Babar Azam is set to return from injury as Pakistan consider changes after their heavy defeat to England in the first Test at Headingley.
LONDON: Pakistan are likely to retain experienced wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha for the second Test against England at Lord’s, despite questions over the team’s combination following a heavy defeat in Leeds.
England won the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Pakistan were bowled out for 171 in their first innings and 135 in the second, exposing significant weaknesses in their batting.
Reports indicate that Rizwan and Salman are expected to keep their places in the playing XI. Rizwan, 34, has played 46 Tests, while Salman, 32, has appeared in 28 Tests. Their experience is likely to be viewed as important as Pakistan attempt to respond at Lord’s.
There had been speculation that Rizwan could make way for uncapped wicketkeeper Muhammad Ghazi Ghori. Salman also faced scrutiny after captaining Pakistan in Leeds in the absence of regular skipper Babar Azam.
Babar is now in line to return after recovering from a hand injury. The Pakistan captain said Thursday that he was about 90% fit for the Lord’s Test after completing practice sessions. The International Cricket Council reported that he is set to return to the XI.
Babar’s comeback is expected to result in a change to the batting order, with Saud Shakeel potentially making way after scoring five and 14 in the first Test.
Pakistan are also considering their bowling combination. Left-arm spinner Ali Usman impressed on debut with a five-wicket haul in Leeds, while Sajid Khan is among the options for a second spinner. However, Babar indicated that Salman remained his preferred partner for Ali Usman in the spin department.
Young fast bowler Ubaid Shah is another player under consideration, potentially at the expense of Khurram Shahzad. Ubaid made his Test debut against the West Indies earlier this month and remains part of Pakistan’s England tour squad.
Pakistan have a strong record at Lord’s, where they have won five Tests, including victories in 2016 and 2018. The second Test begins Thursday and runs through Aug. 31.
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