Pakistan is contemplating significant adjustments to their playing XI for the second Test against England at Lord’s following a comprehensive loss in the series opener at Headingley. Captain Babar Azam, sidelined due to a finger injury in the first Test, is anticipated to return to the squad.
The second Test of the three-match series is set to commence at Lord’s on August 27. Team management plans to finalize the lineup after evaluating the conditions in London, aiming to rebound strongly and level the series after the initial setback.
England dominated the first Test, securing victory by an innings and 103 runs inside three days at Headingley. The hosts posted 409 runs in their first innings, while Pakistan managed only 171 and 135 in their two innings respectively, giving England a 1-0 lead.
This heavy defeat has prompted Pakistan’s management to rethink their team combination. Babar Azam, who missed the first Test due to a right-hand injury sustained during a warm-up match in Beckenham, is optimistic about making a comeback. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has expressed hope regarding Babar’s availability for the Lord’s Test.
Babar’s injury occurred on the same hand that was previously hurt during Pakistan’s recent Test tour of the West Indies. Although he resumed batting practice before the first Test, persistent pain forced him to withdraw.
Should Babar be declared fit, opener Azan Awais is likely to be dropped. Awais had a challenging match at Headingley, being dismissed for a first-ball duck in Pakistan’s first innings. The management is also considering other options for the opening slot, with Shan Masood or Abdullah Shafique potential partners for Imam-ul-Haq depending on the conditions and team balance.
Another potential change involves wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, who may be rested for the Lord’s Test as part of a broader strategy to reshape the side after the heavy loss.
Pakistan is also exploring the possibility of including two spinners if the pitch at Lord’s proves dry. Off-spinner Sajid Khan is in contention for a recall, which could necessitate dropping a middle-order batsman, possibly Saud Shakeel. The final decision will hinge on the pitch conditions and overall team strategy.
Changes to the pace attack are also under consideration, with Ubaid Shah potentially replacing Khurram Shahzad. Ubaid’s pace is viewed as a valuable asset for the conditions expected in London.
The management anticipates different playing conditions at Lord’s compared to Headingley, expecting a relatively dry surface and flat pitch. This has led to discussions about employing two spinners alongside adjustments in the pace department.
At Headingley, Pakistan’s bowling performance was largely underwhelming except for left-arm spinner Ali Usman, who took his maiden Test five-wicket haul. He became the first Pakistan left-arm spinner to achieve this feat in England, helping to contain England’s batting after the hosts had seized control.
Despite Usman’s efforts, Pakistan’s bowling unit struggled overall, and the batting lineup collapsed in both innings. England’s bowlers Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue were particularly effective, each claiming eight wickets in the match.
The defeat extended Pakistan’s poor record in away Tests, increasing the urgency for a much-improved display at Lord’s to prevent England from securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
The Lord’s Test is scheduled from August 27 to 31, followed by the third and final Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, from September 9 to 13.
Historically, Pakistan has enjoyed success at Lord’s, winning five Tests there, including notable victories in 1982, 1992, 1996, 2016, and 2018. The return of Babar Azam and the potential lineup changes are seen as crucial to reviving Pakistan’s fortunes in the upcoming Test.
