Pakistan is likely to retain Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha in its playing XI for the second Test against England at Lord’s.
Both senior players faced speculation about their places after Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat in Leeds.
Pakistan lost the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs. The defeat put several experienced players under pressure.
Rizwan and Agha Expected to Keep Their Places
Reports had suggested that Pakistan could give Ghazi Ghori a Test debut in place of experienced wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.
There was also speculation that the team could drop Salman Ali Agha. Agha captained Pakistan in Leeds while Babar Azam was unavailable.
However, the latest information suggests that both players will retain their places for the Lord’s Test, which begins on Thursday.
The 34-year-old Rizwan has played 46 Tests for Pakistan. Meanwhile, 32-year-old Agha has represented the national side in 28 Tests.
Saud Shakeel Likely to Miss Out
Test captain Babar Azam is expected to return after missing the first Test.
As a result, Saud Shakeel is likely to lose his place in the playing XI. Shakeel scored just five and 14 runs in the Leeds Test.
Pakistan will hope Babar’s return strengthens the batting lineup for the must-win match.
Babar Favors Salman as Second Spin Option
Pakistan could also make changes to its bowling attack.
Reports had linked Khyber Pakhtunkhwa spinner Sajid Khan with a place in the XI. Pakistan considered him as a second specialist spinner alongside left-arm spinner Ali Usman.
Ali Usman impressed in Leeds and took five wickets for 95 runs.
Sajid has taken 77 wickets in 16 Tests at an average of 28.81.
However, Babar indicated during his press conference that Salman Ali Agha remains his preferred second spin option alongside Ali Usman.
Ubaid Shah Could Replace Khurram Shahzad
Pakistan may make another change in the pace department.
Fast bowler Ubaid Shah could replace Khurram Shahzad in the Lord’s Test.
The 26-year-old made his Test debut against the West Indies in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Pakistan will aim to bounce back strongly at Lord’s and level the three-match series against England.
