Babar Azam slated to return as Pakistan mulls changes for the second Test at Lord's

Pakistan is likely to make drastic changes to its playing XI for the momentous second test match versus England at Lord’s, with regular captain Babar Azam also making a return after nursing an injury.

The side management is now compelled to recalibrate its strategies after suffering a significant innings and 120-run setback to England in the inaugural match of the series at Headingley, the men-in-green desperately needing to square the three-match series in the English capital.

Babar is highly likely to make his re-entry in the subsequent clash of the series against England after sitting out the first encounter in Leeds due to finger concerns encountered in a training session prior to the match. Available resources indicate the leading batter has responded well and is tipped to reclaim his position in the team in the second test.

On the chance that Babar is declared completely match-fit, adjustments to the top order is being anticipated as Azan Awais’ place seems to be uncertain after a forgettable introduction to the test series. Management also faces a change of leadership with Salman Ali Agha, who captained the test side during the inaugural match, losing his helm with Babar’s recovery signifying leadership being restored back to the batting department of the side.

Changes to Tactical Elements and Playing XI: Major Decisions on the Table

Multiple tactical switches are under debate by Pakistan’s selection panel before the second test at Lord’s where final choices will ultimately depend on the conditions at the ground. Mohammad Rizwan, the wicketkeeper-batsman, might likely be rested for workload management purposes.

With a parched weather and a relatively dead, slower track expected to dominate London’s second test encounter, Selectors will ponder the inclusion of two spinners for optimal advantage from conditions at hand. Ubaid Shah, right-arm pace bowler will in strong contention to replace someone from the lineup to fortify the pace quartet at the iconic Lord’s ground.