England Eye First Test Series Win in Almost Two Years Against Pakistan
LONDON: England will aim to secure their first Test series victory in almost two years when they face Pakistan in the second Test at Lord’s on Thursday.
However, England captain Joe Root wants his team to shift the focus back to cricket after another off-field disciplinary issue overshadowed the build-up.
England won the first Test by an innings and 103 runs. The victory also marked the beginning of Root’s second stint as Test captain.
Root Furious Over Brydon Carse Incident
Root said he was “hacked off” when videos on social media appeared to show fast bowler Brydon Carse in handcuffs outside a nightclub in Derby on Saturday.
Police officers were seen speaking to Carse in the videos. England subsequently dropped him from the squad for the second Test.
Fast bowler Josh Tongue said Root’s message had strongly resonated with the players.
“It was a chat that was needed, a very good chat from Rooty,” Tongue told reporters on Wednesday.
“He’s been around the England dressing room for plenty of years. He knows what it takes to be the top professional.”
Tongue added that the players must now move forward and maintain high professional standards.
England Look to Move Past Off-Field Issues
England have won three and lost six of their nine Tests since last October. Several off-field incidents have also affected the team during that period.
White-ball captain Harry Brook received a £30,000 fine after an altercation with a bouncer in Wellington. Reports also emerged of a booze-fuelled mid-series break during the Ashes in Noosa.
Earlier this year, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson broke a team curfew after England’s first Test win over New Zealand. The team dropped both players for the following match.
Therefore, a victory at Lord’s would help England return the focus to their on-field performances.
Pakistan Expected to Provide Tougher Challenge
England remain strong favourites after their dominant victory at Headingley. The hosts could also name an unchanged team.
Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson each took eight wickets in the first Test as Pakistan’s batting line-up struggled.
However, Root expects Pakistan to pose a stronger challenge at Lord’s. The visitors also hope captain Babar Azam will return after recovering from a finger injury.
“We know the individual brilliance that lies within that team and what Pakistan are capable of collectively,” Root said.
“We also know that whenever we play anyone at Lord’s, they generally raise their game. This group won’t be taking anything for granted.”
