Pakistan Makes Key Decision on Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha for 2nd Test Against England
Pakistan is likely to retain Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha in its playing XI for the second Test against England at Lord’s, despite speculation that both senior players could be dropped following the heavy defeat in Leeds.
Pakistan suffered an innings-and-103-run defeat in the first Test, putting several senior players under pressure.
There had been speculation that the team management could hand Ghazi Ghori a Test debut in place of experienced wicketkeeper Rizwan. Reports had also suggested that Agha, who captained Pakistan in Babar Azam’s absence in Leeds, could be left out of the side.
However, according to the latest information, both players are expected to retain their places for the second Test, which begins at Lord’s on Thursday.
The 34-year-old Rizwan has played 46 Tests, while 32-year-old Agha has represented Pakistan in 28 Tests.
With Test captain Babar Azam returning to the side after missing one match, 30-year-old Saud Shakeel is likely to be dropped. Shakeel scored only five and 14 in the Leeds Test.
There had also been strong speculation that Pakistan could include Khyber Pakhtunkhwa spinner Sajid Khan as a second specialist spinner after left-arm spinner Ali Usman returned impressive figures of 5 for 95 in Leeds.
Sajid has taken 77 wickets in 16 Tests at an average of 28.81.
However, Babar indicated during his press conference that Salman Ali Agha is his first choice to partner Ali Usman as Pakistan’s second spin option.
Another expected change could see 26-year-old fast bowler Ubaid Shah replace Khurram Shahzad. Ubaid made his Test debut against the West Indies in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
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