Pakistan mull major changes for Lord’s Test after Headingley humiliation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan are considering 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, with captain Babar Azam expected to return from a finger injury.

The second Test of the three-match series will begin at Lord’s on August 27, with the team management expected to finalise its combination after assessing the conditions in London.

England overwhelmed Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in the opening Test, which ended inside three days at Headingley. The hosts posted 409 in their first innings after Pakistan were dismissed for 171, before bowling the visitors out for 135 in their second innings to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

The defeat has prompted the Pakistan management to consider changes to the side, sources said, as the team looks to bounce back at Lord’s and level the series.

Babar, who was ruled out of the first Test after suffering a blow to his right hand during a warm-up match in Beckenham, is hopeful of returning for the second Test. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed had earlier expressed optimism that the Pakistan captain would be available for the Lord’s fixture.

Babar had been struck on the same hand that was injured during Pakistan’s recent Test tour of the West Indies. He returned to batting practice ahead of the first Test but was ultimately ruled out after experiencing pain.

If Babar is declared fit and returns to the XI, opener Azan Awais is likely to make way. Awais had a difficult outing at Headingley, being dismissed for a first-ball duck in Pakistan’s first innings.

The management is also weighing its options at the top of the order. Shan Masood or Abdullah Shafique could partner Imam-ul-Haq as the opening combination, depending on the final team balance and conditions.

Another possible change involves wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who could be rested for the Lord’s Test as Pakistan consider reshaping the side following the heavy defeat.

Sources said Pakistan could also field two spinners if the London conditions prove dry. Off-spinner Sajid Khan is being considered for a return, which would require the management to make room in the middle order.

If Sajid comes into the XI, Saud Shakeel could be the player to make way, although the final decision will depend on the pitch and overall combination.

Pakistan are also considering a change to their pace attack, with Ubaid Shah in contention to replace Khurram Shahzad. Ubaid’s pace is understood to be one of the factors behind his possible inclusion for the Lord’s Test.

The management believes conditions in London could be different from those encountered at Headingley, with a relatively dry surface and a flat pitch expected. The possibility of using two spinners is therefore being assessed alongside the pace options.

Pakistan’s only standout bowling performance at Headingley came from left-arm spinner Ali Usman, who claimed his maiden Test five-wicket haul. He became the first Pakistan left-arm spinner to take a Test five-for in England and helped restrict England after the hosts had taken control of the match.

However, Pakistan’s overall bowling attack struggled to contain England’s batting, while the visitors’ batting line-up collapsed in both innings. England’s Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue were particularly effective, claiming eight wickets each in the match.

The defeat also extended Pakistan’s poor record in away Tests. The visitors will now need a vastly improved performance at Lord’s to prevent England from taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

The Lord’s Test is scheduled for August 27-31, while the third and final Test will be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham from September 9-13.

Pakistan have historically enjoyed considerable success at Lord’s, winning five Tests at the venue, including victories in 1982, 1992, 1996, 2016 and 2018. The team will be hoping that the return of Babar and possible changes to the playing XI can help revive its fortunes in the second Test.