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Pakistan Lord’s Test selection plans are taking shape ahead of the second match against England, with experienced wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha expected to retain their places in the playing XI.
The development comes after Pakistan suffered a heavy innings-and-103-run defeat to England in the opening Test at Headingley, leaving the visitors 1-0 down in the three-match series. The second Test is scheduled to begin at Lord’s on August 27.
Pakistan Lord’s Test Plans Take Shape
There had been speculation that Pakistan could make significant changes after its disappointing performance in Leeds.
Muhammad Ghazi Ghori had been considered as a possible replacement for Rizwan, while Salman Ali Agha was also thought to be vulnerable after leading Pakistan in the absence of regular Test captain Babar Azam.
However, the latest reports indicate that the team management is likely to retain both experienced players. Geo News reported on Wednesday that Rizwan and Agha are expected to remain in the 11-member side.
Rizwan, 34, has played 46 Tests, while 32-year-old Agha has featured in 28 Tests. Agha also remains a potential second-spin option alongside left-arm spinner Ali Usman, according to Babar’s recent comments.
Babar Azam Set for Return
The most significant change is expected to be the return of Babar Azam, who missed the opening Test after suffering a hand injury during Pakistan’s warm-up match in England.
Babar has since returned to training and was reported to be in good form ahead of the Lord’s encounter. His comeback would provide Pakistan with additional experience after the team’s batting collapsed in both innings at Headingley.
With Babar returning, Saud Shakeel could make way from the XI. Shakeel managed scores of only five and 14 in the first Test, which Pakistan lost by a substantial margin. The official PCB scorecard confirms his first-innings dismissal for five and second-innings score of 14.
Sajid Khan Misses Out on Spin Role
Sajid Khan had emerged as another possible selection after his strong bowling performances during Pakistan’s recent Test series in the Caribbean.
The experienced right-arm spinner was part of Pakistan’s squad for the England tour and had played an important role alongside Ali Usman in the second Test against the West Indies.
However, Babar has indicated that Salman Ali Agha is his preferred choice to operate as the second spin option alongside Ali Usman.
That decision could keep Sajid out of the Lord’s XI despite the conditions potentially offering assistance to spin as the match progresses.
Ubaid Shah in Contention
Pakistan could also make a change to its pace attack.
Young fast bowler Ubaid Shah is reportedly being considered to replace Khurram Shahzad. Ubaid was included in Pakistan’s original England Test squad and is among the uncapped players selected for the tour. The PCB had previously confirmed his inclusion alongside wicketkeeper Muhammad Ghazi Ghori and left-arm spinner Ali Usman.
The possible selection would give Pakistan an opportunity to strengthen its bowling attack after England’s batters dominated the opening Test.
Pakistan Seek Response After Heavy Defeat
Pakistan’s first-Test performance exposed significant weaknesses with both bat and ball. England posted 409 in their first innings before dismissing Pakistan for 171 and 135, completing a comprehensive victory.
The visitors will therefore enter Lord’s under considerable pressure, with England needing only another strong performance to move closer to winning the three-match series.
The second Test is scheduled for August 27-31 at Lord’s, while the final Test will be played at Edgbaston from September 9-13.
For Pakistan, the return of Babar and the expected retention of Rizwan and Agha will be central to the team’s attempt to level the series and revive its World Test Championship campaign.See More on Pulse Pakistan
