Sources have suggested Pakistan may be looking to make key player changes in their playing XI for England’s second Test match at Lord’s due to a heavy defeat at Headingley in the opening Test of the series.
In the first Test of the series England won by an innings and 120 runs. The hosts secured a comfortable win after Pakistan had been left with a 238-run deficit after England’s first innings, before they were bowled out for 118 in the second innings.
The second Test of the three-match series will start on August 27 at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
The team selection is under review, with the possibility of a change in the Playing XI and the team management is looking at the situation in London before finalising the XI, sources said.
Mohammad Rizwan, the wicketkeeper, may be given a breather and Pakistan are hoping that Babar Azam can return from his first Test absence due to the finger problem.
Top-order batter Azan Awais is expected to be removed if Babar has a chance to play.
Pakistan are also mulling two specialist spinners as conditions in the match are expected to be dry with a relatively flat surface which may play a role in the selection.
Ubaid Shah, another right arm pacer, is a contender and he can be expected to be added to the team.
The loss at Headingley revealed some shortcomings across the board in the Pakistan batting and bowling.
Stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha admitted that his side had been outplayed and that there had been a lot of errors in the game that led to their heavy defeat.
Agha also pointed out the inexperience of the batting side and the lack of ability of bowlers to make use of early moisture.
But he defended Pakistan’s pace attack although the attack was criticised for its pace.
After arriving in London, Pakistan will take a look at the situation and then make their final 11.
Also read: England seal dominant innings victory over Pakistan at Headingley