Pakistan’s team management is considering changes to the playing XI for the second Test against England after suffering a comprehensive defeat in the opening match at Headingley.
England won the first Test by an innings and 120 runs on Friday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Pakistan were left with a significant deficit of 238 runs after England’s first innings and were subsequently bowled out for just 118 in their second innings.
The second Test is scheduled to begin at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on August 27. According to sources, Pakistan’s final XI will be decided after the management assesses the pitch and weather conditions in London.
Babar Azam Could Make His Return
One of the biggest potential changes could be the return of Babar Azam. The star batter missed the first Test because of a finger injury but is now hopeful of returning to the side for the second match.
If Babar is declared fit and returns to the XI, top-order batter Azan Awais is likely to make way for him, according to sources.
Babar’s possible comeback would provide Pakistan with additional experience in the batting order at a crucial stage of the series. Pakistan struggled with the bat in the first Test, particularly during their second innings, when they failed to build partnerships and were dismissed for 118.
Mohammad Rizwan Could Be Rested
Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is another player whose position is reportedly under consideration.
Sources said Rizwan could be rested for the Lord’s Test as the management evaluates possible combinations following the heavy defeat. Any decision regarding the wicketkeeper-batter role is expected to be part of a broader assessment of Pakistan’s batting and overall balance.
The management is also considering the possibility of playing two specialist spinners at Lord’s. Conditions and the nature of the pitch will be important factors in determining whether Pakistan adopt that combination.
Will Babar Azam Play the First Test Against England?
Ubaid Shah in Contention for Lord’s Test
Fast bowler Ubaid Shah is also reportedly being considered for inclusion in the playing XI.
The right-arm pacer’s pace could work in his favour as the selectors look for ways to strengthen Pakistan’s bowling attack. However, his inclusion will depend on the conditions and the team combination Pakistan eventually chooses.
The management is expected to assess the pitch after the squad reaches London before making a final decision.
Salman Agha Admits England Were Better
Pakistan’s first-Test defeat highlighted several problems as the team continues to adjust to playing in English conditions.
Stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha, who led the side in the absence of Babar, acknowledged that England had outplayed Pakistan in the opening Test. He also pointed to repeated mistakes as one of the main reasons behind the comprehensive loss.
Agha highlighted the inexperience of Pakistan’s batting line-up and said the bowlers had failed to make sufficient use of the early moisture in the pitch. Such conditions can often provide assistance to fast bowlers in England, particularly early in an innings.
Despite the defeat, Agha remained supportive of Pakistan’s pace attack and also praised the contributions of Abdullah Shafique and left-arm spinner Ali Usman.
With the second Test only days away, Pakistan now face the task of correcting their mistakes quickly. The return of Babar, potential changes to the bowling attack and the possibility of a different combination could all play a significant role as Pakistan attempt to level the three-match series at Lord’s.
