- Mohammad Rizwan could be rested for second Test: sources.
- Pakistan ‘consider’ two spinners, Ubaid Shah for Lord’s.
- Agha admits England outplayed Pakistan in opening Test.
Pakistan are considering changes to their playing XI for the second Test against England at Lord’s following a heavy defeat in the series opener at Headingley, sources said on Sunday.
England defeated Pakistan by an innings and 120 runs in the first Test on Friday. Pakistan faced a 238-run first-innings deficit before being bowled out for 118 in their second innings.
The second Test of the three-match series is scheduled to begin at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on August 27.
Pakistan Management Considering Changes
Sources said Pakistan’s team management is reviewing the playing XI after the disappointing defeat at Headingley.
The final selection is expected to depend heavily on the conditions in London. The management will assess the Lord’s pitch and weather before confirming the side.
Pakistan’s first-Test performance exposed several weaknesses, particularly in batting and adapting to English conditions.
Mohammad Rizwan Could Be Rested
Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan could be rested for the second Test, according to sources.
The potential change would be one of the biggest selection decisions following the opening-Test defeat.
Pakistan may make further changes depending on the balance of the side and the conditions expected at Lord’s.
Babar Azam Expected to Return
Pakistan are hopeful that star batter Babar Azam will return to the side after missing the first Test because of a finger injury.
His return would provide a major boost to Pakistan’s inexperienced batting lineup.
If Babar is declared fully fit, top-order batter Azan Awais is likely to lose his place in the playing XI, sources added.
Babar’s availability will ultimately depend on his recovery and fitness assessment ahead of the match.
Pakistan Could Play Two Specialist Spinners
Pakistan are also considering fielding two specialist spinners at Lord’s.
Sources said the management is taking the expected dry conditions and relatively flat pitch into account. This could increase the chances of another spinner joining left-arm bowler Ali Usman in the playing XI.
Ali Usman was one of Pakistan’s brighter performers in the first Test and could retain his place.
The final decision will depend on how the Lord’s surface looks closer to the start of the match.
Ubaid Shah Also in Contention
Right-arm fast bowler Ubaid Shah is also in contention for the second Test.
His pace could give him an advantage as Pakistan look to strengthen their bowling attack.
The management will assess the available options once the squad reaches London before making a final decision.
Salman Ali Agha Admits England Outplayed Pakistan
Stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha admitted after the first Test that England had outplayed Pakistan.
Agha pointed to repeated mistakes as one of the main reasons behind the comprehensive defeat.
He also highlighted the inexperienced batting lineup and the bowlers’ failure to exploit early moisture as major shortcomings.
His comments reflected Pakistan’s difficulties in adjusting to English conditions and making the most of important opportunities.
Pakistan Search for a Strong Response at Lord’s
Despite the disappointing result, Pakistan had some positive performances in the opening Test.
Agha backed the pace attack despite criticism over its lack of speed. He also praised the performances of Abdullah Shafique and Ali Usman.
Pakistan will now look to regroup at Lord’s and level the three-match series.
The second Test begins on August 27, with the final playing XI expected to be confirmed after the team management assesses conditions in London.
