Babar Azam likely to return as Pakistan weigh changes for England’s second Test

Pakistan are considering changes to their playing XI for the second Test against England at Lord’s, with regular captain Babar Azam likely to return after missing the series opener due to a finger injury, sources told Pakistan media said on Sunday.

England secured a commanding innings-and-120-run victory in the first Test at Headingley on Friday. Pakistan conceded a 238-run first-innings deficit before being bowled out for just 118 in their second innings as the hosts wrapped up a comprehensive win.

Heavy defeat

The second Test of the three-match series is scheduled to begin at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on August 27.

According to sources, the team management is weighing up several changes following the heavy defeat, with the final 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 that Babar will recover in time to make his return. If the former captain is included, top-order batter Azan Awais is likely to make way.

Pakistan are also considering playing two specialist spinners at Lord’s, with the expected dry conditions and a relatively flat surface in London among the factors being assessed.

Right-arm fast bowler Ubaid Shah is another player in contention, with his pace potentially working in his favour during the selection process.

Adapting to conditions

The management is expected to assess the conditions once the squad arrives in London before finalising the playing XI.

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 led the team in Babar’s absence, admitted that England had thoroughly outplayed Pakistan and blamed repeated mistakes for the emphatic defeat.