LORDS (Kashmir English): Pakistan has decided to retain Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha in the playing XI for the Lord’s Test against England.
The left-hand middle-order batsman Saud Shakeel is likely to be dropped from the team.
The senior players of the national team have come under severe criticism after the innings and 103-run defeat by England at Headingley, Leeds.
Earlier, the team management considered replacing Mohammad Rizwan with Ghazi Ghauri for his Test debut in the Lord’s Test and Salman Ali Agha.
However, according to reports, both the senior players will be included in the Pakistan team in the second Test starting on Thursday at Lord’s.
While the inclusion of Test captain Babar Azam means that Saud Shakeel will be dropped.
Moreover, captain Babar Azam said in the press conference that Salman Ali Agha is his first choice as the second spinner along with Ali Usman.
The second change after captain Babar Azam’s inclusion in the team will be Obaid Shah, who made his Test debut against the West Indies in Port of Spain, Trinidad, and who is being considered to replace Khurram Shahzad.
Babar Azam likely to return for second England Test at Lord’s
Earlier, Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has resumed batting practice after recovering from a finger injury, which has brightened his chances of returning in the second Test against England at Lord’s on August 27.
Bowling coach Umar Gul today told the media that Babar Azam could return for the second test as he participated in a positive training session and is recovering from a finger injury.
Azam had a long batting session in the indoor hall of Lord’s Cricket Ground along with a member of the coaching staff. A video of Babar Azam’s practice was also shared on Lord’s official social media account.
Umar Gul further said that Babar batted in the nets, faced fast bowlers, spinners and throwdowns.
“We’re hopeful he will be available for the game, and today he was looking good; he batted well in the nets. He had a full batting session,” he added.
