England cricket (Twitter)
Other than their rich cricketing heritage, the nations in the Asian subcontinent are also renowned for their warm nature towards guests. A further testament to the claim was made by Pakistan, as the touring English team received a traditional welcome in Multan.
A host of traditional dancers greeted the team as they deboarded from the team bus which brought them from the Multan International Airport to the hotel. The enthusiastic beats of the dhol and bagpipes accompanied the dancing as quite a few of the English team members were seen appreciating the welcome. On getting into the hotel, the team members were further made to wear intricately embroidered shawls and presented with bouquets.
England’s Test team receives a traditional welcome as they arrive in Multan! 🛬#PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/ZYEHJ6xpVJ
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 2, 2024
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Pakistan in search for first Test win in over three years
Cutting to the hosts, they have recently been slammed by quite some setbacks. Not only have they suffered a humiliating home defeat to Bangladesh recently, but they also got knocked out of the T20 World Cup which was played in June.
They are also encountering a treacherous run of form as far as home Tests are concerned. The red-ball side of Pakistan have failed to win any of their last 10 Tests at home, with their last victory at home coming against South Africa in Rawalpinidi.
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England also have an edge over the hosts, winning 29 out of the 89 Tests they have played against them, with Pakistan only managing 21. It remains to be seen how Pakistan will fight back, if they do, against a bubbly side coming off a rollicking summer. England won five of the six Tests played on home soil in the season.