DUBAI (Kashmir English): After drawing the Test series 1-1 against Australia, the Bangladesh cricket team took a big leap in the ICC Test rankings, leaving Pakistan behind.
Bangladesh has moved up three places in the ICC Test team rankings after a historic two-Test tour of Australia to reach a career-best sixth position, leaving Sri Lanka and Pakistan behind.
Bangladesh is sixth in the ICC Test team rankings, while Sri Lanka is seventh and Pakistan is eighth.
Australia continues to occupy the first position, South Africa is second, and New Zealand is third. India is fourth, while England is fifth.
It should be noted that Bangladesh began their tour of Australia by defeating the host team by nine wickets in the first Test. This was Bangladesh’s first Test victory on Australian soil.
However, Australia staged a stunning comeback in the second and final Test, defeating Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs to level the series 1-1.
On the other hand, Pakistan suffered a humiliating defeat to hosts England in the first Test match of the three-match series.
Babar Azam likely to return for second Test
There are chances of changes in the Pakistan team for the Lord‘s Test against England as captain Babar Azam is likely to return.
The second Test of the series will begin at Lord’s from August 27, and the playing XI will be finalized after reaching London, keeping in mind the conditions.
After the defeat by an innings and a large margin of 101 runs in the Leeds Test, the team management is considering changes in the playing XI and in this regard, wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan is likely to be rested.
The management is hopeful of the return of Babar Azam, who could not play the first Test due to a finger injury, while Azan Owais is likely to be dropped if Babar Azam returns.
Due to the dry conditions in London, the Pakistan team may field 2 spinners in the Lord’s Test, while fast bowler Obaid Shah is also likely to be preferred for the Lord’s Test due to his speed.
The conditions in London are different and relatively dry, while a flat pitch is expected.
