Multan: As Pakistan prepares for their second Test against England at Multan, the team's head coach, Azhar Mahmood, has clarified that the renowned batsman Babar Azam has not been removed from the squad but has been rested for the forthcoming two Tests. Mahmood has also indicated his readiness for Babar to participate in these matches.
The Pakistani team is eager to conclude their two-year-long test drought against England in the second Test. They suffered a defeat in the inaugural match despite achieving a commendable score in the first innings. Pakistan has not recorded a victory in a test match at home since 2022, losing six out of their ten matches and drawing four.
In the first Test, England emerged as the first team to secure a lead in the first innings after conceding over 550 runs, marking a significant milestone in Test cricket. Conversely, Pakistan became the first team to lose a match by an innings after scoring over 500 runs, a feat attributed to England's impressive score of 823/7, which stands as the fourth-highest Test innings total in history and the highest recorded in the 21st century.
Prior to the second Test, there was speculation among cricket enthusiasts regarding Babar's future in the team, as he was dropped for the remaining two Tests along with pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. Despite this, Babar contributed scores of 30 and five across the two innings of the match. He was controversially given out lbw to Chris Woakes in the first innings and edged wicket-keeper Jamie Smith with the ball in the second.
Babar's last score of 50 or more in Tests was in December 2022, and his average in the last 17 Test matches stands at just 20.70. In his most recent eight matches on home soil, where runs have been more readily available to others, Babar has averaged just 18.75.
However, during the pre-match press conference, Mahmood reassured the public that Babar would be given the necessary rest due to the team's tight schedule of Tests until April next year. He also emphasized Babar's status as the "number one player" in the country.
"He has not been dropped. He has been rested. The management also acknowledges the recent events and understands the importance of maintaining the team's mental strength," Mahmood stated.
"He was prepared to participate, yet it was ultimately a decision for him and the Pakistan team to grant him a period of rest, ensuring he returns with renewed vigor. This decision was made with the understanding that we will continue our campaign until April next year. Babar holds the esteemed position of being our No.1 player, a fact that is without question, given his exceptional technique and ability. Upon reviewing Pakistan's (Future Tour Programme) FTP, it becomes evident that a significant amount of cricket is scheduled in the near future. Consequently, the selection committee deemed this period as the most opportune time to allow Babar a well-deserved break."
"Following this, we are set to embark on tours to Australia and Zimbabwe, with a South Africa tour also on the horizon. These upcoming matches are of paramount importance," he concluded.
During the press conference, Azhar elaborated on the rationale behind Pakistan's transition from a three-pacer, two-spinner attack strategy to a one-pacer, four-spinner approach. Naseem and Shaheen were allocated a substantial workload as England achieved an impressive total of 823/7 in the first Test at Multan.
The coach emphasized the necessity of incorporating more spinners into the team roster and providing the selectors with the opportunity to rest the country's two premier pacers in preparation for matches that would best utilize their skills.
"There were, however, certain challenges. Naseem encountered a few issues, and Shaheen was engaged in extensive cricketing activities. As a result, we opted to rest him," he added.
The head coach also mentioned that for the domestic season, Pakistan had meticulously planned to prepare wickets that favor seamers for the Bangladesh series in August and to introduce tracks that are conducive to spin bowling during the England series.
"Our strategy was clear: to employ seamers against Bangladesh and spin bowlers against England, tailoring our pitches accordingly," said Mahmood.
"If we reflect on the performance of the previous match, our strategy was to ensure the ball spun after the second day. However, it was observed that the ball did not exhibit the desired spin even on the fifth day. I am hopeful that in the forthcoming Test match, particularly on a ninth-day pitch, we will witness the desired spin," he added.
The outcome of the first Test elevated England to the fourth position on the World Test Championship table, thereby preserving their hopes of clinching the Final spot, while relegating Pakistan to the lowest position in the standings, with a potential points percentage of merely 16.67 percent.
The Pakistan playing XI for the second Test consisted of Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub (c), Shan Masood (c), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel (vc), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mahmood.
