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Entertaining England claim series win in Pakistan

England continued to thrill after they wrapped up a Test series win in Pakistan with a game to spare in Multan.

Playing a brand of cricket that has spectators glued to the action, England managed to secure a 26-run victory on day four of the second Test on Monday.

Having earned a first Test series win in Pakistan since 2005, England continue to be moving in the right direction in the longest form of the game.

A sensational finish in Multan

Pakistan looked at one stage as though they could pull off their own remarkable victory, as they closed in on what would have been an outstanding chase of 355.

However, with the hosts at 290-5, Mark Wood stepped up and had both Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Agha caught down the leg side.

Zahid Mahmood also fell to Wood, as he saw his stumps obliterated with a delivery of over 90mph from the impressive Durham paceman.

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With James Anderson and Ollie Robinson also chipping in with important wickets, Pakistan eventually were all out for 328 in a Test match that swung back and forth between two sides desperate for the win.

The victory for England was the first time in history they have won two Tests in an away series in Pakistan, as this side under skipper Ben Stokes continues to break new ground.

Stokes hails achievement

With one Test still to come, Stokes was delighted with the result in Multan and how his side managed to edge an encounter that could have gone either way.

On the back of a thrilling first Test, it was another example of how entertaining the longest format of the game can be, as questions regarding its long-term future remain.

Stokes was full of praise for his team-mates, who appear to be a tight group that are shining under head coach and former New Zealand batter Brendon McCullum.

"Incredible to have finished the Test and be 2-0 up in the series," Stokes told Sky Sports. "Huge credit again to the effort put in this week and carrying on a way that has been successful in the last six-seven months. It was a challenge with the wicket but the way the batters applied themselves was fantastic. We kept the scoreboard ticking even though wickets were falling.

"Coming to the subcontinent is always a tough place. We know what we have achieved this week. We know it is not unheard of but very rare to do. We will take it all in. These series victories and wins are part of a much bigger picture of what we are trying to achieve."

Brook going from strength to strength

Seemingly the latest rising star of English cricket, Harry Brook continues to shine in his new surroundings of Test cricket.

After a disappointing first-innings total of nine, Book responded in his second knock to score 108 runs from 149 deliveries.

Notching up 14 fours and a six in that impressive second innings, Brook played a key role in helping England deliver victory in Multan.

At just 23 years old and in the fledgling stage of his Test career, Brook has the level-headedness and composure that should serve him well going forward.

Speaking after the second Test win, Brook told the BBC: "I don't like to look too far ahead, I like to stay in the moment then look to the next game. All I'm focusing on now is enjoying this win and then concentrating on next week."

England eyeing clean sweep

England will now look to finish what has been a memorable year, which included a T20 World Cup win, on a high. 

A clean sweep in Pakistan would be an outstanding achievement for England and provide some real momentum going into 2023.

England are 6/4 to win the third Test at the National Stadium in Karachi, with Pakistan at 8/5 and the draw at 11/4.

With the Ashes series on home soil to build to next summer, each victory is another step forward for McCullum's England in their quest to regain the famous urn.

England are underdogs ahead of the 2023 Ashes, with the hosts at 11/8 to win the series. The Baggy Greens are currently available to 1/1 to retain the urn, while a draw is 11/2

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