Pakistan-England: Ben Stokes' team aims for history in Karachi

Location: Karachi Date: 17-21 December (05: 00 GMT)Cover: Li ve Test Match Special radio and SMS commentary on the BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sport website, as well as desktop, tablets, mobiles and app.
Their last visit here for a Test, 22 years ago, is famous for Nasser Hussain and Graham Thorpe leaving the field arm arm in arm, having inflicted Pakistan's first defeat at the national stadium and securing England's first series victory in this country since 1961.
England are aiming for history again. Ben Stokes' side are already the first English side to win two Tests on a tour outside Pakistan. No team has ever left this country with a 3-0 victory.
This is the last stop on a landmark first visit to Pakistan in 17 years. For the first test in Rawalpindi, England stayed in the well-maintained capital of Islamabad before moving to Multan, one of the oldest cities in the world. The bustling city of Karachi derives its nickname of City of Light from its vibrant nightlife.
everyone on tour was the hottest imaginable. There is genuine gratitude to those who have made the journey. Shopkeepers, waiters and hotel staff want to know what the British think of Pakistan and if we will be back.
On the pitch, Pakistan took hospitality to the extreme by choosing just one bowler, Abrar Ahmed, who appeared to take a wicket.
Home fans enjoyed the swashbuckling cricket played by England, even if it came at the expense of the hosts.
Multan Stadium was too far from town and too large to fill, but Rawalpindi was intensely atmospheric. Witnessing the hundred of Captain Babar Azam was like being invited to participate in a mass worship ritual.
England faced challenges. The illness that struck the team the day before the first test almost delayed the game by a day.
Stokes assessed his team's match morning fitness through responses in a WhatsApp group and the captain had to persuade spinner Jack Leach to play. The disease also persisted in Multan. Stokes nearly threw up during his post-match press conference.
Security at Multan was choking for all travelers - players, media and fans. Even though gunshots were heard the day before the start of the second test, the shots were attributed to rival business owners. There was some unease over an entire city shutting down, disrupting businesses, schools and...

Sports Dec 17, 2022 0 23 Add to Reading List

Pakistan-England: Ben Stokes' team aims for history in Karachi

Location: Karachi Date: 17-21 December (05: 00 GMT)Cover: Li ve Test Match Special radio and SMS commentary on the BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sport website, as well as desktop, tablets, mobiles and app.

Their last visit here for a Test, 22 years ago, is famous for Nasser Hussain and Graham Thorpe leaving the field arm arm in arm, having inflicted Pakistan's first defeat at the national stadium and securing England's first series victory in this country since 1961.

England are aiming for history again. Ben Stokes' side are already the first English side to win two Tests on a tour outside Pakistan. No team has ever left this country with a 3-0 victory.

This is the last stop on a landmark first visit to Pakistan in 17 years. For the first test in Rawalpindi, England stayed in the well-maintained capital of Islamabad before moving to Multan, one of the oldest cities in the world. The bustling city of Karachi derives its nickname of City of Light from its vibrant nightlife.

everyone on tour was the hottest imaginable. There is genuine gratitude to those who have made the journey. Shopkeepers, waiters and hotel staff want to know what the British think of Pakistan and if we will be back.

On the pitch, Pakistan took hospitality to the extreme by choosing just one bowler, Abrar Ahmed, who appeared to take a wicket.

Home fans enjoyed the swashbuckling cricket played by England, even if it came at the expense of the hosts.

Multan Stadium was too far from town and too large to fill, but Rawalpindi was intensely atmospheric. Witnessing the hundred of Captain Babar Azam was like being invited to participate in a mass worship ritual.

England faced challenges. The illness that struck the team the day before the first test almost delayed the game by a day.

Stokes assessed his team's match morning fitness through responses in a WhatsApp group and the captain had to persuade spinner Jack Leach to play. The disease also persisted in Multan. Stokes nearly threw up during his post-match press conference.

Security at Multan was choking for all travelers - players, media and fans. Even though gunshots were heard the day before the start of the second test, the shots were attributed to rival business owners. There was some unease over an entire city shutting down, disrupting businesses, schools and...