience and adaptability in challenging circumstances. With Shan Masood's first win as captain, the team will look to build on this momentum as they head into the final Test of the series.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made a crucial decision on Saturday, announcing Mohammad Nawaz as the replacement for left-arm spinner Noman Ali in the Test squad against Australia. The decision came after Noman Ali was ruled out of the ongoing Test series due to acute appendicitis, leading to his surgery on the same day. The national selection committee, headed by Wahab Riaz, approved Nawaz as the replacement, addressing the left-arm spinner void created by Noman’s unfortunate health condition.

Initially included in the squad to provide spin support to Abrar Ahmed, Noman Ali’s absence complicates Pakistan’s bowling situation, especially with Abrar already sidelined due to an injury. Sajid Khan was brought in as a replacement, but his late arrival in Perth prevented him from participating in the opening Test. PCB Chief Selector Wahab Riaz expressed regret over Noman Ali’s unavailability and highlighted the logistical challenges, including visa issues for new players. Considering the need for a left-arm spinner, Mohammad Nawaz emerged as the most suitable choice within the available constraints.

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In an official statement, Wahab Riaz explained the unfortunate circumstances and expressed hope regarding Abrar Ahmed’s potential return for the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground starting on January 3, 2024. The team management remains optimistic about Abrar’s availability, providing a potential boost to the team’s spin bowling options. Meanwhile, the second Test against Australia is set to begin at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26.

Adding to Pakistan’s challenges, fast bowlers Khurram Shazad, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf are unavailable. Khurram Shazad reported pain in his left side earlier in the week, Naseem Shah is recovering from an injury, and Haris Rauf opted not to participate. This situation has led to the inclusion of debutants Aamer Jamal and Shahzad, along with Mir Hamza, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Wasim Jr., forming the current fast bowling lineup for Pakistan against Australia.