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Pakistan will look to bounce back when they take on England in the second Test of the three-match series at Lord’s, starting August 27. The visitors suffered a crushing innings-and-103-run defeat in the opening Test at Headingley, where their batting collapsed twice and England’s pace attack dominated proceedings.
With their backs against the wall, Pakistan could make a few changes to their combination for the Lord’s Test. The biggest boost is expected to come from the return of Babar Azam, who missed the series opener because of a finger injury. The Pakistan captain has resumed batting in the nets and reportedly looked in good touch during a practice session ahead of the second Test.
Babar’s return could provide much-needed stability to a batting unit that struggled badly at Headingley. Pakistan are also considering changes in their wicketkeeping and bowling combinations, with the management assessing conditions at Lord’s before finalising the XI.
Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq are expected to continue as Pakistan’s opening pair.
Shafique showed some resistance in the first innings at Headingley but was unable to convert his start into a substantial score. His ability to leave the ball and play through the off side will be important against England’s disciplined seam attack.
Imam, meanwhile, produced one of Pakistan’s better batting efforts in the first innings but could not replicate that resistance in the second. He will be expected to provide a solid foundation at the top of the order.
With England’s bowlers repeatedly exploiting movement outside the off stump, both openers will need to display considerably better judgement at Lord’s.
Shan Masood is likely to continue in the middle order despite losing the captaincy to Babar before the series. The left-hander was originally expected to retain his place in the squad after recovering from a finger injury.
Masood’s experience in English conditions makes him an important member of the batting unit. Pakistan will need him to convert starts into a substantial score, particularly with the pressure increasing after the Headingley defeat.
The return of Babar Azam is likely to be the biggest change to Pakistan’s XI.
Babar missed the first Test after aggravating his finger injury during a warm-up game, but he has since returned to training and is reportedly hopeful of playing at Lord’s.
His presence would significantly strengthen Pakistan’s batting. Babar was their leading run-scorer during the recent West Indies series, accumulating 193 runs, including two half-centuries.
If cleared to play, he is expected to slot straight back into the No. 4 position and take over the captaincy from Salman Ali Agha.
Saud Shakeel should continue at No. 5. The left-hander remains one of Pakistan’s most technically accomplished middle-order batters and will be expected to play a long innings if England’s pacers make early inroads.
Salman Ali Agha is also likely to retain his place. The all-rounder led Pakistan in Babar’s absence and was one of the few players to offer resistance during the opening Test.
His off-spin could also become useful at Lord’s, particularly if Pakistan decide to use two specialist spinners.
Mohammad Rizwan’s position is one of the more interesting selection questions ahead of the second Test.
Rizwan kept wickets and batted in the first Test, but Pakistan are reportedly considering resting him for the Lord’s encounter. Ghazi Ghori is another wicketkeeping option in the squad.
However, given Rizwan’s experience and importance to the team, Pakistan could still back him to respond after a disappointing first Test. If he retains his place, he is likely to bat at No. 7.
Pakistan could consider playing two specialist spinners at Lord’s. Sajid Khan is likely to retain his place, while Ali Usman could come into contention if the management wants an additional spin option.
Sajid’s ability to extract turn and bounce could become increasingly important if the Lord’s surface slows down as the match progresses.
Pakistan’s seamers, meanwhile, were thoroughly outperformed by England’s attack in the first Test. Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue claimed eight wickets each in the match, while Pakistan struggled to make an impact with the ball.
Mohammad Abbas could therefore be an important inclusion for Lord’s. The veteran seamer’s ability to swing the ball and maintain disciplined lines makes him particularly suited to English conditions.
Ubaid Shah is another option, with his pace potentially giving Pakistan an additional attacking dimension. The management will have to decide whether to prioritise raw pace or experience alongside Abbas.
Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam (c), Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Sajid Khan, Ali Usman, Mohammad Abbas, Ubaid Shah
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