The Pakistan men's national selection committee has confirmed the playing XI for the second Test against England, set to begin in Multan on Tuesday, 15 October. In a surprising move, Pakistan has opted for a spin-heavy attack, leaving out any prominent fast bowler.
Medium-fast bowler Aamir Jamal is the only non-spin option chosen in Pakistan's bowling line-up after Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah were 'rested' for the remainder of the three-Test series.
Opening batter Kamran Ghulam returns to the playing XI, adding depth to the batting order in the absence of Babar Azam who was also 'rested' for the remaining series in the aftermath of a humiliating innings defeat against the visiting English team in Multan last week.
The team also sees the inclusion of three specialist spinners — Sajid Khan, Zahid Mahmood, and Noman Ali — as Pakistan looks to bounce back after a crushing defeat in the series opener.
Spinner Abrar Ahmed who partially played the first match before being absent injured, reportedly remains hospitalised for the treatment of disease.
In the first Test against England, held in Multan, Pakistan faced an innings defeat, succumbing to England's mammoth total of 823 runs in the first innings.
This marked a significant low point for the home side, as they became the first team in cricket history to lose a Test match after scoring over 550 runs in their first innings.
The defeat was not just a mere statistical anomaly; it underscored a larger trend of failure that has plagued Pakistan cricket in recent times.
Under the captaincy of Shan Masood, Pakistan has now suffered six consecutive losses.
This troubling streak began with a 0-3 defeat in the away series against Australia, followed by a shocking 0-2 loss at home to Bangladesh—an unprecedented outcome that saw Pakistan losing a Test series to their South Asian rivals for the first time.
The recent performances have left fans disheartened and raised questions about the team's direction and strategy.
Pakistan's Playing XI for the Second Test:
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (C), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel (VC), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mahmood.
