Pakistan’s middle-order batsman and former captain Babar Azam is expected to be rested for the next second Test match against England following a string of lackluster outings.
The decision was made in response to Pakistan’s catastrophic loss to England in the first Test match at Multan Cricket Stadium, when the English team won by an innings and 47 runs to take a 1-0 series lead, according to Express News.
Babar Azam’s form is still lacking as he only scored 30 and 5 runs in his two innings.
When Babar reached 161 runs against New Zealand in December 2022, he recorded his last half-century. Since then, he has only scored 366 runs in 20 innings at an average of 20.33.
Recently, Babar’s bad form came under scrutiny from former England captain and pundit Nasser Hussain, who said that the squad is under pressure due to his extended slump. The once-great hitter is experiencing his worst phase of his career, according to Hussain.
Before the second Test starts on October 15, both sides are expected to rehearse at the Multan Cricket Stadium today. Although Pakistan has not officially revealed their starting lineup, significant changes are expected, and established stars like Babar Azam could get a rest.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi must approve the final team choices before Pakistan may use two spinners in the forthcoming encounter.
