Pak vs Eng, 2nd Test: Pakistan has completely changed its strategy for the second Test beginning on Tuesday, including three specialist spinners in the team along with seam bowling all-rounder Aamer Jamal. This is a departure from their recent love affair for green-top pitches that offered the utmost possibilities to seam bowling.
Necessity Behind The Change
The decision comes on the heels of key pace bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah being dropped from the squad owing to fitness and form woes. England’s batters were stern against Pakistan’s bowlers in the first Test; thus, a shift in strategy.
A Flip In Strategy
Pakistan has struggled to produce quality spin bowling recently, and with frontline spinner Abrar Ahmed hospitalized during the first Test, the spin emphasis is remarkable. Just two months ago in a match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, Pakistan fielded an all-seam attack while reflecting an earlier pitch preference.
Also Read: ‘That’s Pakistan Cricket’s Issue’, Ben Stokes Makes A Bold Statement Before Multan Test!
Limited Recent Experience
With first-class cricket yet to start, three incoming spinners have less than a season’s experience Ali, Zahid Mahmood, and Sajid Khan-between them. Noman last played a first-class match in October 2023. Mahmood and Sajid have not played since January.
Kamran Ghulam’s Debut
A Test cap will go to Kamran Ghulam, who replaces the axed Babar Azam, who had been in a protracted slump. The rest of the batting line-up is the same, with Jamal giving batting depth at number eight. However, he is the only seam option in the side, which puts a lot of bowling responsibilities on his shoulders in case the conditions are seam-friendly.
Historic Bowling Strategy
And if Shan Masood or Mohammad Rizwan is not bowling in Multan, this will be the first time Pakistan fields only a one-pace option in a men’s Test match.
The men’s national selection committee has confirmed Pakistan’s playing XI for the second Test against England, starting in Multan on Tuesday, 15 October.#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/WzLnC0lfYQ
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 14, 2024
Pakistan Playing XI For 2nd Test
Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (C), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Aamer Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mehmood.
