Pakistan are weighing changes to their playing XI for the second Test against England at Lord’s after a heavy defeat in the series opener at Headingley.
England secured an emphatic innings-and-120-run victory in the first Test on Friday. The second Test of the three-match series will begin at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on August 27.
Ahead of the crucial encounter, Pakistan’s team management is considering adjustments to the line-up and will make a final decision after assessing the playing conditions in London.
Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan could be rested for the match, while the management is hopeful that Babar Azam will return after missing the opening Test because of a finger injury.
Babar’s return could see top-order batter Azan Awais make way for the former captain. Pakistan are also considering deploying two specialist spinners, with the expected dry weather and a relatively flat Lord’s surface reportedly influencing the selection plans.
Fast bowler Ubaid Shah is another player in contention, with his pace potentially strengthening his case for inclusion.
Pakistan’s defeat at Headingley highlighted several weaknesses as the team struggled to adapt to English conditions.
Stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha acknowledged that England had been the better side and blamed repeated mistakes for the comprehensive loss.
Agha also pointed to the inexperience of the batting unit and the bowling attack’s inability to take advantage of early moisture as major areas of concern.
Despite the setback, he expressed confidence in Pakistan’s pace attack, while also praising Abdullah Shafique and left-arm spinner Ali Usman for their performances in the opening Test.
