By: MOHSIN ALI
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan are considering changes to their playing XI for the second Test against England at Lord’s, with star batter Babar Azam likely to return after missing the series opener due to injury, local media reported on Sunday.
The second Test of the three-match series is scheduled to begin at Lord’s in London on August 27.
According to local media reports, the team management is hopeful that Babar, who missed the first Test with a finger injury, will be fit to return to the side. His inclusion could see top-order batter Azan Awais make way.
Pakistan are also weighing changes to their bowling combination following their innings-and-120-run defeat in the opening Test at Headingley, reports said.
The management is considering playing two specialist spinners at Lord’s, with the expected conditions and pitch characteristics set to influence the final decision.
Right-arm fast bowler Ubaid Shah is also under consideration for a place in the XI.
Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan could be rested, according to the reports, although the final lineup will be decided after the squad assesses conditions in London.
England wrapped up the first Test on Friday with a commanding innings victory after Pakistan were bowled out for 118 in their second innings.
Stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha later acknowledged that England had outplayed his side and pointed to mistakes and Pakistan’s inability to adapt to conditions as key factors behind the defeat.
Pakistan will need to win at Lord’s to keep the three-match series alive.
