Pcb drops Babar, Shaheen, Naseem for next two England Tests

MULTAN, Pakistan, Oct 13, 2024 (Agencies): Pakistan dropped a number of players including Babar Azam on Sunday as it rung in the changes for the remaining two Test matches against England after suffering a historic innings and 47 runs defeat in the first test at Multan.

Babar, who hasn't scored a half century in his last 18 Test innings, was also released from the 16-member squad along with fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and reserve wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed.

"We've had to carefully consider current form of the player and the urgency to bounce back in the series," said Aqib Javed, one of the members of the selection committee. "In the best interest of Pakistan cricket as well as the players, we've made the decision to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi."

Javed said that the "break from international cricket" will help the rested players to regain their fitness, confidence and composure.

The 2nd Test match will begin in Multan on Tuesday.

Azam has not scored a fifty in his last 18 Test innings and managed just 30 and five in the first Test which England won by an innings and 47 runs on Friday after piling up 823-7 declared.

Abrar was hospitalised after a high fever which forced him to miss the fourth and fifth day of the first Test.

Javed hoped Azam would come back refreshed after a break.

"We are confident that this break from international cricket will help these players, especially Azam, regain their confidence," said Javed.

"They remain some of our finest talents with much more to contribute to Pakistan cricket."

The uncapped Kamran Ghulam, 29, should get the nod to replace Azam at number four in the batting line-up. Two other potential debutants were called up in the shape of wicketkeeper-batsman Haseebullah and left-arm spinner Mehran Mumtaz. Fast bowler Mohammad Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan were also included.

Meanwhile, England captain Ben Stokes looks on course to return for the second Test against Pakistan, starting in Multan on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old had missed the first Test which England won under stand-in skipper Ollie Pope by an innings and 47 runs on Friday.

An England team spokesman said Stokes practised with the team on Sunday. If Stokes is declared fit, he is likely to replace Chris Woakes.

"Ben bowled about four overs at full pace today. He has done some high intensity running and had about a 45-minute batting session in the nets," said the spokesman.

"He will be assessed after today and a decision will be made on his availability over the course of the next 24 hours."

England normally name their team two days before the start of a Test, but will wait until a final verdict on Stokes's fitness on Monday before announcing their side.

Stokes tore his left hamstring while batting during the Hundred domestic competition in August which forced him to sit out of England's 2-1 home series win over Sri Lanka last month, also led by Pope.

The third and final Test will be played in Rawalpindi from October 24.