LONDON: Pakistan are considering several changes to their playing XI for the second Test against England at Lord’s after suffering a heavy defeat in the series opener at Headingley, sources said on Sunday.
England defeated Pakistan by an innings and 120 runs in the opening Test on Friday. Pakistan, who conceded a 238-run first-innings lead, were bowled out for 118 in their second innings as the hosts completed a comprehensive victory.
The second Test of the three-match series is scheduled to begin at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on August 27 and will run until August 31.
According to sources, the team management is considering changes to the line-up following the defeat, with the final playing XI expected to be decided after assessing the conditions in London.
Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan could be rested for the second Test, while the management is hopeful of star batter Babar Azam returning to the side after missing the series opener due to a finger injury.
If Babar returns, top-order batter Azan Awais is likely to make way, sources added.
Pakistan could also opt for two specialist spinners at Lord’s, with the management taking into consideration the expected dry conditions and the nature of the pitch.
Right-arm pacer Ubaid Shah is also in contention for the second Test, with his pace potentially giving him an advantage in the selection process.
The team management will assess the conditions after the squad arrives in London before finalising the playing XI, sources said.
Pakistan’s defeat in the first Test exposed several weaknesses in a side still adapting to English conditions.
Stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha, who is leading the side in the absence of regular skipper Babar, admitted that England had outplayed Pakistan and attributed the comprehensive defeat to repeated mistakes.
Agha also highlighted the inexperience of the batting line-up and the bowlers’ failure to exploit the early moisture as key shortcomings.
His assessment underlined Pakistan’s struggles to adapt to English conditions and capitalise on opportunities when they arise.
However, there were some positives for Pakistan, with Agha backing the pace attack despite criticism over their lack of speed. He also praised the performances of Abdullah Shafique and left-arm spinner Ali Usman.
