England became the first country in history to whitewash Pakistan in their home country in Test cricket when they prevailed 3-0 in the KFC Test series. They made history against the hosts in Karachi in the Third Test, prevailing by eight wickets.
Unbelievable series win in Pakistan!! So proud of the team, thanks for the amazing support gbenggbengpic.twitter.com/2IxBKmdtov
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) December 20, 2022
This was England’s first series victory away from home since they beat Sri Lanka in January 2021. It will give them a lot of confidence going into 2023, as they have now won nine of their last 10 Test matches.
As the BBC reported, England head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes took over the reins of the Test team back in May. They have formed an excellent partnership together and they have been able to implement their style of play within the squad.
In the McCullum-Stokes era to date, England have played without any fear. Their batting line-up has gone out to attack the opening bowlers from their arrival at the crease. It has not only generated some impressive results, but it has also been entertaining to watch.
Arguably the biggest decision during England’s tour of Pakistan came in the opening Test. Stokes opted to declare when his side were on 264/7 in their second innings, leaving the hosts chasing a target of 343. He made the move to try and force a victory and he was rewarded for that declaration.
The game in Rawalpindi was an extraordinary contest. There was a total of 1768 runs scored in that contest. As Reuters documented, England broke several records in that game in their first innings score of 658.
England had to remain patient right through to the final day in their bid to collect the wickets they needed against the PCB team to wrap up the win. That success meant they got off to a great start to the series and it proved they had what was required to win in conditions in the sub-continent.
James Anderson showed during the tour of Pakistan that he still has a big role to play in Test cricket. The 40-year-old believes he can continue playing at this level for many years to come.
Anderson is now not the only big threat in England’s bowling attack. He has been well supported in Pakistan by Mark Wood, Ollie Robinson, Will Jacks and Jack Leach. However, he has shown he can have a big impact on a game when it is needed.
The number two ranked bowler in the ICC rankings labelled England’s First Test success as one of the best wins of his career. Given the number of victories he has picked up in international cricket, that says a lot about what the visitors achieved.
Anderson has done enough in Pakistan to remain in McCullum and Stokes’ plans for 2023, particularly the home Ashes series. As of the 23rd of December, England are the marginal underdogs at 2.20 in the Betway sports betting for the series, so they need Anderson and the rest of their bowling attack to be at their very best against their familiar opponents next summer.
As well as experienced players like Anderson, Roots and Stokes, England are lucky to have some exciting new talent in their Test squad. None more so than leg spinner Rehan Ahmed. On his ECB debut for his national team in the Third Test, he took seven wickets in the game, including a five-for in the second innings.
Ahmed looks set to have a bright future in the sport. England have lacked spinning options in recent years, but with Leach and Ahmed, they now have two players who have shown they can pick up wickets, particularly on pitches in the sub-continent.
With the bat, Harry Brook excelled in this latest series. With 468 runs to his name, the big-hitting batsman was named the Player of the Series. His experience of playing on the pitches in Pakistan in the PSL helped during the three Test matches.
Player of the Match in Karachi and Player of the Series
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 20, 2022
Harry Brook, what a talent #PAKvENGpic.twitter.com/ni2w3IoPzP
Brook is exactly the type of player who is sure to continue to excel under McCullum and Stokes. As he showed at the T20 World Cup earlier this year in Australia, he scores runs fast and he can help his side recover when they lose early wickets.
England are not in action now until February when they travel to New Zealand for a two-match Test series.
Give Your Feedback