Veteran England pacer Chris Woakes expects better surfaces in the next two Test matches against Pakistan, with the wicket in Multan helping the batters only. The veteran said that the surface at the Multan Cricket Stadium turned out to be a belter for batting as well. The wicket in Multan came under the scanner as both teams’ bowlers struggled in the first innings, with Pakistan making 556 in 149 overs after winning the toss. England then posted 823/7 before declaring, headlined by a triple-hundred from Harry Brook and Joe Root’s 262 as well.

Speaking to reporters after England’s innings and 47-run win in Multan, Woakes said, “There was talk about green surfaces. I suppose it did have a tinge of green on day one, but it just got better and better. The ball is firmly in their court. When it’s a home series and it’s only three matches, and you lose the first, you’d like to think that the next two are going to be result wickets, whether that be green or turners. We’ll see.”

However, he was playing his first Test in Asia since 2016, also credited the head coach Brendon McCullum for the opportunity as well. The second Test between England and Pakistan begins in Multan on October 15 as well.

“I probably didn’t think I was going to get another opportunity to do this. In a way, I’d probably given up on it. But when you get the backing of the dressing room, of Ben and Baz [McCullum], you feel 10 feet tall and like you can go out there and win games of cricket for England. I’m never going to average 25 in these conditions but I don’t think many would. Thankfully in this Test match, I’ve been able to make a couple of breakthroughs with the new ball on a wicket which was offering pretty much bugger all, so I’m pretty pleased I contributed,” he concluded.