England’s aggressive approach to playing the longest and oldest format has continued to pay rich dividends in the ICC World Test Championship’s second edition. When England visited Pakistan for the first time in 17 years, the Babar Azam-led team was expected to live up to expectations. The Brendon McCullum-coached side, led by superstar Ben Stokes, outclassed favourites Pakistan, who started the second Test of the three-match series as they did the first.
A fighting century from Harry Brook and a fiery spell from Mark Wood in the second innings was enough to demolish Pakistan at the Multan Cricket Ground. Brook and Wood engineered England’s hard-fought 26-run victory over Pakistan, allowing Stokes’ men to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. When discussing England’s epic win in Multan, Stokes singled out one such individual, batting legend Virat Kohli, who he believes has the potential to deliver the goods.
The England captain praised his teammate Brook, who was named Player of the Match in the second Test, in an interview with Sky Sports. “Harry had his summer last year and had all the big ups before making his debut at the end of the summer.” It is incredible to come here and repeat that performance. He is one of those rare players who, when you look across all formats can see him succeeding anywhere. “It is a huge shout, but Virat Kohli is one of those guys whose technique is so simple that it works everywhere,” Stokes said.
The 23-year-old has only appeared in three Tests for the Three Lions. Brook made his Test debut against South Africa earlier this year at Kennington Oval. Brook’s 108 off 149 balls helped England to a match-winning total in the second innings. Wood-inspired England dismantled Pakistan for 328 before lunch on Day 4, as the hosts were defeated by 26 runs in the series decider. On Saturday, England will face Pakistan in the third and final Test at the Karachi National Stadium.
