Pakistan has announced its playing XI for the second Test against England, set to commence on October 15 at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Following a significant loss in the first Test, Pakistan is opting for a strategic change by fielding a spin-dominant attack.
The team has decided to go without any frontline fast bowlers, relying instead on a trio of spinners: Sajid Khan, Zahid Mahmood, and Noman Ali. This move indicates that Pakistan is banking on the pitch conditions in Multan, which are expected to favor slower bowlers.
However, this strategy comes with its challenges as none of these spinners have played red-ball cricket recently. Noman Ali’s last first-class appearance was in October 2023, while Sajid Khan and Zahid Mahmood have not played since January.
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In another key change, Kamran Ghulam is set to make his Test debut, replacing Babar Azam who has been omitted due to a prolonged form slump. Ghulam’s inclusion aims to bring stability to the middle order. The rest of the batting lineup remains unchanged with Shan Masood continuing as captain and Saud Shakeel as vice-captain.
After a comprehensive defeat in the first Test, Pakistan is eager to turn things around. The team was outplayed in all departments during the series opener, and this shift in strategy is a calculated gamble to exploit home conditions and unsettle England’s batters. With a restructured lineup and fresh strategies, Pakistan aims to draw level in the series.
Full Lineup
The playing XI includes Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (C), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel (VC), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Zahid Mahmood. Aamir Jamal will be the lone pace option for Pakistan.
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England’s Response
England has also named their playing XI for the second Test, with Ben Stokes returning to the lineup. This sets up an intriguing contest as both teams look to gain an upper hand in the series.
Pakistan’s decision to focus on spin reflects their confidence in home conditions and their desire to challenge England’s batting lineup in a different way.
