After a disappointing first Test match at home, Pakistan has made substantial changes across their entire management, from the selection committee to dropping a few big names ahead of the upcoming Test. These moves have taken many by surprise as the team prepares for the second Test against England, set to begin tomorrow, October 15, to October 19, in Multan. With new selectors at the helm, the changes reflect a strategic shift aimed at revitalizing the team’s performance and regaining momentum in the series.
Aleem Dar’s New Role as Selector
Aleem Dar is renowned for his exceptional umpiring skills and is considered one of the best ICC umpires, having officiated in numerous high-profile matches throughout his career. With a record of overseeing the most international matches (448), he is set to retire following the conclusion of the Pakistan domestic season in 2024-2025.
In a surprising twist, just after the second Test, Aleem Dar, along with Azhar Ali and several others, was appointed to the selection committee, without a head. This unexpected inclusion has generated mixed reactions, especially with the second Test approaching, as many are curious about how his vast experience as an umpire will translate to the selection process.
Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah Rested
After the new members were included in the Committee, there was a two-day discussion about the possibility of changing the squad. The committee has decided to release Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Babar Azam for the last two tests. They were replaced by Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam, all of whom are uncapped. This decision came as a big shock to their fans and received mixed reactions on social media. Resting Babar Azam ahead of the big test raised many questions, as it's unfair to rest the best batter ever produced by Pakistan. Despite the backlash, the selection committee stood by their decision and has also announced their playing 11 ahead of the 2nd test.
Playing 11 for Pakistan ahead of 2nd Multan test
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood(c), Kamran Ghulam(Debut), Saud Shakeel(vc), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Noman Ali, Zahid Mehmood.
Multan Pitch Set to Reflect Similar Conditions as in the First Test.
The first Test at Multan raised several questions regarding the pitch preparation and how it received approval. It appears that the selection committee specifically requested the pitch to be prepared in these conditions. However, with most pitches in the region drying out this month, it's not an ideal time for Test cricket in Pakistan. Despite these challenges, following a thorough inspection, the conditions for the second Test at Multan are expected to mirror those of the first Test. This means that the second Test is likely to feature a batting exhibition, placing additional pressure on the bowlers to work hard in less favorable conditions once again.
Ben Stokes Return as Captain
England have announced their squad with Ben Stokes making his return after an injury he suffered while playing in The Hundred back in August. Along with Ben Stokes, Matthew Potts has joined the playing 11. Both Stokes and Matthew Potts replace Gus Atkinson and Chris Woakes, respectively, making these changes like-for-like replacements. England leads the series 1-0 ahead of this test match, and they will be carrying all the momentum after their great display in the first test match. With the return of Ben Stokes, the squad looks more powerful and flexible compared to the New Pakistan Squad with 4 replacements. So, the Test match is expected to be another exhilarating display at Multan.
England Playing 11 for the Second Test
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jamie Smith (wk), Matthew Potts, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.
